Broadus Welcomes New Teachers

A bevy of new teachers greeted Broadus students this week as the 2022-23 school year began. Four teachers new to the school system began their careers at Broadus Schools this week, while several others who have previously worked in the system are also heading classes this year.

Incoming Kindergarteners this year will be greeted by Monica Smith, taking over for longtime Kindergarten teacher Paulie Isaak, who retired last school year. Smith is a native of Montana City just out of Helena, and attended high school in Helena. Monica went on to MSU-Billings, where she earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Elementary Education. Smith taught Kindergarten in Billings for 3 years, as well as coaching volleyball at Billings West, with two years of JV coaching and four years of varsity coaching.

Smith married Jake Smith of Broadus last summer and substitute taught in Broadus last year. In her off time, Monica enjoys a variety of sporting activities along with spending time out on the water.

Broadus native Brooke Billing returns home this year to teach a variety of JH and HS math classes including Algebra 2, 7th and 8th grade Math, Calculus, Pre-Algebra, as well as working as an assistant JH volleyball coach.

Billing is a 2018 Broadus grad, matriculating to University of Montana-Western in Dillon for her college studies, where she earned a Secondary Education and Math degree. While at Dillon, Brooke told us she enjoyed the outdoors, floating the cool waters of the local rivers, soaking in the numerous hot springs in the area, and generally enjoying life.

Brooke wanted to be a teacher from a young age, setting up a board to teach lessons to her stuffed animals. Teaching runs in Billing's blood, with two of her aunts having successful teaching careers.

Billing student taught here last spring under the guidance of math teacher Eric Myers, and looks forward to working with him again, as well as being back amongst the community she grew up in.

Faith Dyrud takes over this year as Ag Ed/Shop teacher. Faith grew up in Conrad, Montana, Northwest of Great Falls. There she worked on the family wheat farm from an early age, telling us she learned to drive the grain truck as soon as she was able to reach the pedals.

In high school, Faith was a member of the local FFA chapter and decided she wanted to make it a part of her career, going on to MSU-Bozeman to graduate in 2017 with an Ag Ed degree. From there, Faith worked in Rosebud and Hysham as an Ag teacher, before taking the position this year in Broadus.

Dyrud will teach a variety of classes including Ag Ed, Intro to Ag, Ag Business, Welding, Small Engines/Automotive, and 8th grade shop.

In her spare time, Dyrud enjoys weight lifting, hunting, fishing, and generally being outdoors.

During an interview last week, Dyrud told us "I'm excited to be here, and excited to see what I can do with the program."

Erin Switzer is the new JH/HS Art Teacher. Erin grew up in Richey, northwest of Glendive.

Switzer grew up on her family ranch, telling us that she and her four siblings truly enjoyed their childhoods, riding their ponies into the yard and generally enjoying life.

Erin went to college at MSU-Western in Dillon, where she developed a love for art, and graduated with an Elementary Ed degree with an Art Minor. She then went back to Richey, where she taught Art and Music to K-12 students. Switzer later moved to Gillette, and taught at the Little Powder School just across the border on Hwy 59. Switzer also worked at a Bible Camp during the summers, as well as being involved with her church in Gillette.

Now in Broadus, Erin will teach Art 1-4 for high school students as well as Ceramics, JH Art, Enrichment, and Yearbook.

Erin told us she enjoys being outside and looks forward to opportunities to be involved, whether helping out local ranchers or with other activities in the community.

She commented about her first days in her new role: "The teachers have been helpful; I'm looking forward to working with everyone. I look forward to seeing what art projects the kids value and working with them on enjoyable projects."

Ashley Emmons will teach the 5th grade class this year. Emmons was a long time substitute teacher last year for the 5th grade, when then 5th grade teacher Jen Zellers was out on maternity leave. Zellers will now teach 3rd grade, with Emmons smoothly transitioning into the role she learned last year. Emmons is a Dickinson State University grad, and was awarded DSU's Outstanding Graduate Award in 2009, the highest award bestowed upon graduating seniors in Dickinson.

Emmons is originally from Colstrip, and now coaches the Broadus varsity girls basketball and cross country teams, all while raising her four kids alongside husband Patrick Emmons on the family ranch.

Cody Earley takes over as 6th grade teacher this year, having previously worked as a classroom aide. Earley is a 2014 Broadus grad, going on to MSU-Billings for an Elementary Education degree.

Chrystal Mitchell will teach Title 1 and 8th grade English at the JH/HS this year. Mitchell worked as a math teacher in the school system last year, and is working towards her education degree.