In January, North Dakota United released daunting results of a survey on educator retention.

74% of those surveyed believe teacher retention is a major issue for the coming school year and only four out of ten see themselves retiring as teachers.

How did we get to this point? And what can be done about it?

Each Tuesday in March, in partnership with North Dakota United, we’ll hear from teachers who have left the profession, those who remain in the classroom, and from those who shape public policy affecting what happens in schools across North Dakota.

We start with former Bismarck teacher Kari Nehls (Nells) who spent fifteen years in education.
Nehls says she was born to be a teacher. However, as she tells North Dakota United’s Tom Gerhardt last summer she made the emotional decision to leave the profession she loves.

OUTRO: Next week, we’ll hear from a former Fargo teacher on why he chose to leave the classroom. And we’ll also hear from the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year on the challenges educators face and what she thinks could be done to help support teachers moving forward.

Central Campus is busy--with 1000 students and 150 staff members.
You can see how it would be possible to get lost in the shuffle.

A program called Sources of Strength is helping to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Started a couple of years ago, the program is helping forge positive connections, build relationships, and ultimately impact the overall wellbeing of students.

High school counselor Chelsie Smith guides a purposeful group of students here at New Town High School.

They’re part of a group called SOAR--Stand Up and Represent.

The idea behind the group is to create a peer to peer mentorship program--working to normalize difficult but real conversations on topics like suicide, loneliness and drugs and alcohol.

Valley City is home to 1100 public school students in grades k-12.
Like schools across the state, Valley City is facing a behavioral health crisis.
The school district, with help from the community, is working to provide students help.
North Dakota United visited three schools in early 2020 (before the pandemic) to see how educators are fighting for and finding solutions for students.
Here’s more on a program called “Access for All” that’s making a difference in students’ lives.

Welcome to Education Mindset--

A podcast brought to you by North Dakota United.

I’m your host--Tom Gerhardt.



In this episode—a visit with 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist and North Dakota United member Dana Kasowski of Wapheton.

Dana has dedicated 16 years to teaching special education in middle and elementary schoold in Wahpeton.

She tells us what drew her to working with students facing challenges with behaviors, academics, and social and emotional skills.

Dana also talks about mentoring first year special education teachers.

And she’ll tell us about the Nurtured Heart Approach and how it’s making a significant difference in the lives of students.