Frontier Teacher Receives Montana History Honor
Frontier School instructor Tina Strauser has been selected the Junior Division Montana National History Day Teacher of the Year nominee.
Strauser recently took more than 20 students to the State History Day Contest in Bozeman. Last year, one of Frontier’s students qualified for the national competition and received the Special Exhibit Showcase at the National Museum of American History.
“I was honored,” Strauser said of receiving the award. “But in all reality, I wouldn’t have the award without my students and what they’ve prepared for NHD.”
Frontier Principal Keith Hays explained, “Mrs. Strauser’s recognition as the Junior Division History Day Teacher of the Year is a reflection of the passion, commitment and creativity she brings to her classroom every day. Her dedication to making history come alive inspires in her students, who respond with genuine excitement as they are encouraged to research, analyze and investigate the past in meaningful ways.”
This year’s National History Day theme, “Rights & Responsibilities in History,” invites students to examine essential questions: Who decides who has rights? What events have established certain rights? How are those decisions justified?
Strauser explains students personalize their topics in related to the national theme. Students started working on their projects in October. This is Frontier’s second year involved with the program.
“Right now, we’re preparing to take four students to Maryland University to display their projects,” she said about the national competition.
National History Day selects one middle school teacher and one high school teacher from each state affiliate to represent their state for the national teaching honor. The national award winner receives a $500 cash prize.
History Day Contest officials say that Strauser exemplifies what it means to bring history alive in the classroom. She often celebrates and researches her students’ own histories and cultures as part of their projects. In recognition of her dedication, National History Day Montana is awarding a $500 honorarium and a set of History Day curriculum materials.
Hays added about Strauser, “She fosters not just knowledge, but critical thinking and confidence. Mrs. Strauser empowers students to find their voice through history, and her impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the difference she makes in our school community.”
National History Day is a nationally recognized academic enrichment program that promotes the study of history in schools. Modeled after science fairs, it encourages students to take a creative approach to studying history, fostering critical thinking and research skills.
“National History Day’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award nominees are outstanding history educators,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day, in a press release. “At a time when history education programs are facing funding cuts and increased scrutiny, these teachers are in the trenches - teaching students about important historical events and engaging them with primary sources from local libraries and archives. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s nominees.”
Winners will be announced on June 12, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Md.
