News and Updates

MFPE President Amanda Curtis Visits Medicine Crow Middle School

January 27, 2022

MFPE President Amanda Curtis visited Billings during the last week of January. While here, she stopped by Medicine Crow to visit BEA Middle School Director Jess Felchle. Jess recently received funding for a FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera for her classroom from the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation and the Karen Cox Memorial Grant. Jess is using the camera in thermal energy labs with her eighth grade physical science students. Way to go, Jess!

2021-22 Montana Teacher Leadership Institute Fellowship

Apply by December 31, 2021

The NEA, in partnership with Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), is proud to offer the Teacher Leadership Institute (TLI) Fellowship. The TLI is a comprehensive effort to recruit, prepare, activate, and support the next generation of teachers to shape and lead a transformed teaching profession.

Program Overview

The Teacher Leadership Institute is 9 month-long, cohort- based learning experience consisting of:

  • Rigorous competency-based curriculum;

  • Applied experience through a self-selected capstone project;

  • Deep local and national community collaboration;

  • Extensive coaching and support; and

  • Evidence-based portfolio documenting growth in the Teacher Leadership Competencies.

TLI's Impact

At the completion of the year, Fellows will have gained new, unparalleled leadership expertise and experience. TLI Fellows will be uniquely prepared for leadership roles in their union, in the policy-making arenas, and in their profession.

MFPE Educator Conference

October 11, 2021

The MFPE Educator Conference will take place in Great Falls on October 21st and 22nd. The Educator Conference offers premiere professional developing and networking opportunities for educators across Montana. This year, the following BEA members will be leading sessions:


Paul Asleson

Tina Boone

Suzette Fletcher

Kim Jette

Teresa Mountains

Lyon Virostko

Audra Waite


This year's conference has virtual and in-person options, but if you wish to attend the in-person conference, you must do so in advance. For more information or to sign up, please visit the MFPE website.

Contract Ratified

October 2, 2021

Q2 News reports on the BEA's ratification of the contract, which passed by 98% in a vote at the end of September.

Negotiations in the News

August 31, 2021

President Doug Robison and 1st Vice President Lance Edward appeared on Q2 News to discuss proposed changes to the BEA severance package and the stress of starting another school year without a new contract in place.