Erin Cleveland
Erin Cleveland is a veteran public school teacher with over 20 years of experience in Helena, MT. She knows that democracy begins in our public schools, and because of this, she fights daily for adequate funding. She knows that ALL students deserve a creative, outstanding education regardless of their demographics. Erin has taught high school literature for many years, creating innovative experiences for her students to deepen their humanity through unique classes like senior Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Peer Mentoring. She is a firm believer in helping empower and inspire our youth to be true humanitarians through service and community involvement, which is why she has been the sponsor for clubs like the National Honors Society and Niceness is Priceless Club. She has also taken on numerous leadership roles like Department Coordinator for ELA at one of the high schools where she helped spearhead curriculum alignment efforts. Currently, she has taken on a new role as a Title 1 Transitions Learning Lab teacher where she works with students who are at-risk to support them in their academics as well as their social/emotional health and wellbeing. She is married to a band geek and has two wildly independent daughters. Erin loves being surrounded by the beauty of nature in Montana where she and her family can explore and unwind.
The Educator of the Year Awards are presented annually to exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These awardees model best practices in teaching or administration inside and outside of the classroom, are peer role models, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence in education. Any NSHSS Educator teaching high school has the opportunity to apply.