Published: June 2023
First Appeared In United Voices - June 2023
Honoring ND's Leaders of the Past and Future
North Dakota Teachers of the Year, finalists from the past 5 years, and outstanding educators with a tie to the Meiers family were invited to participate.
“This Academy was amazing! It was a day filled with learning. I took away so many inspirational stories of grit and determination from various leaders in our home state. My family and friends were very envious of my day and all the stories I shared about inspiring people!” – Heather Tomlin-Rohr, Jamestown
The Academy was developed to inspire, motivate, understand, and appreciate effective leadership styles of North Dakota leaders from the past and into the present and future.
The Academy was developed to honor Ruth Meiers, the first female Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota, who was selected as the North Dakota State Historical Society 2020 “Person of History” winner. Vivian Meiers, daughter-in-law of the Lt. Governor, coordinated the event. Speakers included: SaNoah LaRocque, Miss ND 2022; Macine Lukach, "Building Tomorrow's Leaders" NDSU Extension Service; Sara Medalen, ND Teacher of the Year 2019; Lindsey Miller, Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2023 and author of "The Girl In Lime Green Jeans"; Sarah Vogel, former ND Commissioner of Agriculture and author of “The Farmer’s Lawyer”; Susan Wefald, former ND Public Service Commissioner and author of “Important Voices: North Dakota’s Women Elected State Officials 1893-2013".
“The power of hearing stories, the benefits of having time with other colleagues, the many ways that leadership skills grow and develop over the years, the many ways that love for teaching and learning exist in our state. Hearing the stories of our many speakers was really a great way to fill my bucket and remind me of my "WHY." The experience has me thinking about ways that I can help all of my colleagues remember the many powerful ways that teaching makes a difference.” – Mary Eldredge Sandbo, Minot
Quote byMary Eldredge Sandbo
“...Hearing the stories of our many speakers was really a great way to fill my bucket and remind me of my "WHY." The experience has me thinking about ways that I can help all of my colleagues remember the many powerful ways that teaching makes a difference.”"
—Mary Eldredge Sandbo
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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.