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Educator's Edge
October 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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North Dakota Literacy Team Updates |
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Get Ready for the Reveal of the 2026 Literacy Plan
The ND Literacy Team maintains the North Dakota State Literacy Plan. Next month, the updated 2026 plan will be released, along with workshops to help local teams develop or enhance their own plans. Throughout the year, modules on the North Dakota Educational Hub will provide additional guidance and resources. Follow along as we introduce the plan and explore how it can support your local literacy work.
A Shared Foundation for Strong Reading Instruction
North Dakota's commitment to literacy reflects more than a decade of planning, collaboration and continuous improvement. The first Comprehensive Literacy Plan, developed in 2010, established a birth-through-grade-12 framework focused on leadership, instruction, assessment, professional learning and family engagement. An updated plan followed in 2019, incorporating emerging research and strengthening the connection between evidence-based instruction and student outcomes.
The 2026 North Dakota State Literacy Plan builds on this foundation.
Informed by the science of reading, it connects research on how students learn to read with the instructional practices and school systems that support success. The plan explains explicit, systematic, diagnostic instruction in foundational reading skills and emphasizes the equal importance of vocabulary and background knowledge in building language comprehension for the development of strong readers and writers. Additionally, the plan keeps readers current on legislation, statewide initiatives, professional learning and partnerships that continue to advance literacy across the state.
How the Plan Supports Your Work
The plan offers educators, school leaders and local literacy teams a shared framework for improving reading outcomes. It can help guide instructional decisions, identify professional learning needs, use student data to inform instruction and coordinate additional support for learners. Schools and districts can apply these shared priorities in ways that reflect their students, staff and local needs. Local districts are encouraged to:
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Build a literacy implementation team with the knowledge, authority, and perspectives to do the work
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Set a manageable number of goals for both student outcomes and educator practice
Up Next
Next month, we'll explore the professional learning chapter and Hub module, highlighting how purposeful learning and collaboration can strengthen instruction and help every student become a capable, confident reader. Contact Brenda Ehrmantraut with questions.
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 BARR Grant Opportunity Open
NDDPI announced the opening of the GRAD 701 funding opportunity, which supports middle and high schools working to strengthen graduation pathways and improve student success.
GRAD 701 will partially fund two schools at $60,000 per year for three years to implement the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) model, an evidence‑based approach shown to improve student engagement, attendance, academics, school climate and family engagement. Schools already receiving BARR support through the ND CLIMBS grant are not eligible.
The application opened Sept. 28 and is available on the NDDPI website under Special Education – GRAD 701. The application closes Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. CDT.
For more information, visit the GRAD 701 informational webinar, which provides details on eligibility, guidelines and the application process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support student success and strengthen graduation outcomes across North Dakota.
Launch My Life: October Focus on Learning Resources
LaunchMyLifeND.com offers comprehensive tools for students with disabilities and the people who support them. It’s designed to help with planning for secondary transition.
This month’s spotlight is on learning resources. Students have many options for continuing their education after high school. Visit Launch My Life for information on college preparation, financial aid, education and training programs, keys for college success and more.
Share this resource to help individuals with disabilities take the next step in their learning journey.
Harvard Kennedy School Opens Fellowship to Public School Teachers
Public school teachers and school leaders are encouraged to apply for the American Service Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School, the largest scholarship program in the school's history. The fellowship provides $100,000 to public servants and military veterans to cover full tuition, fees and a partial living stipend while they pursue a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration degree.
The program welcomed its inaugural cohort to Harvard's campus this summer, bringing together combat veterans, public health and cybersecurity officers, transportation experts, small-town teachers, emergency managers, police chiefs, diplomats and elected officials from across the country.
Harvard Kennedy School is now recruiting its second cohort and wants to bring more public school leaders into the program. The fellowship is open to veterans, government employees, teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants who have dedicated at least seven years to public service in the United States.
Educators interested in learning more about eligibility and application timing can visit the American Service Fellowship website.
Half-Price Master's Degree Opportunity for Rural North Dakota Educators
Educators in rural North Dakota school districts with student populations under 5,000 are invited to apply for the Burgum Rural Educator Scholarship, funded by the Burgum Foundation through a grant awarded to the University of North Dakota. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition for UND's 100% online Master of Science in Teaching & Leadership, completed in five semesters from spring 2027 through summer 2028, with 11 specialization options, an optional Mastery Learning graduate certificate and personalized coaching from a dedicated professor of practice.
