P.O. Box 202501 • Helena, MT 59620-2501
The mission of the Montana Teacher of the Year Program is to elevate student success by empowering classroom innovation and enhancing pathways to teacher leadership.
Now Open: Nominations for the 2026 Montana Teacher of the Year!
Do you know an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond every day to inspire, support, and lead in the classroom? It's time to recognize their impact!
Deadline to nominate: June 13, 2025
Submit your nomination HERE
Application and Application Info
The TOY Program elevates student success by celebrating teachers who honor individual student strengths and each child’s unique abilities.
The TOY Program empowers classroom innovation by recognizing teachers who are responsive to the complex realities that define Montana’s diverse and unique classrooms across the state.
The TOY Program enhances pathways to teacher leadership by creating teacher ambassadors at the local, state, and national level to connect classrooms to the community.
Dawn L. Sievers teaches English 7th grade, Spanish 7th - 12th grades, and Art 7th -12th grades at Power Schools in Power, Montana. In the past her eclectic subject selection also included English 6th, Spanish 4-6th, and academic intervention assistance. Working with other teachers and parents, she also spends countless hours tutoring after school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, major (6-12), Spanish, minor (k-12), and art, teaching minor (k-12) at the University of Great Falls, currently known as the University of Providence. In addition, she has numerous post graduation credits in varied areas such as The Montana Writing Project, classroom management, and pedagogy. Brain research as it applies to education, teaching writing, and art integration are passions of hers.
This energetic and innovative teacher pushes students to see themselves as professional, capable members of society, no matter their age, ethnicity, family history, or location. Her classroom expands beyond walls through field trips to museums, professional art shows, and educational tours within the states and abroad. If her students cannot leave the walls of the school, she brings the culture to them through guest speakers. She strengthens bonds with colleagues, parents, and the community by including them in educational travel and field trips and by teaching art integration, writing, and adult education classes in the summer. She also collaborates with students, teachers, and community members to annually host the Power Community Art Show. She is an integral part of Power Schools, as well as the community.
2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Finalists
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