Bobcat Volleyball Honors Harrison Educator
10/3/2025 3:58:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Yates was nominated for the honor by Lori Orrell who called Yates a passionate and innovative educator who goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful, inclusive, and fun.
Amber Yates is used to feeling lost in a crowd on occasion. That can happen when you're surrounded by sometimes more than 20 kindergarteners. But she felt something quite different this week.
On Thursday night, Yates, who teaches at Harrison School in Harrison, was honored as a 'Favorite Teacher" as part of the Montana State Volleyball program's Education Appreciation match. Yates was gifted with a $500 classroom shopping spree on Amazon.
"It made me feel seen," the Ennis native and Montana State graduate said of being alerted that she'd been nominated for, and received, recognition for her career as an educator by Bobcat Volleyball. "I'm very passionate about teaching, and I love my job. I love making each day an adventure in my room, and it made me feel great to know that it's appreciated."
Yates was nominated for the honor by Lori Orrell who called Yates a passionate and innovative educator who goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful, inclusive, and fun. "Amber brings science and learning to life through engaging, real-world activities," Orell said. "She also invests in her student's well-being, often using her own money to provide snacks and make sure no one feels left out. Amber fosters a classroom culture that is joyful, inclusive, and full of discovery."
Outside of the classroom, Yates leads two programs that provide critical academic support. The Homework Hub offers students a quiet, supportive space to complete assignments and ask questions before school. The Cattail Club is a nurturing program that focuses specifically on building literacy and writing skills through engaging, individualized support.
Yates is the consummate teacher, offering her students numerous opportunities to learn.
Regardless of what comes her way, Yates said there's magic in experiencing all the first along with first-time students. "The best part is everything we do is an adventure – from using scissors for the first time to holding a pencil to writing our first story," she said with a smile. "Everything is magical in kindergarten."
#GoCatsGo
On Thursday night, Yates, who teaches at Harrison School in Harrison, was honored as a 'Favorite Teacher" as part of the Montana State Volleyball program's Education Appreciation match. Yates was gifted with a $500 classroom shopping spree on Amazon.
"It made me feel seen," the Ennis native and Montana State graduate said of being alerted that she'd been nominated for, and received, recognition for her career as an educator by Bobcat Volleyball. "I'm very passionate about teaching, and I love my job. I love making each day an adventure in my room, and it made me feel great to know that it's appreciated."
Yates was nominated for the honor by Lori Orrell who called Yates a passionate and innovative educator who goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful, inclusive, and fun. "Amber brings science and learning to life through engaging, real-world activities," Orell said. "She also invests in her student's well-being, often using her own money to provide snacks and make sure no one feels left out. Amber fosters a classroom culture that is joyful, inclusive, and full of discovery."
Outside of the classroom, Yates leads two programs that provide critical academic support. The Homework Hub offers students a quiet, supportive space to complete assignments and ask questions before school. The Cattail Club is a nurturing program that focuses specifically on building literacy and writing skills through engaging, individualized support.
Yates is the consummate teacher, offering her students numerous opportunities to learn.
Regardless of what comes her way, Yates said there's magic in experiencing all the first along with first-time students. "The best part is everything we do is an adventure – from using scissors for the first time to holding a pencil to writing our first story," she said with a smile. "Everything is magical in kindergarten."
#GoCatsGo
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