Nick Foertsch, Milnor, North Dakota: Young Educator's Advisory Council

Nick Foertsch, Social Studies teacher
Milnor Public School in Milnor, ND

I am originally from Wyndmere, ND. I chose to teach because I had excellent teachers growing up that inspired me to go into the same field to hopefully make the same difference in others' lives as they did in mine.

We are in a major cultural rebuild here. I think what makes us special is we have some kids here that are committed to that rebuild and want to leave a positive legacy here. Our staff is on the same page. It is really cool being a part of a place that is willing to buck the trend and start anew.

The relationships you can build. You know every student. You know their siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents. You can really get to know the community and work to build it up through all facets of that student's life.

I'm excited to rejoin the Young Educators' Advisory Council to continue the work that we have set forward the first two years to show people the wonderful opportunities that teaching rural can bring.

The Young Educators' Advisory Council is an initiative for early career rural teachers. These young educators will serve RSC as advisors to strengthen our mission in the recruitment, preparation, and retention of rural teachers. YEA council members will serve for two years engaging in online conversations.