To qualify, applicants must be currently employed by a public, rural North Dakota district with fewer than 5,000 students and commit to working in their home district — or another rural North Dakota district — for three years after graduation. Seats are limited and awarded first-come, first-served, so interested educators are encouraged to apply early; applications are due Nov. 1, 2026. View a step-by-step guidance on how to apply.
Educators who want to learn more before applying can watch a recorded information session covering program details, eligibility and next steps. For questions, contact Dr. Laura Link, University of North Dakota, at (701) 777-5825.
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Professional Development & Training Opportunities |
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FREE Opportunity for Science Teachers
Science teachers across North Dakota are invited to join PD3 Science, a group of three North Dakota science teachers offering free professional development and hands-on science resources. PD3 Science hosts monthly Zoom collaboration calls where participants learn about websites that provide free hands-on science materials and how to use them in the classroom.
Teachers can visit PD3science.org to access recordings of past sessions, shared resources and information about the program. Those interested in joining the mailing list can sign up here: PD3 Contact List.
In partnership with North Dakota State University, PD3 Science will also host a free Science Saturday on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT at Hill Hall on the NDSU campus. The event will include sessions on low-cost biology, chemistry and physics labs, curriculum and assessment development, and chemical storage, disposal and safety. One NDSU credit will be available.
For questions, contact PD3 Science at 3science.amigos@gmail.com.
Free Teacher Workshop: Bringing the Founding to Life in the Classroom
The Bill of Rights Institute will host a free professional development workshop, "Bringing the Founding to Life in Your Classroom," on Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT in Medora, North Dakota. The session is designed for K-12 history, government and civics educators looking to strengthen their classroom instruction around the nation's founding principles.
The Bill of Rights Institute is a national civic education organization with a network of more than 50,000 history and civics educators, offering free classroom-ready resources and year-round teacher programming.
For more information and to register, visit The Bill of Rights Institute.
Personalized Learning Opportunities This Fall
The North Dakota Personalized Learning Network is offering professional development opportunities this fall for educators interested in personalized, competency-based learning.
On Nov. 4, NDPLN will host a free webinar featuring North Dakota teachers sharing how they use artificial intelligence to personalize learning and deepen student engagement. Educators are also encouraged to mark their calendars for the Winter Learning Workshop, set for Dec. 1 in Bismarck.
Dates, times, descriptions and registration information for all events are available on the Events | NDPL Network website.
Opportunity for Educators: Holocaust Education Summer Institute
North Dakota educators involved in Holocaust education are invited to apply for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) Power of Place: European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators. Now in its fifth year, this 10‑day immersive professional development program brings classroom teachers, administrators, and other educators to authentic historical sites in Hungary, Sweden, and Denmark to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust, World War II, antisemitism, and Jewish life before and after the war.
The institute also helps educators connect historical events to the present, strengthen students’ critical thinking, and bring meaningful lessons on responsibility and moral choices into their classrooms.
Applications are open through Oct. 30.
For the itinerary, program details, and application, visit the Power of Place – European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators webpage.
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Opportunities for Students |
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VFW Scholarship Opportunities
Students across North Dakota are invited to participate in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Youth Scholarship Programs, which promote patriotism, civic responsibility and appreciation for America's veterans.
Last year, North Dakota students excelled. Bismarck High School's Joanie McCormack placed first in the state Voice of Democracy competition and advanced to nationals, while Mike Roldan of Simle Middle School won the state Patriot's Pen contest. Teacher Stacey Seamands from Simle Middle Schoo was also recognized for encouraging 11 students to participate.
Patriot's Pen (Grades 6-8): Students write a 300- to 400-word essay on a patriotic theme. The top national prize is $5,000.
Voice of Democracy (Grades 9-12): Students record a three- to five-minute audio essay. The national first-place scholarship is $35,000.
For rules, eligibility and application details for both programs, visit the Youth Scholarships - VFW webpage. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
Coloring Contest (Grades K-8): Younger students may enter the VFW Auxiliary Coloring Contest, with entries judged on creativity and originality.
Schools are encouraged to share these opportunities to help more North Dakota students participate and compete for these meaningful awards.
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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!
 Save the Date: 13th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit
Save the date to be part of the 13th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit in 2027! Where educators, leaders, and community partners come together to celebrate culture, elevate student success, and shape brighter futures. Gain new strategies, learn from inspiring Indigenous voices, build meaningful connections, and leave equipped with practical tools to better support Native students in every school across North Dakota.
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