NE North Dakota News

Family, friends, and educators gathered at the Memorial Union’s Henry Family Ballroom to honor the first cohort of graduates from the UND-Grand Forks Public Schools Teaching & Leadership master’s program. Students from the University of North Dakota (UND) set the stage with music, while colorful balloons adorned the area, marking the end of five semesters of study.

Laura Link, associate professor at UND and director of the program, highlighted the importance of the evening, stating, “Our PK-12 teachers deserve our very best [...] These educators are doing heroic work every single day, and we’re just happy to serve and recognize them for all their accomplishments.” She emphasized that the program is about equipping teachers to build a stronger community.

Joel Schleicher, a clinical assistant professor involved in the program, remarked on the progress of the cohort, noting their initial apprehension and subsequent confidence growth. He indicated, “On that very first day of class [...] I remember seeing some faces turn white and getting that deer-in-the-headlights look.” Over time, this changed as they implemented their research in their teaching environments.

Terry Brenner, Grand Forks Public Schools Superintendent, shared his pride in the students, stating, “Some of them thought they didn’t belong, but they proved week after week after week that they do belong.”

Provost Eric Link added that the partnership reflects the community's dedication to educational excellence: “Through this partnership and on your good work and your thought, we have forged an alliance that speaks to those values for our community.”

Dean Shelbie Witte referred to the program as a “co-created leadership pipeline” and described the transformative power of collaboration, emphasizing the new education pathways it opened.

Associate Dean Rob Stupnisky praised the students’ involvement in practitioner research, noting its practical implications in improving teaching and addressing educational inequalities.

The evening concluded with a research showcase where graduates such as math teachers Emily Ismil and Luke Wurdock presented their findings. Ismil appreciated the community feel and confidence she gained, while Wurdock noted measurable improvements in teaching and learner understanding from his work.

Nicole Levenseller encapsulated the sentiment of the graduates, stating, “This showcase may mark the end of our time as master’s students, but it’s only the beginning of our journey as leaders, innovators and changemakers.”