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. OPI Renewal Units are always available.

Learn more about our annual history conference.

Online Professional Development for Educators

2025-26 Social Studies Third Tuesdays

The Montana Historical Society is offering a six-part series guaranteed to introduce you to new resources and strategies that you can instantly apply in your classroom. All sessions will run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and attendees will earn one renewal unit per session (or six for participating in the entire series).

• October 21: Why Teach with National History Day?
  

  National History Day isn't just a day. It is a yearlong academic program that fosters in-depth research and critical analysis skills for students in grades 4-12. Join teachers from grades 4-12 who have successfully implemented National History Day in their classrooms and learn more about how it can help you get your students excited to study history. Register for this session.

• November 18: Amplifying Indigenous Voices
  

  The best IEFA lessons don't just teach about Indian history and culture they recognize Indians as decision makers and active participants in history and offer students access to Indigenous perspectives. Discover lessons, resources, and strategies to improve you IEFA lessons. Register for this session.

• January 20: Under-told Stories
  

  History is full of people from different backgrounds, many of whose stories don't make the textbooks. Learn about resources to integrate African American, Chinese, and women's history into your social studies classroom. Register for this session.

• February 17: Simulation and Role Plays
  

  Bring your social studies classroom alive with simulations and role plays that develop historical empathy help students imagine themselves in the past. Register for this session.

• March 17: Engaging Students in Community Study
  

  Why is it important to engage students in documenting and studying local history? What are some easy ways to get students thinking about their own lives, families, and neighbors as part of history? Learn about projects, strategies, and resources you can use to have your students research close to home. Register for this session.

• April 21: Teaching with Cemeteries
  

  Cemeteries are filled with history, and they fascinate young and old alike. Learn how to harness your local cemetery to engage your students in community study. Register for this session.

Montana: A History of Our Home

Explore our fourth-sixth grade Montana history curriculum, Montana: A History of Our Home, with a one hour course on OPI’s Teacher Learning Hub.

Previously Recorded

Montana History in 9 Easy Lessons (One Renewal Unit per presentation, with a possible total of 9 if you take the whole course.)

Montana Historical Society staff members and other subject matter experts explored the last twelve thousand years of Montana history. Their presentations were recorded and are now available on YouTube Click here for a full schedule and links to the recordings.

Montana History in 9 MORE Easy Lessons (One Renewal Unit per presentation, with a possible total of 9 if you take the whole course.)

Montana Historical Society staff members and other subject matter experts explored the last twelve thousand years of Montana history in another series of nine lectures. Their presentations were recorded and are now available on YouTube Click here for a full schedule and links to the recordings.

The Constitution at 50 Speaker Series (One Renewal Unit per presentation, with a possible total of 4 if you take the whole course.)

The year 2022 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Montana State Constitution. In recognition of this anniversary, the Montana Historical Society hosted a speaker series, examining the history, legacy, and impact of the 1972 Montana State Constitution. All presentations are available on the MHS YouTube Channel. After watching the recording, educators are invited to take a quiz to earn a renewal unit. Find links to the presentations here.

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.