Sarah Lyda
Billings
Summary
Dedicated 6–12 Social Studies educator with extensive experience in curriculum design, historical inquiry, and student-centered instruction. Serves as a Teacher Leader for the Montana Historical Society and a National History Day educator, supporting statewide professional development and historical literacy. Known for building strong classroom culture, designing clear and engaging learning experiences, and leading colleagues in instructional improvement.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Secondary Social Studies Teacher - Broadfield
Lavina Public Schools
Billings
08.2023 - Current
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lavina Public Schools — Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6–12) Lavina, MT 3 Years
- Teach a full 6–12 Social Studies course load including U.S. History, World History, Government, and electives.
- Designed and implemented standards-aligned curriculum with clear, student-friendly expectations and assessment structures, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led schoolwide initiatives that strengthened classroom routines, increased student accountability, and fostered respectful learning environments.
- Develop sub-ready, visually clear lesson plans used across multiple courses.
- Mentor students through National History Day research, writing, and project development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate IEFA content and culturally responsive instruction, enriching curricular relevance and inclusivity.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, History Broadfield
Montana State University, Billings
Billings, MT12-2022
Skills
- Curriculum design and backward planning
- Historical inquiry and primary source analysis
- Technology for instruction
- Visually structured instructional materials
- Student-centered classroom management
- Professional collaboration and teacher leadership
- National History Day coaching
- IEFA integration
- Civic engagement
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL ROLES
Montana Historical Society — Teacher Leader
- Support statewide professional development in historical thinking and primary source instruction.
- Collaborate with interpretive historians to develop teacher resources and instructional materials.
- Provide guidance to educators implementing NHD and inquiry-based history instruction.
National History Day — Teacher & Program Contributor
- Coach students through research, thesis development, annotation, and project creation.
- Partner with MTHS interpretive historians to strengthen historical interpretation and student research quality.
- Present or support workshops for teachers and students.
Curriculum Leader & Professional Development Resource
Lavina Public Schools
- Lead curriculum mapping and unit design across multiple grade levels.
- Provide training and support for colleagues implementing new instructional strategies.
- Develop clear, teacher-friendly materials that support consistency and student success.
Co-coordinator For IEFA Education at Lavina Schools
- Co-led IEFA implementation by integrating Essential Understandings into 6–12 curriculum, supporting staff with accurate resources, and ensuring schoolwide compliance.
Timeline
Secondary Social Studies Teacher - Broadfield
Lavina Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, History Broadfield
Montana State University, Billings