Golden Triangle Curriculum Cooperative 

Thank you for joining us during the 2025 GTCC Summer Institute! 

If you have questions or need support with registration, please contact: brianna@gtccmt.org

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Each 2-day course will run from 8:30am - 5:00pm daily with a 1-hour lunch break.

  • ATTENDANCE: All participants must be present for the duration of both days, all day. Partial credit will not be given.

  • Register with a summer-accessible email and cell phone number. This allows instructors to communicate before the course date.

  • If courses do not have at least 10 participants by May 19th, the course will be canceled and participants will be refunded their registration fees.

  • Virtual courses require full and active participation on a computer with audio and video functions. Zoom links will be sent to your registration email - 24 hours prior to the course. Virtual course participants are asked to confirm their device, audio, and video are working prior to the course beginning.

  • Purchase orders are accepted as payment when a purchase order number is included. 

REGISTRATION POLICY:

Upon registration, you will be redirected to pay securely online using PayPal, Venmo, a personal check, or your credit card. REGISTRATION IS CONFIRMED UPON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT ONLY! 

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

Cancellations MUST be submitted (before May 15, 2025) by email (brianna@gtccmt.org) or phone (406) 434-2745. Based on course availability, registration transfers may be permitted.

  • No refunds will be given for no-shows. No partial credit will be given. You or your school district will be invoiced for outstanding balances.

  • NO refunds after (May 15, 2025).

REGISTRATION FEES:

Fees of $45 (members) & $110 (non-members) are paid in advance at registration.

Participants not choosing college credit will earn 15 OPI Renewals for full completion of a 2-day course.

COLLEGE CREDIT FEES & REGISTRATION:

Any participants wanting to forgo the 15 renewal units can take the course for college credit for an additional $200 (payable to MSU-Northern).

  • Virtual: contact Brianna before the course begins (brianna@gtccmt.org)

  • In-Person: payment and paperwork completed, on day 1, at the course. 

  • MSU-Northern processes all college credit payments AFTER the conclusion of each 2-day course.

2501: PAX Good Behavior Game & PAX Heroes

PLEASE READ WEBSITE details & course description carefully. There are multiple choices for registration:

CHOICE #1
Day 1 (PAX Good Behavior Game) -AND- Day 2 (PAX Heroes): 15 OPI renewals or college credit option

CHOICE #2
Day 1 (PAX Good Behavior Game) -OR- Day 2 (PAX Heroes) ONLY: 7 OPI renewals/no college credit option

Prerequisite: participants wishing to take day #2 (PAX Heroes) must have taken the PAX Good Behavior Game prior to June 10, 2025

  • Instructor: Clark Begger

  • Dates: June 9-10, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: PreK-6

  • Special Instructions: Bring a writing utensil and something to write on. 

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2501 MSUN Syllabus - Clark Begger

The PAX Good Behavior Game & PAX Heroes is a classroom-based universal preventive intervention used to teach students self-regulation and to build behavioral skills and stamina for focused attention and on-task behavior.

Day 1: PAX Good Behavior Game initial training provides teachers and educators with the trauma-informed evidence-based program for use with students in schools and classrooms. The PAX Good Behavior Game helps to build children’s self-regulation, resulting in improved focus and attention, improved test scores and other academic outcomes, reduced alcohol and other drug use, reduced psychiatric disorders, and reduced suicide. PAX is unique in arranging for peer reinforcement for exhibiting prosocial behavior and peer reinforcement for inhibiting problematic behavior. PAX truly benefits everyone by making the children the heroes of change.

Day 2: PAX Heroes Training provides experienced PAX Teachers with strategies for students in PAX classrooms who continue to demonstrate behavioral needs. This training delivers explicit instruction in using the PAX Heroes Manual to identify areas of student difficulty and refine PAX Good Behavior Game® (PAX GBG) implementation to support those needs. PAX Heroes Training also provides instruction in analyzing activities and areas of difficulty for students and selecting targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports to improve their behavioral and academic performance. Prerequisite: all participants must be trained in the PAX Good Behavior Game prior to attending PAX Heroes.

