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HB 1238: Lifetime Teaching License Update
HB 1238 introduces changes to North Dakota's teaching license process, effective Aug 1, 2025. The 25-Year Lifetime License will be available to teachers who have:
This update comes from the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB), which oversees teacher licensing in North Dakota.
✅ Applications open July 20, 2025 – apply online through your ND Teach account
🕒 No need to wait for your current license to expire
🛑 New rule: All lifetime license holders (25- and 30-year) must report every 5 years to ESPB to confirm their intent to continue teaching and disclose any background check issues. This process is free!
Make sure your ND Teach email is up to date for important communications from ESPB.
Delay in Federal Title Allocations
NDDPI is waiting for the U.S. Department of Education to communicate estimated federal Title allocations. NDDPI plans to open the 2025-2026 Intent to Apply portion of the Consolidated Application as scheduled on April 21, 2025. As soon as we receive funding updates, we will share with districts information regarding the Consolidated Application narrative and the budget process.
If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Peterson at [email protected] or (701) 328-3545.
 Reminder: Share Your Voice in Phones In Focus
This is a quick reminder to participate in Phones In Focus, a national research initiative led by Dr. Angela Duckworth (author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance) that explores how school cell phone policies affect student achievement, well-being, and school climate.
📅 Survey window: April 8–30, 2025
⏱ Takes just 5 minutes
🔒 Confidential, voluntary, and free
Your input is essential to help build a clear, statewide picture of current practices. As of April 11, more than 3,000 North Dakotans have already participated — thank you to everyone who’s taken part so far!
📌 Please Note: The survey link is functional, but some school networks may block access. If it doesn’t load at school, try using a personal device or home network.
Let’s make sure North Dakota leads with evidence-based decisions for students. Your voice matters!
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Upcoming FMVSS 213 Changes May Affect School Bus Restraint Availability
Manufacturers of 5-point child restraints for school buses are urging NHTSA to clarify new FMVSS 213 rules—federal safety standards for child restraint systems. Without exemption from new side impact requirements, these school bus-specific systems may be unavailable after June 30, 2025, impacting pre-K and Head Start programs.
Additionally, Chicco USA has issued a recall (NHTSA Recall ID 25C005) for certain MyFit Zip Air Harness and Booster seats due to excessive chest movement during crashes, which violates FMVSS 213 safety standards.
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Four-Year-Old Program Approval for 2025-2026
All schools planning to offer a Four-Year-Old Program for the 2025-2026 school year must request approval from Health and Human Services by June 1.
Approval requests must be submitted using SFN 1304. Along with the completed form, schools must include:
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A completed and signed Four-Year-Old Program Approval form
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A copy of school board minutes documenting program approval
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A copy of the most recent fire marshal’s safety report
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A non-refundable $50 fee
Mail all items to:
Department of Human Services
Early Childhood Division
600 E Boulevard Ave Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Approval is valid for two years. If your school was approved last year, no new request is needed for 2025-2026. Newly approved programs will be valid for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.
For more information, visit:
https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/early-childhood-services/four-year-old-program-approval
Questions? Contact Shonda Wild, HHS-Early Childhood Best in Class Program Administrator, at (701) 328-1980.
North Dakota Scholarship Application Deadline is June 6
The North Dakota Scholarship Application is now open for Class of 2025 seniors. Students may submit their applications at any time before the Friday, June 6 deadline.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Beginning with the Class of 2025, new scholarship requirements are fully in effect. Students can no longer qualify under the former Academic or CTE Scholarship criteria. Make sure students and parents understand the new requirements and how they differ from Choice Ready standards.
Schools must also complete and submit the Choice Ready report accurately. Many scholarship indicators will be pulled directly from this report. If an indicator is not marked, the student cannot use it to qualify—no exceptions will be made.
A detailed email with procedures and guidance was sent to secondary principals and school counselors earlier this week.
