Central ND News

The University of Mary has introduced the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) for educators in the Bismarck and Williston Public School Districts. This program allows K-12 teachers to pursue a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership while continuing their full-time teaching roles.

The TLA is delivered through a hybrid format that combines online learning with face-to-face sessions held in participants' communities. This approach aims to enhance instructional leadership and promote professional growth among educators.

Dr. Matthew Lonn, chair of Graduate Education at the University of Mary's Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, highlighted the unique collaborative nature of the program. "We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all curriculum," said Lonn. "Each TLA is co-planned with a liaison from the local district to customize course content, textbooks, and curriculum to meet the district’s specific needs."

The academy focuses on cultivating leadership within classrooms rather than preparing future administrators. Participants will engage in action research projects to address challenges in their classrooms, equipping them with skills to improve student learning through evidence-based strategies.

Enrollment deadlines differ for each district: October 1, 2025, for Bismarck with courses starting January 5, 2026; and June 1, 2025, for Williston with courses beginning September 1, 2025. The instruction format varies slightly between districts but maintains a balance between online and face-to-face learning.

Since nearly half of North Dakota's instructional staff are new since 2020, there is an increasing demand for teacher development programs like TLA that empower educators without requiring them to leave their classrooms. Dr. Lonn emphasized this need: “There is no shortage of master’s programs that prepare teachers for administrative roles, but few focus on empowering educators to lead from within their classrooms.”

By working closely with school districts and focusing on research-driven instruction and peer collaboration, the University of Mary aims to provide a professional development experience that benefits both teachers and students.