2502: Phun with Phonics Phundamentals: Cracking the Literacy Code

  • Instructors: Courtney Prosenick & Cassi Smith 

  • Dates: June 11-12, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (TBD)

  • Target Audience: PreK-3

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/tablet, ELA curriculum teacher manual, and notebook.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2502 MSUN Syllabus - Courtney Prosenick & Cassi Smith

If you are ready to give your students the tools they need to soar as readers, while aligning to your GTCC curriculum and standards, this is the place to be. We will explore the shift from a whole language approach to a phonetically-rich, scientifically-based, systematic approach to reading instruction that really works! The education world is filled with buzzwords like “science of reading”, “heart words” and “orthographic mapping”, which can seem overwhelming. But, we have done the research, put it into practice and are ready to share with you what we have come to rely on and love. This is your chance to level up your reading instruction. Rest assured this will be a stress reliever, not just one more thing you need to do.

2503: Maximize Learning With Explicit Instruction

  • Instructor: Nichole Pieper

  • Dates: June 12-13, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: PreK-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a positive attitude and their favorite writing tool.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2503 MSUN Syllabus - Nichole Pieper

Discover how to use explicit instruction to create a classroom where every student shines. We'll break down strategies, vocabulary, and concepts into bite-sized pieces, making learning fun and effective. Get ready to design lessons that inspire participation and build independent learners. These strategies work for special needs learners as well. This two-day course is your chance to connect with fellow educators, practice new skills, and leave with a toolkit of ready-to-use ideas!

2504: Playing with Early Numeracy

  • Instructor: Dr. Eliza Thomas

  • Dates: June 16-17, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: PreK-3

  • Special Instructions: N/A

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2504 MSU-N Syllabus - Eliza Thomas

In this course, participants will be reminded about the importance of play and early numeracy in our youngest learners. Participants will also learn the combined integral role of both play and early numeracy in our young learners’ future mathematical (and academic) success. Numeracy development can (and should) take place in a developmentally appropriate and playful way. Come spill the beans, roll the dice, deal the cards, and get playfully engaged in mathematical tasks that will help your students see themselves as the mathematicians they are. Throughout this course, participants will also learn how these strategies will support young learners to meet developmental milestones and academic standards.

2505: Science Inquiry: Unlocking the Scientist in EVERY Child!

  • Instructor: Stephanie Lester

  • Dates: June 18-19, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: PreK-5

  • Special Instructions: Bring a charged laptop/tablet with access to Google Drive

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2505 MSUN Syllabus - Stephanie Lester

Discover how to ignite curiosity and scientific thinking in every student! This highly interactive, hands-on, two-day course immerses PreK-5th grade teachers in inquiry-based learning using the 5E Lesson Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate). Aligned with NGSS & GTCC Standards, this training integrates STEM and literacy, helping educators design engaging, real-world investigations that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections. Conduct experiments, collaborate, and leave with ready-to-use lesson plans and strategies that will transform your classroom into a hub of exploration and discovery. This is an invaluable opportunity for PK-5th grade teachers to deepen their understanding of inquiry-based science and leave with the confidence to inspire the next generation of young scientists. Join us and inspire the next generation of young scientists, engineers, and innovators!

2506: “Warming Up” to Learning Through Play!

  • Instructors: Wendy Reynolds & Kris Paro

  • Dates: June 23-24, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: Prek-3

  • Special Instructions: Not mandatory, bring spelling/sight words and math concepts that are covered December through February.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2506 MSUN Syllabus - Wendy Reynolds & Kris Paro

Are you ready to banish the winter blues and spark a love of learning in your students? This immersive course delivers a powerhouse of engaging activities—from thrilling escape rooms to captivating games and book-based centers—all tailored for December through February themes. Our dynamic instructors will guide you through creating a collection of make-and-take resources, ensuring your students experience the joy of learning all winter long. Don't miss this chance to create a classroom where winter is synonymous with excitement!

