I-REEED (the Initiative for Rural Education, Equity, and Economic Development) and UND's College of Education and Human Development present Spotlight on Innovations in Teacher Recruitment and Retention. The focus is to examine positive innovations occurring in the area of teacher recruitment and retention while also soliciting ideas and feedback from educators to incorporate in future initiatives.

Rural sociologist Ben J. Winchester will deliver the event's keynote address, "Rewriting the Rural Narrative: Resident Recruitment and the Rural Brain Gain". Following the keynote address, Dr. Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz will moderate a panel centered on innovations in teacher recruitment and retention. This robust discussion will feature education leaders from across the state including representatives from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), leadership from UND’s College of Education and Human Development, and the following panelists:

• Ivona Todorovic, North Dakota's 2023 Teacher of the Year
• Michael Heilman, Executive Director of North Dakota Small Organized Schools
• Dr. Steven Johnson, Superintendent of Fort Ransom Elementary School District
• Nick Archuleta, President of North Dakota United

An interactive Q&A discussion will follow. Educators throughout North Dakota at all levels are encouraged to attend.

There is no cost for this event, but registration is required. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022.