2020 Teresa Veltkamp award goes to Polson teacher

Amy Williams, a special education teacher at Polson Middle School, was the recipient of the 2020 Teresa Veltkamp award for excellence in Indian Education for All.

The award was created in honor and memory of its namesake, Teresa Veltkamp, and was first bestowed in 2012. Williams received the award for her role in Indian Education in Polson, including her work with the EAGLES recycling and environmental education club, her sponsorship and coaching of the robotics team in the Mars challenge, and the several community events she organized.

Williams also participated in various Office of Public Instruction committees, such as her involvement in the Indigenous Science Team and with the science standards revision committee.

Williams “adds a Native voice and perspective to work that encourages the implementation of Indian Education for All,” and “advocates for her students with passion and sincerity,” said Jennifer Stadum, Indian Education Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction. “She is a phenomenal educator and human.”