NE North Dakota News

After careful consideration, Kelsey Kreidt decided that Minot State University was the best place to continue her education. The Mandan native sought a path to obtain her degree in special education after working as a paraprofessional for eight years. As a mother of three, she needed a program that fit her busy schedule.

“I started college at Bismarck State College and completed my associate degree before transferring to Minot State University for the para-to-teacher pathway program. I have been a full-time paraprofessional for the last eight years with Mandan Public Schools. While researching and going over options with my husband, we concluded that this program was the best way for me to complete a degree in special education,” Kreidt said. “This program was made for the working para, and it made getting my degree a possibility.”

Kreidt's interest in special education stemmed from personal challenges during high school.

“I chose to pursue a degree in special education because when I was in high school, I really struggled in school. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression while I was a freshman in high school and ADHD and ODD during my sophomore/junior year in high school,” she said. “I always felt like I fell through the cracks because my ‘behaviors’ weren’t destructive or disruptive to other students, so I stayed out of the spotlight, I was just labeled as a bad kid.”

Her motivation grew stronger due to experiences with her middle child, Huntley.

“My second reason for wanting to go into special education is because my son Huntley has a rare genetic disease called spinocerebellar ataxia type 27a. He has been considered developmentally delayed since he was about 6 months old until about two years ago when we got his diagnosis,” she explained. “He has been on an IEP since he was 3 and accesses the resource room regularly."

“I just want the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of students and parents with similar stories, and to help make sure there aren’t as many students ‘falling through the cracks’ as there were when I was in school.”

Kreidt appreciates the flexibility of her online program at Minot State University.

“Because of this program and all the knowledge and experience I have received during my clinicals and my student teaching, I feel confident in moving forward as a special ed teacher next year.”

Outside academics, Kreidt stays active with her family on their hobby farm and involvement with Mandan Wrestling Club.

“We are very active with the Mandan Wrestling Club and are usually quite busy at home with our animals or doing projects since we have a small hobby farm with horses, cats, dogs, and chickens,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kreidt plans further educational pursuits.

“My future is also going to include going for my master’s degree once I have a year experience under my belt,” Kreidt said. “I am hoping to learn how to balance managing a caseload and family before I add school back into the mix, but one day I would love to make it as an administrator.”

Minot State University is committed to excellence through rigorous academic experiences and community engagement.