Elsie Arntzen

ELSIE ARNTZEN

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.elsieformontana.com

Arrow-Circle-Right Briefly introduce yourself. My name is Elsie Arntzen and I am Montana’s current Superintendent of Public Instruction. Prior to my service at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), I was a teacher for 23 years in Billings Public Schools and a Montana Legislator for 12 years. I am a 5th generation Montanan. I am proud of my Economics degree from U of M, Go Griz! While my Education degree deserves a call out to MSU, Go Cats! My husband Steven and I have two daughters and four fabulous grandchildren. My passion is working to ensure success for each new generation of Montanans through a high-quality education that will lead to career opportunities in Montana’s businesses and industries.

Arrow-Circle-Right Workforce development is

a top priority for the business community. With learning happening both in and out of the classroom, how will you encourage and empower educators to develop flexible learning

environments? A real-world education that reflects the opportunities available in Montana’s economy is essential to preparing students for successful careers. That is why I have reinvigorated and strengthened Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) with meaningful student engagement for career awareness in middle school. One of my strengths is creating strong partnerships with Montana’s businesses, industries, and policy makers. As State Superintendent, I have emphasized the need for flexibility and individualized student learning, especially during COVID-19. Families should be able to define learning tracks for their children and teachers should have the flexibility to teach “outside of the school box”. This is what I have CTE specialists at OPI constantly developing and working with local educators to showcase innovation.

Arrow-Circle-Right Do you prioritize career

readiness skills like leadership, work ethic, and communication? If so, how will you encourage schools to adopt “soft skills” in their

curricula? Absolutely! My “Montana Ready” initiative prepares students with tangible skills for success during and after high school. This begins with developing and promoting our Montana teachers’ awareness of Montana’s workforce needs. Prioritizing and modeling team communication, with accountability at elementary grades that expands through high school, is key. One of my priorities has been to remove burdensome regulations and rebuild teaching/ learning standards that incorporate innovation and student engagement. I have promoted Career and Technical Student Organizations such as FFA, BPA, FCCLA, and others where students grow their soft skills in hands-on ways. The agricultural education program for example, prepares students for workforce success with technology. Montana’s economy demands a qualified workforce now more than ever. Emphasizing each and every student’s success has and will continue under my guidance.

Arrow-Circle-Right There are many influencers

in education, including school administrators, teacher unions, local school boards, and businesses. How will you balance the interests of these stakeholders while maintaining a productive education system in Montana?

I have that Montana spirit of never giving up and a bounty of positive energy that seeks solutions. Building partnerships by listening and responsive communication is very important. The simple continued message of putting students first leads all conversations. As current State Superintendent, I continuously meet with specific school interest groups such as the teacher’s union, school administrators, and school boards. I have broadened the discussion with community, state, and national businesses and economists. The old system of school bells and bricks has changed under my leadership, as the emphasis must focus on individual students. stop