Voice Your Support for Public Schools
Public education cuts lead to larger class sizes and less support for students and educators, especially those who live in rural areas or are in need of special services.
A United Voice for Educators and Public Employees in North Dakota
Joining North Dakota United means investing in the future of our state, where quality public education and essential services are the cornerstones of success. Together we can advocate for well-funded public schools and bolster the vital public services our citizens rely on daily.
Our United Voices
School Meals Measure Heads to a Vote
School Meals Measure Heads to a Vote
North Dakota voters will decide this November whether to provide free breakfast and lunch to every public school student. Here's how the Together for School Meals coalition reached the ballot, why North Dakota United is supporting the effort, and what supporters say the measure could mean for students and families statewide.
2027 ESP of the Year Dawn Ressler: The Power of Play
2027 ESP of the Year Dawn Ressler: The Power of Play
North Dakota United's 2027 Education Support Professional of the Year, Dawn Ressler, believes students learn best when therapy feels like play. Meet the Mandan Public Schools physical therapy assistant whose creativity, compassion and willingness to help wherever needed have made a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the school community.
ESP of the Year Finalist Laurie Holcomb: Confidence Builder
ESP of the Year Finalist Laurie Holcomb: Confidence Builder
Grand Forks paraprofessional Laurie Holcomb has spent decades helping students — and fellow educators — grow in confidence. Recognized as a finalist for 2027 North Dakota United Education Support Professional of the Year, Holcomb reflects on the relationships, mentorship and quiet moments that make her work so rewarding.
ESP of the Year Finalist Katie Weiner: A New Day, Every Day
ESP of the Year Finalist Katie Weiner: A New Day, Every Day
Every school day brings new challenges, and Katie Weiner embraces every one of them with a smile. The Thompson Elementary instructional paraprofessional and 2027 ESP of the Year finalist shares why helping students feel seen, supported and successful is the best part of her job.
Member Voices: Seat at the Table
Member Voices: Seat at the Table
After being named North Dakota's 2026 Teacher of the Year, Frannie Tunseth challenged herself to move beyond the classroom by inviting local legislators to see learning in action. Her reflection explores why educators shouldn't wait for an invitation to advocate—and how opening classroom doors can strengthen understanding and support for public education.
Together We Can: Empower Your Career, Strengthen Your Community
By banding together, we can guarantee every child has access to an excellent public education and uphold the essential public services that drive North Dakota's prosperity.
Membership Benefits: Why Join ND United?
Advance Your Career With Free Professional Development
Take Action on the Issues That Matter Most
Explore ND United's Resources & Information
Access the latest news and media center, exclusive members-only content, and learn more about ND United's mission and impact.
Together, We Can Bring Meaningful Change
Facts About The Issues That Matter Most
Only 32% of North Dakota counties have access to a private school. 93% of ND students attend a public school.
Together, We Can Bring Meaningful Change
We must keep public dollars in public schools. Voucher schemes directly suck funding out of rural community schools across North Dakota that are already underfunded and diverts scarce resources away from most North Dakota students.
Learn About Vouchers
Fourteen counties in North Dakota meet less than 60% of the demand for childcare.
Together, We Can Bring Meaningful Change
We must invest in affordable childcare. We know that the ongoing shortage of childcare providers is preventing parents from joining or rejoining the workforce at a time when there are more than 18,000 unfilled jobs in North Dakota.
What's Being Done?
While there were notable funding increases in 2023 for public workers and educators, we still fell short of where our state needs to be.
Together, We Can Bring Meaningful Change
ND United is a strong advocate for increasing investments in educator and public worker salaries. This ensures that students get access to qualified teachers and North Dakotans receive the quality services they rely on.
The Fight for Funding
What’s on Your Mind?
We’re here to help. Our community comes to us seeking tools (guides, reports, trainings, and more) to help answer everyday questions. We’re here to support you in whatever you need.
A Union of Professionals in Public Education and Public Services
Leverage your combined power, at the negotiating table with school boards, in the halls of the state Legislature, and in the decision-making process when elected officials and administrators are determining your pay, benefits and terms of employment.
Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education & Public Services
With more than 11,500 members across the state, NDU supports equal opportunities for success for ALL North Dakota students, and respect and support for all educators. NDU members are teachers, community college professors, speech pathologists, bus drivers, secretaries, retired educators and student teachers.