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All Together

In North Dakota, we’re all together. Our communities, workplaces, and schools are stronger when we stand up for each other and advocate for what we need to make us all better off. Across our state, North Dakota United members continue to build connections to parents, neighbors, churches, youth sports associations … you name it, our members are there to build the bonds that help our kids and communities succeed.
elementary school students sitting on the floor with teacher

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We Are All Together for North Dakota Students

ND Teacher of the Year Sheila Peterson is All Together for Students

2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year Sheila Peterson, a physical education instructor at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, shares her story of the path she took to become an educator, the love she and her family feel for their community in Bismarck-Mandan, and the importance of parental involvement in her efforts to lift up students and help them reach their full potential. "When we say we love your kids, we truly do love your kids," Peterson said. "I want kids to be comfortable here. We want to have an environment where every kid feels like they belong. I think, just realizing those parents are the No. 1 experts on that child, and just having that open dialogue and communication with them, is a pretty good start."

Trisha Schaefer is All Together for North Dakota Students

In this video, Minot math teacher and 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist Trisha Schaefer talks about how she became a teacher. Having been born and raised in Minot, Trisha and her husband created opportunities for themselves to work in education and raise a family here in her home state and community. "It is paramount that we have a good working relationship with parents, as well," she said. "They know their child better than anyone else, and so we've got to be able to be on the same page and talk about how we can, together, support their child."

Andee Mattson is All Together for North Dakota Students

In our latest video, Rugby music instructor and 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist Andee Mattson discusses how small-town communities like the towns where she grew up and is now raising a family can work together and lift up the hopes and dreams of all the students who attend public schools there. "The great thing about Rugby is they're very supportive of their students," Mattson said. "I have three kids of my own in school, so I see it from both sides. I think it's incredibly important that there's open lines of communication between the parents and the teachers, and also that you have that trust."

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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.