Professional Precidence & Collegial Comments

"Barb's commitment to education is probably more unique than any other trait she possesses. When she believes in something or someone, there are no excuses. She makes the commitment to participate, to create, to learn, to share, and to lead. I admire her devotion to the education process; not just for her students, but also for other educators and herself as life-long learners."

Desiree Caskey, BPS Technology Integration Specialist

The 2009 Billings Pacific Regional Leadership Conference Delegation

As previously noted, the 2002 Billings Teachers' Strike challenged and changed me. Since then, my quest for effective professional development has only intensified. I've had the good fortune of both delivering and participating in programs affording genuine professional growth. Instead of describing my involvement and efforts, I thought it might be more fun (and candid!) to let my colleagues do it for me.

ER&D Trainer, Reading Comprehension, Billings Education Association

• "Barb was my instructor in an ER&D course. She was always professional and organized. What I liked most about Barb is her willingness to listen and her openness to suggestions. I was also impressed with her knack in guiding group discussions. A successful leader is one who knows how to move forward toward their ultimate goal without being obvious. Barb has this quality. Her enthusiasm and dedication to our profession is inspiring." Patti Vierthaler, BEA member
  
  
• "Barb co-taught an ER&D reading class I took. The teachers represented both elementary and secondary. Barb and her partner did a good job of providing strategies that were both specific to our teaching levels as well as universal. Barb focused on high school content area reading and gave us great examples from what she does in her own classroom. She was prepared and enthused for each of our sessions. The class was enjoyable and relevant." Jan Eagler, High School Special Education Teacher, BEA member
  
  
  Critical Friends' Group Coach, Skyview High School
  
  
• "Barb's focus on professional development has been exactly that--focused professionalism on teachers learning how to be better teachers. My experience with "professional" development has been a traditional large group meeting with a talking head (expert) in front of the room. Joining a small group of educators, facilitated by Barb, was the best professional development experience I have had in 16 years of teaching. I found her abilities to direct learning among teachers outstanding. She continually, but gently, pressed us to learn our craft and to develop ourselves as experts--not relying on outside authorities to tell us what to do. Her interest in students and teachers goes far beyond what I expected and I am grateful for the experience of working with her." Kirk Woosley, BEA member
  
  
• "I have served with Barb Fettig on the BEA Board of Directors and in our school's Critical Friends' Group. During this time, I have observed her dedication to the profession and the union through her continued pursuit and delivery of professional development within our district." Rod Gottula, BEA member
  
  
• "I have witnessed Barb in the role of leader as well as learner and I am impressed with her professionalism, her enthusiasm, her passion, and her commitment. As a fellow CFG coach, I was able to witness Barb grow professionally as part of a tight-knit learning community. She was one of the few pioneers for school reform in our district who believed that professional development was effective only if teachers saw meaning and a direct correlation to their classroom environment. Barb enthusiastically embraced the model of Critical Friends' Group professional development and mentored many teachers by facilitating small learning communities within Skyview High School." Desiree Caskey, BPS Technology Integration Specialist
  
  
• "I have had the privilege of working with Barb in a Critical Friends Group for staff development. When someone in the group brought work to the table,Barb offered amazing insight and innovative ideas to help students become more successful. She was the most positive hard working member of the group and a natural leader that we all wanted to follow. Barb gives 100% in any task she takes on and her dedication to students, colleagues, and the teaching profession is evident in all areas of her life. I support Barb Fettig without hesitation and I want to encourage others to support this high caliber individual as well." Kari Field, BEA member
  
  
  TILT (Teachers Integrating and Learning Technology)
  
  
• "Barb's passion is evident in her learning and teaching. As a member of the professional learning community TILT, Barb has embraced new digital tools, as well as new teaching strategies and collaborative environments. I am amazed at the growth I have seen in her skills and comfort level when exploring a new technology or teaching activity. When Barb first started this program, she was a self-described techno-phobe. She now serves as a mentor to teachers who have just entered the program. Her approach is so non-threatening and her enthusiasm shines as she shows a fellow TILT teacher a new digital tool or walks them through a troubleshooting problem." Desiree Caskey, BPS Technology Integration Specialist