An algebra teacher in West Fargo has been named North Dakota's Teacher of the Year for 2017.
Nancy Dauwen teaches Algebra I and II at Sheyenne High School in West Fargo. Governor Jack Dalrymple and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler presented Dauwen with the Teacher of the Year award this afternoon in the Sheyenne Mustangs gymnasium in front of hundreds of high school students.
Dauwen says she grew up knowing she wanted to be a teacher. When she and her sister played "school" growing up Dauwen's favorite was when she got to be the teacher so she could use the red pen, sit at the front desk, and lead a class. Dauwen says being awarded Teacher of the Year is a reflection of her entire school district.
"What we do each and every day is because of the people who are around us, from wonderful teachers and mentors I've had in the past, to amazing colleagues and administration I work with now. We are very blessed. And I truly believe that we all work together to do what is best for our students. I believe that my answers to my questions about what makes me special, why would you pick me, what do I do that is any different from anybody else, can only be answered by - that I am representing all of us."
Baesler says Dauwen's application for Teacher of the Year stood out due to her emphasis she puts on student relationships.