Letter: The fact that teachers are fleeing Fargo and West Fargo schools comes as no surprise to me

The Forum’s Jim Shaw reported last week that Fargo and West Fargo schools are seeing many of their experienced teachers quitting . I’m not surprised: I know how unsupportive administrators and school boards can be with teachers. Example?

In early 2022 a physics teacher at West Fargo High School received notice that she had been selected for a prestigious 11-month Albert Einstein Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Einstein Fellowships have been available to outstanding math and science teachers around the country for many years, but this particular West Fargo teacher was the first North Dakota teacher ever selected. She was one of just 15 teachers selected from around the country for the 2022-23 school year.

So, was the teacher’s selection a matter of pride at West Fargo High? No. In fact, when the teacher applied for an unpaid leave of absence for this school year to participate, her request was denied!

First North Dakota teacher named Albert Einstein Fellow from West Fargo Schools, but denied leave

West Fargo

First North Dakota teacher named Albert Einstein Fellow from West Fargo Schools, but denied leave

Michelle Strand will have input on educational policies and programs at the national level.

June 08, 2022 07:31 AM

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By  Wendy Reuer

So, she took the fellowship and will find other employment when her work in D.C. is done. How do I know? I’m the teacher’s very proud dad.

George Sanderson lives in Moorhead.

This letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Forum's editorial board nor Forum ownership.