For Immediate Release
June 8, 2026

Kristopher Schreiner, the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year, has taught Montana history at Kalispell Middle School for 18 years.

KALISPELL, Mont. — Kristopher Schreiner, a Montana history teacher at Kalispell Middle School, has been named the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year by the Montana Historical Society.

He was unanimously selected by the award committee, which praised the scope of his curriculum, the range of hands-on learning opportunities he provides, and his commitment to fostering "a lasting connection between his students and the place they call home."

Schreiner has taught Montana history at Kalispell Middle School for 18 years. He grew up on a farm near Laurel, where both sides of his family homesteaded in the early 1900s, and he has spent his entire career bringing that firsthand connection to the land into the classroom.

Schreiner's classroom is known for immersive, hands-on activities that bring Montana history to life. Over the years, his students have taken part in atlatl training, fire-making, hide tanning, gold panning, log cabin construction, butter churning, and many other experiences.

"He does not simply teach Montana history — he immerses students in it," said Dallas Stuker, principal of Kalispell Middle School. "Whether students are mining for gold, milling lumber, or contributing to the construction of a log cabin, they are engaging in memorable learning experiences that deepen their understanding of Montana's heritage."

Students have noticed the difference. "I have seen students that I know particularly hate school come into his class with that special glimmer in their eye, ready to see what they will get to experience," said Serena Carlson, an eighth-grade student. "Those lessons stick with us instead of learning it, taking a test on it, and forgetting what we wrote down."

Schreiner will receive $4,250 from event sponsors the Montana Television Network, the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, and the Virginia City Preservation Alliance. The money may be used for classroom materials, guest speakers, field trips, and anything else that enhances student learning. Additional project supporters include the Montana Historical Society and the 1889 Coffeehouse in Helena.