BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Four North Dakota educators have been chosen as finalists for the state Teacher of the Year award for 2022. One of those includes Matt Nielson, a science teacher at Valley City High School.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says the finalists are examples of North Dakota teaching excellence. The Teacher of the Year process is especially important this year. She says the COVID-19 pandemic has put many extra demands on teachers.

The other three finalists are Bret Dockter, a sixth-grade teacher at Harvey Elementary School; Heather Ell, a first-grade teacher at John Hoeven Elementary School in Minot; Shari Jerde, a teacher of business education and family and consumer science at Grand Forks Community High School.

Baesler says the finalists will be interviewed by an eight-member selection committee. The winner will be announced by September 30th.