Polson Middle School Educator Honored with National 180 Award for Excellence in Literacy Instruction

Polson, MT — April 29, 2025 — Polson School District proudly announces that educator Nicole
Camel has been named a recipient of the 2025 National 180 Educator Award by Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt (HMH). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who have
demonstrated exceptional commitment to student growth through the effective implementation
of HMH’s Read 180 program.
Nicole Camel fosters a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated
to achieve their full potential. Her unwavering belief in her students’ abilities, coupled with her
dedication to building strong relationships, has led to significant improvements in literacy and
overall academic performance. Through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to
continuous professional growth, Ms. Camel exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the 180
Educator Award.
To honor Ms. Camel’s achievement, Casey Blake, Account Executive with HMH, traveled from
Indiana to Polson to present the award in person, alongside Polson students and educators.
The celebration highlighted Ms. Camel’s impactful work and her contribution to advancing
literacy education within the school community.
The 180 Awards, now in their 19th year, celebrate both students who have overcome challenges
to achieve academic success and the educators who support them. Winners are selected based
on written nominations and demonstrated improvements in reading or math through the use of
Read 180® or Math 180®, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement and academic
growth.
For more information about the 180 Awards and to view the list of past winners, visit
hmhco.com/180-awards.