Helena Fifth-Grade Teacher Kellen Alger Wins Montana NEA Travelers Award

Kellen Alger, a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Helena, has been named Montana’s recipient of the NEA Foundation Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence and will be formally recognized in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13, 2026. The award showcases one educator from each state for going above and beyond in the classroom and for advocacy on behalf of public education.

Alger, who has taught for nearly 20 years and has spent the last eight years at Jefferson Elementary, is known locally for a classroom students describe as energetic and imaginative. “As soon as you step into Mr. Alger's class, students can feel the magic in the air. While decorations help, it comes from his fun teaching approach and the care he has for his students,” one report noted after visiting his classroom.

Students offered specific examples of what makes Alger’s approach stick. One student said, “He um loves Harry Potter. He loves Harry Potter.” Van Dyk told reporters, “He’s just kinda upbeat about it. Not super boring like, ‘Oh, this plus this.’ He’s kind of more like makes it fun.” Another student, Sorensen, added, “He checked on me and made sure I was okay. He’s just good at what he does.”

Principal Bryce Burton says the award fits Alger perfectly, noting that his students show exceptional growth in reading and in math and that they have fun in the process. That combination of measured progress and engagement is central to why the NEA Foundation highlights one educator per state: to honor effective teaching and the broader case for strong public schools.

Alger framed his approach to teaching as a matter of dedication and self-discovery. “Giving giving your best, giving the kids in your class the attention, the love, the the support, the guidance that they deserve. And uh you know you find find your group, find your story, find your voice. It's it's it's all about finding what works for you,” he said.

The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, created in 1996 by MEA-MFT to promote excellent teaching and learning, has previously connected state teaching honors to national opportunities. Historically, NEA Foundation programs have selected one award-winning teacher from each state to participate in national programs with travel and learning exchanges described as all-expenses-paid. For Helena and Jefferson Elementary, Alger’s recognition puts local teaching practice in the national spotlight and reinforces the community value of investing in classroom innovation.

For local readers, Alger’s award is both a point of pride for Helena and a reminder that classroom strategies that boost reading and math growth can earn wider attention. Next, residents can watch for details about the February recognition in Washington and for any classroom or district initiatives Alger brings back to Capitol City.