Libby’s Katzer honored with statewide educator award

Libby school counselor and coach Brittany Katzer has been named the recipient of the 2025 John Morrison Healthy Montana Kids Educator Award, recognizing her dedication to supporting student health and wellness across physical fitness, mental health, and community engagement.

The award is given annually by the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation to an educator who has “done exemplary work in fostering a commitment to healthy lifestyles and choices” for public school students, and includes a $2,000 stipend and a $1,500 professional development scholarship.

Katzer said she was surprised — and excited — when she first learned she’d been nominated.

“I got an email with the nomination that also included an application packet,” she said. “I love writing, so I was eager to get to work on the essays, but I also knew that the educator conference is the same weekend as cross country divisionals. I thought, if I get this award, that is going to be a lot of driving in a short amount of time, but I can make it happen!”

Colleagues describe Katzer as “extremely dedicated to the physical health, mental health and overall well-being” of children. She said that work starts with relationships.

“One of my main priorities is to build strong relationships with students so they feel safe, supported and ready to learn,” she said. “For me, supporting the whole child also means showing up outside of the classroom and in the community. Being a healthy role model for the students is important to me, and I try to ‘practice what I preach.’”

Katzer leads campus-wide initiatives such as Red Ribbon Week, Bully Prevention Month and Kindness Week, introducing lessons on healthy decision-making starting in the earliest grades.

“We start teaching lessons about healthy choices, taking care of your brain and body, drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention, bullying prevention and kindness, in as early as Kindergarten,” she said. “It's important to start teaching the kids skills at a young age so they can make their own informed decisions for their health as they grow up and are exposed to more things.”

Beyond counseling, Katzer coaches cross country and track and leads a summer running club — passions that help her connect with and motivate students.

“These activities are truly my passions, and I believe modeling healthy habits is just as powerful as teaching them,” she said. “They know I’ll challenge them, mentally and physically, but they also know that if they trust the process, they’ll finish the season stronger, more confident, and in the best shape of their lives.”

She sees that inspiration extend into family life.

“When families participate in events like our summer running club or the One-Mile Showdown, I can truly see that my work is making a difference,” she said. She recalled hearing students cheer on their own parents with pride — evidence that “healthy choices are becoming part of their lives at home as well as at school.”

This year, she watched one young athlete soar.

“This summer, for example, one fourth-grade student logged 250 miles and later went on to win a Fall 10k trail race in Whitefish,” Katzer said.

As part of the recognition, Katzer will present her approach to fellow educators at next year’s MFPE Educator Conference in Great Falls.

“I am looking forward to working with other educators throughout the state and hoping that they can take away some learning opportunities from what I have established here in Libby,” she said. She also plans to use the scholarship to earn her Montana running coach certification.

Her message for students and families is one she hopes all Montanans carry forward:

“If I could share one message with my students and their families, it would be this: life will always bring obstacles and challenges, and we each have the power to choose how we respond to them. A truly healthy life goes beyond fitness and nutrition; it includes learning to cope with struggles in constructive ways.”

Supporters say Katzer’s impact is both transformative and lasting. In a letter of support, Libby educator and parent Taryn Sherbo wrote:

“Dr. Katzer has not only made a lasting impact on the lives of those she coaches, but she has also set a powerful example of what it means to live a life dedicated to health, wellness, and continuous growth.”

Katzer said the recognition reflects the entire community’s investment in student well-being.

“This award makes me feel honored and thankful that the work I do for students and families is being recognized,” she said. “It is nice to have the opportunity to highlight the meaningful and positive things happening in Libby.”

And with students continuing to show up, challenge themselves, and bring their families along for the journey, she has no doubt the work is paying off.

“That growth is what tells me — yes, this work is truly making a difference.”