2507: Art for All: Bringing Literacy to Life

  • Instructor: Dawn Sievers

  • Dates: June 23-24, 2025

  • Location: Power School - 420 Central, Power, MT 59468 (room 4)

  • Target Audience: 3-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/tablet. This course will include lunch on both days.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2507 MSUN Syllabus - Dawn Sievers

Let's unlock the joy of learning through art! If you've ever thought, 'I wish I could incorporate more art into my teaching,' this course is for you. Your instructor will guide you through a series of accessible and engaging art projects that are perfect for enriching reading and writing comprehension. Discover how simple art techniques can make a big difference in reaching your students. You'll not only learn new ideas but also create your own beautiful examples, experiencing the projects just like your students. No need to be ‘artistic’ to take this course - we will learn together! Join us for a friendly and inspiring session where we'll explore the wonderful connection between art and literacy.

2508: Decode the Writing Code! K-8 Writing Success

  • Instructor: Amanda Tramill

  • Dates: June 25-26, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: K-8

  • Special Instructions: N/A

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus:  2508 MSUN Syllabus - Amanda Tramill

Writing connects to every subject and teaching domain. Learn the clear progression of writing skills and discover realistic expectations for your students. Understanding writing expectations at your grade level, as well as above and below, is vital in supporting students to become strong writers. This hands-on workshop provides you with practical strategies to boost writing confidence and competence across all grade levels.

2509: Cricut Classroom Creations: Crafting Learning with Technology

  • Instructor: Kalli Rummel & Trinity Young

  • Dates: July 1-2, 2025

  • Location: Malta High School (Library) - 1 South 9th Street West, Malta, MT 59538

  • Target Audience: K-12

  • Special Instructions: Required: Bring a Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker (2 participants can share one Cricut machine), cutting mats, weeding tools, a laptop/tablet with Cricut Design Space & any extra materials to work on, such as bulletin board supplies, a t-shirt with heat transfer vinyl, containers to label, etc.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2509 MSUN Syllabus - Kalli Rummel & Trinity Young

This hands-on course introduces teachers to the Cricut machine and Design Space software, enabling them to create engaging classroom materials, labels, and displays. This workshop will focus on starting on the basics and moving on to more advanced features and techniques as time/abilities allow. Participants will walk away with projects, a deeper understanding of the machine and software, and ideas for the next school year.

2510: 6+1 Engagement Strategies: A Tangible Breakdown for Classroom and Student Success

  • Instructors: Kasey Schurtz & Brian Miller

  • Dates: July 7-8, 2025

  • Location: North Middle School - 2601 8th Street NE, Great Falls, MT (room # TBD)

  • Target Audience: 3-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a unit outline and at least three lesson plans.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2510 MSUN Syllabus Kasey Schurtz & Brian Miller

Public education is committed to student achievement, providing healthy, safe, and secure schools, while teaching students stewardship and accountability. The 6+1 Types of Engagement ensures all three. Through its strategic breakdown of engagement types, the 6+1 Types of Engagement allows students easier access to content and intellectual growth, by providing clear and easy pathways. Be it through personal, cultural, emotional, physical, or social engagement, teachers will have a better understanding how each type connects kids with content; allowing for a more rigorous, diverse, and purposeful classroom. If you are eager to connect with your students, connect your students to the content, and refresh your teaching and assessment practices, come join us for a fun-filled, energetic, and purposeful summer course! We promise, you will not be disappointed!

2511: Art on the Rocky Mountain Front

  • Instructor: Megan Genthner

  • Dates: July 9-10, 2025

  • Location: Augusta, Montana (Sun River Game Range and Sun Canyon)

  • Target Audience: 4-12

  • Special Instructions:

    • MEET/DIRECTIONS: Buckhorn Bar (120 Main St - Augusta) at 8:30 am. Carpool to the various locations both days. Participants will be outside both days, prepare accordingly.

