Linda Rost, Montana 2020 State Teacher of Year

Linda Rost teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, AP biology, chemistry, and science research for grades 10-12 at Baker High School in Baker, Montana. Rost facilitated a successful science research program at Carter County High School in Ekalaka from 2007-2014 and started the program in Baker in 2014. In her twelve-year career, twenty-two of her students have competed at national or international science competitions. One student placed 1st at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in 2012 and another placed 3rd in 2019. Additionally, one placed 3rd at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and four have placed 4th. Rost obtained a bachelor of science in range science from New Mexico State University, a master of education in curriculum and instruction and a master of science in science education from Montana State University – Bozeman. She is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instruction – STEM from Texas Tech University. Rost is the chair of the Baker Public Schools Professional Development Committee, which she created in 2018 to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Indian Education for All (IEFA) K-12 collaborations and grant projects. She serves as a teacher leader for the Montana Partnerships with Regions for Excellence in STEM (MPRES) and the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pipeline (NESSP) grants. She is a three-time winner of the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Teacher Award, a two-time Continental Cares grant recipient and the 2016 National Vernier Engineering Contest winner.