📞 Questions? Contact Jim Upgren at 701-328-2244 for assistance.
2024–2025 Annual Schoolwide Reporting Due June 1–15
The 2024–2025 Annual Schoolwide Title I Reporting window is now open in Cognia Diagnostics. All required reports must be submitted between June 1 and June 15, 2025.
To support schools with this process, NDDPI hosted a guidance webinar on March 25, 2025, covering updates, submission steps, and key changes. Access the recording and slide deck for a refresher.
Additional resources include:
Note: Schools transitioning from Targeted Assistance must submit a cover letter with board approval of the new Schoolwide Plan by June 1, 2025.
For questions, contact Michelle Siegfried at (701) 328-3544.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Filling the Classroom: Solutions for Recruiting International Teachers
This webinar, hosted by North Dakota Commerce, is designed for public school administrators and HR teams looking to enhance their teacher recruitment efforts. Learn how to successfully recruit teachers from the Philippines through H-1B and J-1 visas.
📅 When: Wednesday, April 23 | 3:30 - 4:30pm CDT
💻 Where: Online
✅ Insights from a local recruiter and a U.S. Immigration attorney
✅ Successful recruitment & retention strategies
✅ Practical solutions to fill classrooms with qualified educators
Don't miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your recruitment strategies!
 Feeding and Fueling the World: A Workshop for ND Teachers
Hosted by Nourish the Future, this 2-day workshop in Casselton on June 25 & 26 is designed for middle and high school STEM teachers. Engage in hands-on lessons on modern food production, biotechnology, and biofuels.
Workshop Highlights:
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Field trip to biofuel production
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Industry dinner
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$300 in classroom supplies
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Hotel and meals provided
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Professional development credit from North Dakota State University
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 Real-World Learning in Action
On March 20, Bismarck Public Schools' Elk Ridge 2nd graders hosted the very first Elk Ridge Marketplace—a hands-on event where students became producers, selling handmade goods to parents and families using classroom currency!
Leading up to the event, students learned all about needs vs. wants, goods and services, and how producers and consumers interact. The marketplace brought those lessons to life while also teaching important financial skills like budgeting, saving, and valuing products.
Even better? Families got involved too—making it a fun and meaningful experience that extended learning beyond the classroom.
Elk Ridge is already looking forward to what comes next. More creativity, more real-world learning, and even more student-led innovation.
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 🔥 Fuel Your Passion for Innovation in Education!
Join us June 3–5, 2025 at Bismarck State College for IgniteND, a dynamic three-day conference designed to empower educators, administrators, and technology coordinators with the tools and insights needed for 21st-century learning. Dive into cutting-edge topics like computer science, cybersecurity, and the skills essential for success in today’s digital world.
🎓 Earn or renew your ND Level 3 Computer Science and Cybersecurity Credential
💻 Explore hands-on learning and 21st-century tools
🎁 Get a micro:bit kit + Tim’s book, “STEAM Power,” with paid registration
🏡 Stay on campus (dorms available!)
🎤 Presenters attend FREE (Apply by April 18!)
💼 Sponsor spots open through May 15
📅 $149 until May 16, $180 after
📍 In-person only for 2025—no virtual option!
Questions? Email [email protected], or call 701-224-5600.
 NDDPI and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission present the 11th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit. This two-day event, hosted July 17-18 in Bismarck, is open to all North Dakota educators and provides professional development on best practices in Indian education.
Registration Fees:
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Early Bird (Apr 9 - May 16): $175
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Regular (May 17 - Jun 30): $200
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Late (Jul 1 - 13): $250
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Vendor & Exhibitor options available
Included:
Keynotes, breakout sessions, cultural presentations, meals, snacks, handouts, and networking opportunities. A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Cancellation Policy:
Refunds available until July 9. After that, fees are non-refundable.
Continuing Education:
Earn one credit through the University of Mary for $45 (registration by July 17).
Register early—space is limited to the first 200 registrants.
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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