    • BRING: full water bottle(s), writing utensils, any additional watercolor painting and drawing tools (not required), empty jar/water container with lid for used paint water, portable camp chair, umbrella, sunscreen, work surface (ie. clipboard, lap desk, board and/or easel), weather-appropriate attire (ie. hat, jacket, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing), bear spray, bug repellent, packed lunch and snacks.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2511 MSUN Syllabus - Megan Genthner

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountain front with this hands-on course, utilizing the French style of ‘Plein Air Watercolor Painting’!

Individuals will learn to capture the essence of landscapes and nature, while painting on location near beautiful Augusta, MT. Course participants will use a limited palette and a wide range of expressional strokes and painting techniques to develop a watercolor painting. Participants will also learn and utilize basic drawing techniques through the process of creative art-making. Relax and develop your observational skills in the relaxing environment of mother nature, while exploring art concepts of composition, color theory, and design, while building confidence in working with watercolor in the ever-changing natural light. This course is suitable for all levels of artists from beginning to advanced and will include art history, art vocabulary, and a unique IEFA experience with a visit to a historical Native American pictograph site on the Sun River.

2512: Beyond Dates: Enhancing Literacy with Historical Research Projects

  • Instructor: Hali Richmond, Jessica Van Kerkhove, Vicky Nytes

This multi-grade level, two-day professional development course is designed to equip educators with the skills and strategies necessary to enhance literacy through engaging historical research projects. Moving beyond the traditional memorization of dates and events, this course emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research skills, and literacy competencies, while encouraging increased engagement. Participants will learn and take away effective teaching strategies that can be directly utilized in the classroom. 

2513: Teaching Montana History in Any Classroom

  • Instructor: Ron Buck

  • Dates: July 16-17, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: K-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/table and a water bottle to stay hydrated. 

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2513 MSUN Syllabus - Ron Buck

Struggling to weave lessons together and connect standards? This course is your solution. Learn to seamlessly integrate Montana history into ANY subject and master Indian Education for All (IEFA) lesson creation. Throughout this course, you will build your personal "lesson arsenal" of engaging, ready-to-use plans! Learn all that you can from an energetic Montana History Teacher Leader and start your new school year off with a bang!

2518: Art on the Rocky Mountain Front - Class 2

  • Instructor: Megan Genthner

  • Dates: July 16-17, 2025

  • Location: Augusta, Montana (Sun River Game Range and Sun Canyon)

  • Target Audience: 4-12

  • Special Instructions:

    • MEET/DIRECTIONS: Buckhorn Bar (120 Main St - Augusta) at 8:30 am. Carpool to the various locations both days. Participants will be outside both days, prepare accordingly.

    • BRING: full water bottle(s), writing utensils, any additional watercolor painting and drawing tools (not required), empty jar/water container with lid for used paint water, portable camp chair, umbrella, sunscreen, work surface (ie. clipboard, lap desk, board and/or easel), weather-appropriate attire (ie. hat, jacket, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing), bear spray, bug repellent, packed lunch and snacks.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2518 MSUN Syllabus - Megan Genthner

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountain front with this hands-on course, utilizing the French style of ‘Plein Air Watercolor Painting’!

Individuals will learn to capture the essence of landscapes and nature, while painting on location near beautiful Augusta, MT. Course participants will use a limited palette and a wide range of expressional strokes and painting techniques to develop a watercolor painting. Participants will also learn and utilize basic drawing techniques through the process of creative art-making. Relax and develop your observational skills in the relaxing environment of mother nature, while exploring art concepts of composition, color theory, and design, while building confidence in working with watercolor in the ever-changing natural light. This course is suitable for all levels of artists from beginning to advanced and will include art history, art vocabulary, and a unique IEFA experience with a visit to a historical Native American pictograph site on the Sun River.

