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Educator's Edge
September 2026
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The Educator's Edge is a collaborative initiative led by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), in
partnership with several education organizations across the state. Disseminated monthly, we aim to keep educators informed, inspired, and connected.
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 Save the Date: 2027 ND Literacy Summit
Join educators from across state for the 2027 North Dakota Literacy Summit, June 23–24, 2027 in Fargo, North Dakota. Mark your calendars and watch for registration to open in early 2027—more details coming soon!
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Professional Development & Training Opportunities |
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School‑Based Symposium for Speech‑Language Professionals
The State Education Agencies Communication Disability Council (SEACDC) will host a free, two‑day webinar for school‑based Speech‑Language Pathologists and Speech‑Language Pathology Assistants on Oct. 15–16 from noon to 3:30 p.m. CDT. Attendees will receive a certificate for completed professional development hours. Space is limited to 1,000 participants per day, and registrants are asked to attend the full session for the days they select.
Featured speakers include Tiffany White, Dr. Doug Petersen, Lauren Arner, Tera Sumpter, Angie Neal and Jason Travers, covering topics such as dismissal, narrative language, artificial intelligence, executive function, screen time and behavior.
Register here for Thursday and/or Friday. For additional information or questions, visit the State Education Agencies Communication Disability Council - Home or email SEACDCBoard@gmail.com.
Free Virtual Arts Integration Residencies for K–8 Classrooms
Focus 5 and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are offering free, three‑day virtual arts integration residencies for K–8 classrooms. Each residency connects visual art with core classroom learning and gives students the chance to work directly with a teaching artist, no matter where their school is located. There is no cost to participating schools.
To register, visit: America's Field Trip.
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Innovation on the Plains: Teaching History Workshop
North Dakota teachers in grades 6–12 are invited to apply for Innovation on the Plains, a primary sources workshop at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota on Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT.
Teachers will practice historical thinking and primary source analysis while exploring topics including the Garrison Dam in central North Dakota and coal mining on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana.
The workshop offers renewal credits and stipends. Space is limited so apply by Oct. 1.
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Secondary Transition Talks: Part 2
Educators are invited to join the next series of Secondary Transition Talks, held monthly on the second Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. CDT. Sessions run October 2026 through May 2027. Participants who attend all sessions can earn four hours toward a credit on the Educational Hub.
This series covers topics such as Centers for Independent Living, evidence-based transition practices, Individual Education Plan (IEP) best practices, Summary of Performance, collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation and transition planning from a parent’s perspective.
To register, visit: Specially Designed Services (SPED)
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Opportunities for Students |
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 High School Juniors and Seniors Invited to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program
The 2027 application for the 65th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is now open to North Dakota high school juniors and seniors interested in government and public service. The program offers a fully funded weeklong civic leadership experience in Washington, D.C., where delegates meet with senior federal officials, including U.S. senators, executive branch leaders and members of the Supreme Court.
Washington Week is scheduled for March 6–13, 2027. Selected students will also receive a $12,500 undergraduate scholarship from The Hearst Foundations.
The application deadline is midnight on Oct. 18. More information about eligibility requirements, the application process and program details is available at United States Senate Youth Program.
For questions, contact Kassie Schaff.
Explore “Why Teach” with Your Students
The University of North Dakota’s College of Education & Human Development invites you to share Why Teach, a free, online, self-guided learning module that encourages students to explore careers in education.
Designed for high school Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) courses, the module fits independent career exploration or sub plans. Students can move through eight 20–25 minute topics with videos, real-life scenarios, and interactive activities. Why Teach is easy to use and requires no login.
For questions, contact Katie Stermer.
 NASA TechRise Student Challenge Now Open
Middle and high school students are invited to join the NASA TechRise Student Challenge, where teams design science or technology experiments to fly on a commercial high‑altitude balloon. Students in grades 6–12 can work with an educator to develop an experiment proposal, gaining hands‑on experience in engineering, computing and electronics.
Sixty winning teams will receive $1,500 to build their experiment, a starter kit with a flight box, a spot on a NASA‑sponsored flight and virtual mentoring from Future Engineers advisors. The challenge is open now, and experiment ideas are due Nov. 2.
Educators and students can also join the NASA TechRise Virtual Field Trip on Sept. 22, featuring a live Q&A with Dr. Kevin Crosby from NASA’s Johnson Space Center. RSVP here.
Learn more or sign up at Future Engineers: NASA TechRise Challenge.
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North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory Revised
The newly revised North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory helps North Dakotans easily locate and access behavioral health services across the state. The expanded directory allows users to search for mental health and substance use programs by location, specialties, telehealth options, insurance accepted, translation services and more.
For questions, contact programregistry@nd.gov at (701) 328-8920.Click to edit this placeholder text.
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Explore Launch My Life ND
Launch My Life North Dakota is a helpful resource for individuals with disabilities and the people who support them. The site offers clear, engaging information to help students plan for secondary transition.
This month’s featured topic highlights the value of being part of a community. Staying connected is an important part of lifelong happiness. You can find resources on volunteering, transportation and exploring local communities at Community – Launch My Life.
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NDSU Extension Brings “On the Move” to North Dakota Schools
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is introducing On the Move, an interactive curriculum for grades K–6 that promotes healthy choices through lessons on nutrition, gardening, physical activity and food science. Students will explore new foods, participate in hands-on activities and learn simple ways to stay active.
Supported by Rural Health Transformation funding, NDSU Extension is partnering with NDDPI to expand the program statewide over the next five years. The goal is to reach every elementary student in North Dakota. In 2027, the focus will be on grades 1–4.
Educators will receive details directly from NDSU Extension as the program rolls out in schools. More information coming soon.
Foster Grandparents: A Classroom Support Opportunity
Teachers in western North Dakota can partner with the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program to bring trained volunteers—age 55 and older—into their classrooms to support students who need extra academic or social‑emotional help. Foster Grandparents reinforce reading and foundational skills, boost confidence, and offer consistent one‑on‑one encouragement that complements classroom instruction.
The program also benefits the volunteers themselves, providing meaningful community involvement, renewed purpose and daily connection with children. Many describe the experience as personally rewarding and energizing.
Administered by North Dakota Senior Career Development in Dickinson, the program is offered at no cost to schools. Volunteers receive training, complete required background checks and may qualify for a tax‑free stipend and mileage reimbursement.
To learn more about bringing Foster Grandparents to your school, visit ndseniorcareerdevelopment.org. For questions, contact North Dakota Senior Career Development or call (701) 483‑5335.
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