Professional Development

Throughout the year we offer in-person workshops in Helena and across the state including summer workshops and our annual fall history conference. MTHS also has Teacher Leaders in History across the state who are happy to provide in-person trainings in your community. OPI Renewal Units are always available.

Learn more about our annual history conference.

Learn more about our Teacher Leaders in History.

Online Professional Development for Educators

2026-2027 National History Day Professional Development Series

(Some) Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm
Each session is worth 1 OPI Renewal Unit. You can sign up to attend live, or watch the recording within 2 weeks.

• October
  • Oct. 5 - Understanding the Annual Theme: Innovation in History Register
  • Oct. 19 - How to Research in the Montana History Portal Register
  • Oct. 26 - Incorporating Digital Newspaper Research into NHD Projects Register
• November
  • Nov. 9 - Classroom Ready Research Strategies Register
  • Nov. 16 - Creating an NHD Performance Register
  • Nov. 30 - Creating an NHD Documentary Register 
• December
  • Dec. 7 - Creating an NHD Website Register
  • Dec. 14 - Creating an NHD Exhibit Register
• January
  • Jan. 4 - Preparing the Annotated Bibliography & Process Paper Register
  • Jan. 12 - Preparing for the Contest Register
• February
  • Feb. 22 - Turning Feedback into a Revision Plan Register

On-Demand Online Professional Development

New to historical thinking, student-driven historical research, or National History Day? Looking to sharpen your skills in certain areas? Check out our On-Demand PD series to learn more.

Register for the sessions you want to complete, and we will email you a slide deck, recording, and completion form. Renewal units awarded for each session you complete

• Primary v. Secondary Sources: What's the Difference? (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Asking & Answering Historical Questions (2 OPI Renewal Units)

• Online Research & Digital Literacy (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Establishing Historical Context (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Primary Source Analysis: Agency (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Primary Source Analysis: Perspective (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Descriptive v. Analytical Writing (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Preparing for the Contest (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Introduction to the 2027 Theme: Innovation in History (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Introduction to the Elementary Division (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

• Tips for Researching Montana History (1 OPI Renewal Unit)

Looking for Professional Development for your school or district?

We can help through our Teacher Leaders in Montana History program! MHS Teacher Leaders are available to present at in-school or in-district PIR trainings.