St. Ignatius kindergarten teacher Brenda Clouser has received the 2014 Maryfrances Shreeve Award, an honor that is presented by the University of Montana and the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education & Human Services for excellence in teaching.

 “We have a lot of superstars in our district and it’s an honor to have Brenda Clouser’s star shine so brightly,” said St. Ignatius School Superintendent Bob Lewandowski. “This is something for all of us to shoot at and follow.”

Added Lewandowski, “Clouser’s class scores have always been very close, or at the top, for every year that she has taught in Mission.”

The Maryfrances Shreeve Award for Teaching Excellence is established for public elementary or middle school teachers who have taught in Montana public schools for a minimum of 10 years.

Upon receipt of the award, Clouser received $2,000 for herself and $1,000 for the Mission school district. According to Lewandowski, Clouser has asked that the money be spent on additional leveled reading books for the lower grades.

“This is a very prestigious award,” said Lewandowski. “We are honored to have her.”