I grew up in Brooklyn, New York with four siblings and lots of pets. In my classroom, academics are very important - but what’s most important to me is that my students love coming to school. I want them to feel safe, supported, and inspired to be kind, respectful people. I love being a teacher and I look forward to getting to know each student I have, celebrating their unique strengths, and supporting them throughout their years at LaMotte. Outside of the classroom, you can usually find me hiking with my dogs, riding horses, or travelling to new places.

Favorites:
‍Food: Spaghetti
Hobby: Riding
Animal: Giraffe
Season: Fall
Sport: Gymnastics
Subject: Science
Color: Purple
Holiday: Halloween

Education: I earned my undergraduate degree in foreign languages at Scripps College, and later went to George Washington University for my master’s degree in elementary education.

Our classroom expectations are as follows:
1. Be Kind – Treat everyone with empathy, patience, and support.
2. Be Respectful – Listen when others are speaking, take care of our classroom, and value different ideas and perspectives.
3. Be Responsible – Come prepared, stay on task, use independent time wisely.
4. Work Hard – Try your hardest and ask for help when you need it.
5. Be Safe – Use our materials and space appropriately, and make choices that keep everyone physically and emotionally safe.

Email: efludzinski@lamotteschool.com

I came into teaching at a little later stage in life than most educators, but found my home at LaMotte right away. I started teaching in 2001, and have spent my entire career here. My first year was with K/1st/2nd class. The next few years were spent teaching a 3rd/4th combination followed by quite a long time with 2nd/3rd before transferring to 4th/5th in 2023. 
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I received both my BA and MSSE from Montana State University but for the sake of full disclosure must admit that I first came to Montana to attend the University of Montana. I will always root for the Cats over the Griz but will support UM when they play anyone else.
 
I’m married with four daughters (two of whom are LaMotte graduates) and one granddaughter. I’m a New England native but traveled a lot as a military brat and member. 
My class expectations are pretty simple and apply to everyone who walks through the door, including me. 
1. Be safe
2. Be respectful (Please, Thank you, and Your welcome are encouraged and appreciated.) 
3. Be prepared 

Email: jbrunt@lamotteschool.com

I am a Midwest girl originally from Wisconsin, rural Illinois, and moved from Chicago to Montana in 2022. I have always been an avid outdoor enthusiast and have traveled the west extensively and was an adventure guide in Maine.

I originally was a Social Worker upon college graduation and later received a Master degree in Special Education in Learning and Emotional Disabilities. As a student I was never a lover of the school academic setting from Kindergarten through high school and didn’t want other students to experience the same thing.  I sought out a degree in Special Education to help students see their strengths as a learner and tools for emotional regulation.
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Special education supports emotional and behavioral needs through a variety of strategies, including building emotional vocabulary, encouraging positive behaviors, providing mental health interventions, and fostering a supportive environment. These strategies aim to help students develop self-awareness, manage their emotions, and improve their social skills.

Email: pburke@lamotteschool.com

Chelsea and Richard Smith are co-founders, operators, and owners of The ArtSplot, an independent art education provider, in Bozeman, Montana since 1995. We share the value of, as well as the delight in, creating art. We enjoy giving people opportunities to realize the connection art has to our lives. Our instruction has breadth and depth of experience.The expectation of participation is enthused by providing students with what they need to learn and succeed. Through the fosterment of each person's creativity within their own potential students want to do more art!

My name is Amiee Gustafson, and I have had the joy of working in education for over 20 years. I am currently a paraprofessional at LaMotte School, where I have been part of the team for six years. In my role, I support students one-on-one in reading, writing, and math, and I also teach Bridges Number Corner to students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
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In addition to classroom support, I enjoy spending time with students during recess duty, where I get to connect with them outside of academics. One of my favorite parts of working at LaMotte is getting to know each student individually and watching their growth throughout the year.
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I truly love our school community and feel grateful to be part of such a supportive, close-knit environment that puts students first.

Email: agustafson@lamotteschool.com

I'm Mrs. Efta, your new Librarian. I'm thrilled to be joining you at LaMotte School! I live in Ennis with my husband, Jim,and our shaggy yellow dog Willow. We have a big garden and like spending time on the Madison River.

I'm originally from Oregon near Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean. I graduated from college at the University of Montana-Missoula, where I studied Spanish language (go Griz!). Later, when my two daughters were still young, I earned my Masters degree in Library Science at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. I've been a librarian for children, youth, and even college students for many years, teaching in Dillon and in schools on two different Montana Indian Reservations.

I can't wait to see you and your family in the library, where we will share books, read together, explore our world, and "learn how to learn" and stay safe online!

Email: mefta@lamotteschool.com

Taryn Morris was born and raised in Bozeman Montana and a proud MSU graduate. Go Cats! Starting school at Emily Dickinson, She always had a passion for teaching others. What she wanted to teach was where she wasn’t sure. Until she picked up and fell in love with the saxophone. She would go on to play in concert bands, jazz bands, Marching bands, solos, and quartets! During her college career she was the tenor saxophone section leader for two years with the spirit of the west marching band, as well the alto section leader in university chorale. A fun fact she tells people is she used to hate singing and had to take extra singing lessons until she was able to eventually fall in love with her voice. Taryn has also joined the band service fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Beta, and was appointed treasure for three years. She finished her college education as a student teacher at Whittier elementary school with Sara Croghan. Nowadays she spends her time quilting, continuing to prepare to get her second degree black belt in taekwondo, and teaching swimming at the ridge!

Email:tmorris@lamotteschool.com