
Montana Small Schools Alliance
Helping rural school districts meet state and federal standards in educationally sound ways.
Created in 1996 by the University of Montana-Western, Rural Education Center, Montana State University-
Bozeman, Montana Department of Education, The Montana Association of County School Superintendents, and The Montana School Boards Association.
2023 Instructor and District Scholarship Winners Announced
Instructor Scholarship Award Winner - Elissa Zelner, Turner
District Scholarship Award Winners - Creston School District
Harrison K-12
Woodman Elementary School
Board Members and Staff

Janelle Beers
Executive Director

Carolyn Hall, Board Chair
Lake County Superintendent of Schools
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Pam Birkeland
Madison County Superintendent of Schools, MACCS President

Dr. Jayne Downey
Education Department MSU-Bozeman, NREA Executive Committee

Laura Straus
U of M Education Faculty, MSSA Board

Linda Sunderlin
MSSA Office Manager

Curtis Smeby
MTSBA Representative

Erin Lipkind

Laurie Bartoletti
Counseling Specialist
Missoula County Superintendent of Schools, Library Standards Specialist
NREA Hall of Fame

Dr. Claudette Morton
NREA Hall of Fame 2016

Jules Waber
NREA Hall of Fame 2019
2023 MACSS Teacher of the Year
Toni Hatten

Toni has been teaching at Sunset School for many year, a small rural school just East of Missoula. Toni did not enter the teaching profession in a traditional way, rather late in life she decided to become a teacher. Mrs. Hatten is known for her dedication to her students, the close relationships she has made, and her leadership. For more information on Toni and her school, click on the button below.
Montana Rural Teachers of the Year
Important Documents
Click to Download
Programs
Meeting the Needs of Montana's Small Schools
























