The Montana Historical Society is accepting nominations for the 37th Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award, which recognizes an outstanding schoolteacher for excellence in teaching Montana history.
This year’s award will honor a teacher in grades 7 through 12 who has demonstrated exceptional work teaching Montana history during the 2025-26 school year. Nominations must be submitted by April 13, 2026.
Those submitting nominations are asked to provide contact information for themselves and the nominated teacher, including the teacher’s name, grade level, school, address, phone number, and email.
Teachers who are nominated will be invited to complete a short application describing their approach to teaching Montana history, including how they engage students and reflect cultural diversity in the classroom. Nominees will also be asked to submit two one-page letters of support, including one from a principal, superintendent, fellow teacher, or librarian, and one from a student. Completed application materials will be due May 10, 2026.
The winner will be recognized during a ceremony at the Montana State Capitol on Nov. 9, 2026, and will receive a plaque along with a cash prize of more than $3,000 to support classroom materials, field trips, guest speakers, and other educational enhancements.
The Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award was created by longtime Montana television newscaster Norma Ashby and has honored history teachers across the state for more than 30 years. The award alternates by grade level, going to a teacher in grades 7-12 in even-numbered years and to a teacher in grades 4-6 in odd-numbered years.
The program is sponsored by the Montana Historical Society with financial support from the Montana Television Network, the Sons & Daughters of Montana Pioneers, the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, and the 1889 Coffee House in Helena.