Result List
Cover Story
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.
Member Spotlight
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.
Member Spotlight
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.
In Your Voice
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.
Feature Article
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.
NDU In Action
2026 Delegate Assembly Brings Members Together
Delegates from across North Dakota gathered in Bismarck this spring to chart the union's course for the year ahead. Read highlights from the 2026 Delegate Assembly, including major business decisions, guest speakers, member recognition and the election-year priorities adopted by delegates.
Special Sections
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North Dakotans for Public SchoolsNorth Dakota United is partnering with North Dakotans for Public Schools to showcase the positive stories happening in classrooms every day. Learn how a new statewide advertising campaign featuring students and educators aims to celebrate public schools and build support for public education.
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Aspiring EducatorsThe Student Education Association chapter at United Tribes Technical College spent the past year helping future educators connect, grow and serve. From scholarship workshops to community outreach and professional development, the chapter is building a strong foundation for tomorrow's educators.
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Professional DevelopmentSummer is the perfect time to invest in your professional growth. Discover North Dakota United's July book studies, leadership opportunities and flexible Podcast PD program, which allows members to earn continuing education credits while exploring topics that matter most to them.
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County Teachers of the YearThirty-five North Dakota United members are among the 50 educators named 2027 County Teachers of the Year by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Meet the educators recognized for their excellence in teaching, leadership and service to students across the state.
Departments
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President's PostAs another school year comes to a close, North Dakota United President Nick Archuleta reflects on the dedication of educators and public employees across the state while looking ahead to the work still to come. He encourages members to stay engaged through advocacy, elections, the campaign for universal school meals and sharing the stories that demonstrate the value of public education and public services.
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PerspectivesRetirement marks the beginning of a new chapter—not the end of a commitment to public education and public service. NDU-Retired President Toni Gumeringer explains how retired members continue advocating for pensions, healthcare, public education and working families while enjoying valuable membership benefits and opportunities to stay connected.
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Get InvolvedRegistration is now open for North Dakota United's third annual Summer Leadership & Advocacy Summit. Members can choose from sessions in Bismarck or West Fargo designed to strengthen leadership, organizing and advocacy skills while building stronger local associations.
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Professional Day of LearningNorth Dakota's Teachers of the Year gathered at the Capitol this spring for a day of collaboration, learning and inspiration. Supported by the NDU Foundation, the annual event gave outstanding educators an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen professional connections and bring new strategies back to classrooms across the state.
United Voices Also Available as E-Edition
For anyone who still loves the experience of flipping through the pages of a print magazine or newspaper, you can still read United Voices the "old-fashioned" way on new technologies. Use the link below to access this latest issue, as well as the full archive of UV issues going back to 2013!
United Voices — June 2026
The Summer 2026 issue of United Voices celebrates the members who strengthen North Dakota’s public schools and public services every day — from honoring 2027 Education Support Professional of the Year Dawn Ressler and recognizing 35 County Teachers of the Year to recapping the 2026 Delegate Assembly. This issue also highlights advocacy in action through a teacher-led legislative classroom visit, the campaign to bring universal school meals to North Dakota voters, new public school awareness ads, professional learning opportunities for members, and stories showcasing the leadership, service and impact of educators and public employees across the state.
Download the Issue (pdf)
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