North Dakota
Our North Dakota Hub is anchored by the North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS), an affiliate of the National Rural Education Association.
North Dakota Small Organized Schools
North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS) represents all rural North Dakota schools, working to promote rural education in the Peace Garden State. Dr. Mike Bitz, executive director of NDSOS, serves as the hub contact for North Dakota.
As a membership organization, North Dakota Small Organized Schools serves as an "effective voice for public education while emphasizing local control." North Dakota Small and Organized Schools is committed to the development of thoughtful partnerships that provide benefits to its member schools and communities.
The work of our North Dakota Hub focuses on strengthening the bonds between school and community, rural teacher recruitment and placement, place-based education, social marketing and school-centered philanthropy. Additionally, Bismarck-based teacher preparation leader University of Mary was a recipient of the 2022 Catalyst Initiative Grant.
Spotlight
Portrait of a Small, Rural School: Sweet Briar, North Dakota
Connection and innovation are driving the sustained success of Sweet Briar, a small school in rural North Dakota
The RSC team visited Sweet Briar in October and it’s plain to see, then, why enrollment is up and in a state where small districts without a high school have to fight against consolidation, the faces at Sweet Briar are all smiles. Rebecca Griffin, the 2nd - 4th grade teacher, recently earned her teaching license after working in Sweet Briar as a paraprofessional. When asked what makes Sweet Briar special, she doesn’t hesitate: “Sweet Briar is home to me. I went to school here, and then I sent my kids here. And so it's just that close, family-kind of atmosphere that it has.” It’s no wonder that so many students were jumping at the opportunity to show off the school that they, too, call home.
Read MoreMore news and stories from our North Dakota Regional Hub:
Valley City State University Leading the Way
The School of Education at Valley City State University features many innovative programs that are enhancing rural education across North Dakota
‘That’s not my job’ Isn’t a Thing: Inside the thriving Menoken School (ND)
Dedicated and adaptable teachers create a family-friendly, student-centered learning environment in Menoken, North Dakota
I Am A Rural Teacher: Mary McHugh - Sweet Briar, ND
Mary shares her passion for designing effective education in a small North Dakota school
Portrait of a Small, Rural School: Sweet Briar, North Dakota
Connection and innovation are driving the sustained success of Sweet Briar, a small school in rural North Dakota