North Dakota Teacher of the Year gets grant to promote teaching

(Harvey, ND) -- North Dakota's 2022 Teacher of the Year is getting a grant to promote teaching.

Bret Dockter was awarded 15-thousand dollars to promote the teaching profession and education. The funds for the first grant of its kind in the state come from North Dakota's share of a federal grant allocation supporting classroom instruction.

Dockter said he is consulting other teachers and administrators for ideas and would welcome suggestions from colleagues across the state. “When I got this news (of the grant), it took me by surprise. I had no idea it was coming,” he said.

“This has never been done in North Dakota,” Dockter said. “We want to make sure we do things that are worthwhile. We’re open to ideas. We want to promote education as much as we can.”

"Your work as an educator has reflected the Department of Public Instruction’s core values of building relationships, cultivating opportunity, and inspiring growth," said North Dakota State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler in a letter to Dockter. “You and your fellow educators across the state make a remarkable impact on the lives of so many students throughout North Dakota. Keep up your outstanding efforts in working with North Dakota students. You make a difference in the lives of so many of them.”

Dockter teaches social studies, science, and math at B.M Hanson Elementary School in Harvey and coaches the Harvey/Wells County high school football team.