UM Alum's Passion For Teaching Runs in The Family

The University of Montana has prepared future teachers to guide the next generation of Montana students for over a century. UM alumna and retired teacher Patty Myers shaped the future of countless students over her 39-year career in Great Falls.

Growing up in Conrad, Myers was confident of her career path from an early age.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher,” Myers said.

She taught swimming lessons and enjoyed the experience of working with elementary-age kids. When it came time to choose a college, Myers had a roadmap to follow.

“I really followed in my sister’s footsteps,” she said. “She went to UM, I went to UM. She was an Alpha Phi, I was an Alpha Phi.”

The sisterly intuition proved to be sound. Myers found UM to be the perfect fit for her. She liked that it felt big enough to provide diverse experiences, but with small class sizes that allowed for meaningful learning.

Myers graduated and began teaching in Great Falls Public Schools, starting with first grade before moving to second grade. She enjoyed her time in the classroom and loves that she often gets to see where her students end up in life.

“I run into kids all the time and it’s fun to see what they’re doing,” she said.

Her commitment to students extended beyond school hours, as she served on the Board of Public Education for 14 years, seven of those as chairperson. Myers explains her service and dedication simply as doing what was needed for Montana students.

“If I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it and do my best job at it,” she said.

The passion for teaching and love for her alma mater didn’t stop with her. Myers’ daughter and granddaughter carried on both traditions, graduating from UM and teaching in Great Falls and Hamilton, respectively.

The family also shares a love for Griz Football. Myers regularly makes the trip from Great Falls to Missoula for gamedays. Those trips became even more special when Myers’ granddaughter became a cheerleader, performing aerial maneuvers high above the sideline as a flyer each home game.

Even in retirement, Myers likes to stay busy. The Griz superfan continues to make an impact on her community through volunteer work with the Salvation Army.