I'd like to share with you why I am running for this very important position of North Dakota's Superintendent of Schools, and what I intend to do if elected.
Public education has been my passion my entire adult life. Every activity or event I have been involved with has been dedicated to helping children grow emotionally, physically and intellectually. I am passionate about teaching and learning and view myself as a public servant advocating for the needs of children of all ages.
I was raised knowing that each of us has a great responsibility to be involved and to give back to our communities, our state and our country. There was never a question of if I will serve; the question has always been 'How can I best serve?' In the past, I have been asked to run for other public offices. I always declined because most of the positions would have taken me further away from my passion for public education. I believe that public education is the greatest American institution this country ever created. Our children deserve the opportunity to succeed and prosper regardless of cultural or economic backgrounds. Public education levels that playing field for them.
It is essential that the next Superintendent of Public Instruction remember - the children must come first. They must remember that the sole reason for the existence of, and the primary focus of motivation for the Department of Public Instruction is to ensure our children prosper and flourish. Every decision, policy and practice of the Department must work toward that end--our children must come first! This is what has motivated me throughout my 21-years in public education and why I am running for this office of the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction.
My 21 year career in public education on a multitude of levels, focused on positively influencing the lives of children, has prepared me well for the duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. My experience, knowledge, and understanding of public education has been cultivated over these past two decades of working in public schools and serving on education-related boards and committees at the federal, state and local levels. Daily contact with educators, administrators, students, parents and community members provides me a clear picture of how federal regulations affect our education system and what North Dakota public schools truly need to graduate students who will be successful, solid citizens in our communities.
I have a solid understanding of the legislative process, having traveled to Washington, DC, each of the past five years to communicate the needs of North Dakota public schools to our state's congressional delegation, and testifying before our state legislature numerous times for educational, technology, library and funding bills. My work as Southwest Director for the North Dakota School Board Association, and as President of the Mandan Public School Board requires constant monitoring not only of education-related regulatory issues that affect our schools but also research, innovations, technology and best teaching practices.
As North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work as hard as is necessary to ensure North Dakota values are safeguarded, our unique economic and job market conditions are considered, and most importantly ensure our students' needs are met! - Kirsten Baesler
Credentials:
- Southwest Director, ND School Board Association Board of Directors (NDSBA), 2008-2012
- President, Mandan Public Schools Board, 2006-Present (Member since 2004)
- Governor Appointed Member, North Dakota Educational Technology Council, 2011-Present
- 21 years work experience in public education Assistant Principal and Media Specialist Bismarck Public Schools
- Master's Degree, Education and Library Information Technology, Valley City State University
- Bachelor's Degree, Education, Minot State University
- 42 year member of American Legion Auxiliary
- Member Spirit of Life Church
- Morton Mandan Public Library Board of Trustees
- Mandan Progress Organization Executive Board
- Chairman of Mandan Tomorrow Strategic Planning Committee
- Former Sunday School Teacher
- Youth Park and Rec Coach
- Cub Scout Leader