Central ND News

Frannie Tunseth, a reading and mathematics interventionist at Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg Public School in Mayville, has been named North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year for 2026. The announcement was made jointly by Governor Kelly Armstrong and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler during a ceremony at the state Capitol on Friday.

Tunseth works with students in grades four through eight who need extra support in math and reading. Over her 11-year career, she has served as both a teacher and an elementary school principal. She previously received recognition as Griggs County Teacher of the Year in 2022.

In her application for Teacher of the Year, Tunseth wrote: “Many of the students I work with have experienced repeated challenges in school, which can lead to disengagement and a belief that they are not capable. My core belief is that all kids can experience success every single day, and it's my responsibility to create the conditions for that success.”

Tunseth will begin her role as Teacher of the Year on January 1, succeeding Kendall Bergrud, a mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck.

The award was presented at an event honoring four finalists: Emily Dawes from Lake Agassiz Elementary School in Grand Forks; Hannah Sagvold from Lisbon Public School; Leah Wheeling from Simle Middle School in Bismarck; and Tunseth herself.

Governor Armstrong stated: “We’re fortunate in North Dakota to have teachers like Mrs. Tunseth who care deeply and go the extra mile to create a bright future for our children. Her commitment to helping every student succeed no matter how big the obstacle is an inspiration for educators everywhere, and we congratulate her on this deserving honor as Teacher of the Year.”

Superintendent Baesler added: “Mrs. Tunseth’s teaching style is inspirational. When a student is having difficulties, she is able to transform their outlook on education. Her love and dedication for teaching and her students are evident. She works hard to bring parents and families into her classroom instruction, because she knows that family involvement is a key part of student success.” Baesler also said: “Mrs. Tunseth will be an excellent representative for the outstanding North Dakota teachers that we have in our classrooms across North Dakota.”

Tunseth began teaching as a resident kindergarten teacher at the University of North Dakota while completing graduate studies full time. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UND and is currently pursuing a Ph.D., expected to be completed by May 2027.

Her previous roles include first-grade teacher in Thief River Falls, Minnesota; kindergarten teacher in Grand Forks; fourth-grade instructor in Hillsboro; and elementary principal at Griggs County Central school district in Cooperstown from 2020 until 2023 before taking up her current position.

The selection process started last spring when nominations were sought for County Teachers of the Year across North Dakota. Forty-eight educators were recognized at this level before four finalists were chosen by an eight-member screening committee according to procedures outlined under state law NDCC 15.1-02-21.

As state honoree, Tunseth will now be considered for National Teacher of the Year—an award managed by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), where Superintendent Baesler previously served as board president—with results expected next spring.