NE North Dakota News

Fourteen graduate students are poised to complete the inaugural Master of Science in Teaching & Leadership program developed through a partnership between the University of North Dakota (UND) and the Grand Forks Public Schools (GFPS). This collaborative effort aims to bolster the pipeline of qualified educators in the local school district and address critical shortages in the teaching workforce.

The inaugural "Grand Gathering No. 5: Research Showcase" will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at the Henry Family Ballroom in UND's Memorial Union. The event will begin with a dinner for participants, followed by a showcase open to the public where graduates will present their research.

Laura Link, an associate professor at UND, leads and designed the 30-credit master's program as well as the new Mastery Learning Graduate Certificate. She expressed pride in the accomplishment of the program's participants, stating, "This partnership between UND and Grand Forks Public Schools represents education at its best — when theory meets practice in the same community."

The program, which is unique in the region, was crafted to meet the priorities of the School District, create pathways for teacher-leaders, and improve teacher retention. Link highlighted the program's innovative approach, saying, "We’re preparing our graduate students to lead as master teachers in their schools and in other innovative roles that maximize student and teacher learning."

Teachers enrolled in the program gain comprehensive training in curriculum, instruction, grading, and assessment. The initiative emerges at a crucial time as K-12 educators traditionally receive minimal training in assessment, a gap the program seeks to address.

Educators involved in the partnership view the program as beneficial for both UND and GFPS. The partnership allows educators to earn advanced credentials, creating a pool of experienced leaders to support teacher retention. Participants commit to working within the district for three years post-graduation.

During the event, key university and district figures, including UND President Andy Armacost and GFPS Superintendent Terry Brenner, will join Laura Link in addressing attendees and celebrating the success of the program's first graduates.