Kirsten Baesler: Shaping the Future of North Dakota's Schools

More Than a Test

In today's episode, our host Laura Glaab engages in an insightful conversation with Kirsten. Baesler, the passionate and driven Superintendent of Public Instruction for North Dakota.

As we sit down with Kirsten, who has triumphantly stood at the helm of North Dakota's educational leadership for the last 12 years, we'll unpack her commitment to the state's unique collective purchasing power strategy, designed to empower small districts through a unified negotiation approach.

From her days as a teacher's aide to the awe-inspiring ascent to state superintendent, Kirsten shares her profound journey through the various tiers of educational leadership. She candidly discusses the challenges and successes, detailing the innovative model changes that aim to revitalize the teaching profession, improve educator retention, and foster a more robust learning environment.

North Dakota's remarkable diversity serves as a backdrop to our conversation, with students from all corners of the world bringing a rich tapestry of languages and experiences to the state's schools.

Stay tuned, as Kirsten Baesler shares her story, her vision, and her relentless passion for the future of teaching and learning right here on More Than a Test.

Timestamps

00:00 Proud of hometown, 12 years as superintendent.

04:30 State board composition: elected, appointed, hired roles

07:15 Elected officials are facing challenges and responsibilities.

10:48 Meeting with student cabinet and other groups.

14:06 Technology, diversity, and impactful demonstration in education.

16:42 Prioritize students, defend decisions, and build a strong team.

20:52 Professional development is crucial for effective school boards.

25:21 Leverage technology to address teacher shortage issue.

28:36 I Fell in love with teaching and embraced change.

34:54 Finding joy in teaching through student interaction.

36:53 Student cabinet addresses social, and diversity challenges effectively.

41:04 Emphasizing involvement in the show, 5 rapid questions.

43:33 Gratitude for your meaningful presence in conversation.

Connect with Kirsten Baesler

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenbaesler/

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

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Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD