SAM Anticipates an Outstanding 2019!

by Kirk Miller, SAM Executive Director

Happy New Year!  2019 promises to be a fine year for SAM and our members as we work together to make a positive difference in the education of our students!  The promise on the horizon anticipates excellent professional learning opportunities for our SAM members, a deep dive into advocacy with our SAM advocacy priorities at the forefront, and continued effort of our administrators all across the state to participate fully in the work that impacts the education of our children.  The three goals of the SAM Strategic Plan provide focus for this important work…

Leadership Involved in Decisions that Impact Education:  SAM affiliate members modeling and promoting the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and leadership actively engage in impactful discussions on education.

Advocacy:  SAM members will be equipped with accurate information and prepared to use it to advocate for public education.

Professional Learning and Services:  SAM will extend and expand the professional learning delivery system using the expertise of the SAM affiliate’s, as well as other service providers through professional development, mentorship, and other member services.

Thank you SAM members for your participation and contributions to your professional association, SAM.  Our collective effort around the strategic plan goals will lead us to the promise of an outstanding 2019!  

Happy New Year to you from your team at SAM!

Legislative Information for the 2019 Session

As we approach the 66th Legislative Session beginning on January 7, 2019, SAM is creating tools for effective communication to be used by our members during the legislative session.

Visit the SAM website, click on the menu items associated with the "2019 Legislative Session" tab under "Advocacy" to review the resources
we are putting together for the session. Please note that login is required as only SAM members have access to the legislative tools. Please call the SAM office if you have difficulties logging in. 

The SAM website can serve as a great place to follow important happenings during the session. We are also seeking SAM members who will assist in advocacy by joining the SAM Legislative Network 2019 (SAMLN19).  Click HERE to see the description and responsibilities of the SAMLN19.  Click HERE to join SAMLN19.

Please join over 80 SAM members and sign up so we can ensure that educators' voices are heard clearly in the 2019 Legislative session. We know that our strength in advocacy for the education of Montana’s children comes from our member’s effort during the session to help our legislators understand and balance the needs for providing an outstanding system of public schools to meet the full educational potential of each child!  

SAM Needs Assessment Survey Deadline - January 11, 2019 

Please click SAM SURVEY 2019 to complete the survey. 

Mobile Learning

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its state affiliate chapter, Montana educational Technologists Association (META) are pleased to continue to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.  Last month CoSN shared information on Cloud Computing with SAM members.

This month we focus on the topic of Leadership for Mobile Learning.  Whether it is a school or district provided device via a one-to-one program or a BYOD implementation, the planning and execution work involves far more than a discussion about choosing a device.  The all too common mistake that happens when schools or districts embark on leveraging mobile learning to improve student success is the emphasis on the "what" (the digital device) rather than the "why".

CoSN is pleased to provide school leaders with an overview of the details that must be addressed regarding both technological platforms and human capacity when initiating and sustaining a mobile learning environment.  You are invited to access a one-page guide for Leading Mobile Learning at 

CoSN has partnered with edWeb to provide a monthly webinar series on topics essential for leading digital transformations.  School superintendents serve as panelists on each webinar and share their stories and expertise.  Every webinar is recorded for viewing by those who are not able to join the live broadcast.  The title of the January 14, 2019 webinar (scheduled for 5:00 pm ET) is "leadership for Mobile Learning:  Creating a Shared Vision".  Learn more and register for this free webinar at 

If your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact Brian Calvary, CAE, CoSN Director of Membership and Chapters, at  [email protected].