2514: Empowering Learner Agency in Literacy Classrooms: Strategies for K-12 Educators

  • Instructor: Brynn Cadigan 

  • Dates: July 21-22, 2025

  • Location: MSU Northern Cowan Hall - 300 11th Street West, Havre, MT 59501 (Room 300)

  • Target Audience: K-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/tablet.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2514 MSUN Syllabus Brynn Cadigan

In this two-day course, K-12 teachers will explore the concept of Learner Agency and how to apply it effectively in literacy instruction. This course will provide teachers with practical strategies to promote student autonomy, student choice, and how to take responsibility for their learning. Through a focus on authentic assessments, multiple means of displaying mastery, self-reflection, and inclusive practices–participants will learn how to create environments where students actively engage in and take ownership of their literacy development. Don’t miss out on this course, you and your students will benefit!

2515: American Writers and Painters That Have Shaped Our Culture 

  • Instructor: Melanie Home Gun

  • Dates: July 23-24, 2025

  • Location: Vaughn School - 480 Central Avenue, Vaughn, MT 59487 (cafeteria)

  • Target Audience: K-12

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/tablet.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2515 MSUN Syllabus - Melanie Home Gun

America has a unique collection of artists and writers that have worked hard to be the voice of America, creating distinct American styles that represent our culture. Your instructor is excited to teach a class that gives examples of these great literary and visual works of art through art integration, as defined by the Kennedy Art Center. The instructor will also use the educational philosophies of Maxine Greene, John Dewey and Viktor Lowenfield to teach this course and present material through the lens of art integration. Art integration, according to the Kennedy Center “requires that students do more than repeat (a song), copy (an art project), or follow directions. They must create something that is original and of value. The creative process in the arts is a process not a single event. It includes many interacting phases and each phase is related to every other”. Throughout this course, we will do just that. Students will work in cooperative learning groups and create works of art along with writing projects that support one another to learn overarching themes from the writers and artists of American history.

2516: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Key Strategies for Your First Few Years and Beyond!

  • Instructors: Amanda Tramill & Chrissie Tharp

  • Dates: July 28-29, 2025

  • Location: Great Falls College MSU - 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT (Room G45/G46)

  • Target Audience: Early Career K-8

  • Special Instructions: Bring a laptop/tablet.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2516 MSUN Syllabus - Amanda Tramill & Chrissie Tharp

1,500 Decisions a Day? Conquer Your Classroom! According to research, teachers make an average of 1,500 decisions daily. Don't just survive the school year, THRIVE! This hands-on course will equip participants with the tools to master the first weeks (and beyond!). From routines to rowdy parents, we've got you covered. Build your personalized resource portfolio and start strong, while engaging and collaborating with teachers from across Montana!

2517: Tech-Savvy Teaching: Empowering Educators With the Latest EdTech Tools

  • Instructor: Traci Piltz

  • Dates: July 30-31, 2025

  • Location: Virtual 

  • Target Audience: K-12

  • Special Instructions: REQUIRED - Participation must be on a computer or laptop with reliable internet. Participants must have "basic computer skills" and the ability to join and navigate a Zoom meeting and the ability to perform basic technology tasks independently. Full & active participation, with cameras on, is required. A Zoom link will be sent to your registration email before the course starts.

  • MSU-Northern Syllabus: 2517 MSUN Syllabus - Traci Piltz

This course is designed to help K-12 educators explore and master the latest educational technologies that can enhance their teaching and engage students in meaningful ways. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of tech tools and platforms, learning how to seamlessly integrate them into their classroom practices. We will focus on a variety of tools for interactive learning including collaboration & student creation, as well as AI tools for teachers and kids. Time will also be spent discussing digital citizenship, online safety and student digital literacy to help YOU become a tech-savvy teacher and enhance your tech-y skills!