Educator wins prestigious teaching award

Dan Rude was Montana Teacher of the Year in 1975.

Now 31 years later and near the end of his 40-year career, the fourth-grade Rattlesnake Elementary School teacher is the 2006 recipient of the Maryfrances Shreeve Award.

The award, which honors the memory of Maryfrances Shreeve, a longtime Montana teacher, is given to a teacher each year who embodies the spirit, character and quality of teaching for which Shreeve was known. The award is presented by UM’s School of Education.

Along with the recognition, Rude will receive $1,000 to give to the school in his name for a cause he deems worthy and $2,000 for himself. Rude also will be recognized at UM’s School of Education reception Feb. 10 in the University Center Ballroom.

“I know that there are many hard-working, dedicated and community-minded teachers worthy of this honor,” Rude said. “I feel truly blessed to be the recipient of the Maryfrances Shreeve Award.”
According to his nominators, Rude personifies the qualities this prestigious award outlines — community involvement, commitment to enthusiasm in education and a reputation of going the extra mile.

“You influence youngsters by who you are and what you are,” Rude said.