Schneider named 2027 ND Teacher of the Year

Brian Schneider, an agricultural education teacher at Napoleon Public School, has been named North Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier and Gov. Kelly Armstrong said in a joint announcement Thursday. 

Schneider said his commitment to building confidence in students is central to his teaching philosophy. “I simply have a genuine interest in every student in our small rural school, and I take the time to get to know each student I have in class,” Schneider wrote in his Teacher of the Year application. “Knowledge is power, but confidence is king. If a student believes they can achieve, they will achieve.” 

Schneider, who has taught agricultural education for 40 years, including 35 at Napoleon Public School, instructs students in grades seven through 12 in subjects ranging from Exploring Agriculture to Community Development. He also oversees the school’s Cooperative Work Experience Program. 

“Brian Schneider’s work reflects the commitment and student‑focused mindset that define North Dakota’s best educators,” Bachmeier said. “What stands out isn’t just what he teaches, but how he teaches. His humility, sincere care for students and passion for agricultural education are evident in everything he does. That combination makes a lasting, positive impact on the students he serves; North Dakota needs more veteran teachers like Schneider.” 

Under Schneider's leadership, Napoleon’s FFA chapter has earned more than 150 state individual and team championships, three national championships in the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event and numerous top‑ten national finishes.  

“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy and way of life in North Dakota, and for four decades Schneider has excelled at helping students build an educational foundation for their future lives and careers,” Armstrong said. “His students’ success in FFA speaks volumes about the quality of his instruction, and the individual attention he gives to each student — going above and beyond to support their goals and aspirations — has earned him the respect and admiration of his students and peers alike.” 

Schneider was honored as Logan County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year before advancing as a finalist for the statewide honor. His award was announced Thursday at the state Capitol. Aside from Schneider, the finalists were Teresa Olson, family and consumer sciences/childcare instructor at James Valley Career and Technology Center in Jamestown; Jennifer Nokes, special education strategist at Roosevelt Elementary School in Dickinson; and Dustin Moe, band and choir director at Washburn Public School. 

“The finalists being honored today represent the very best practitioners of a noble profession,” ND United President Nick Archuleta said. “Education is often discussed in terms of test scores, budgets, graduation rates and legislation, and those things matter. But behind every number is a person. Behind every statistic is a student. And behind every successful student is usually a team of parents, teachers and caring adults who believe in the promise of every child and strive to make his or her success inevitable. Dustin, Jennifer, Teresa and Brian know we do nothing more important as a society than educating our future, and they do it very well.” 

Their work reflects outstanding instructional leadership across elementary, secondary and career and technical education programs. The finalists’ collective contributions underscore the vital role teachers play in preparing students with hands‑on learning experiences aligned to the state’s workforce needs. 

A native of Harvey, Schneider graduated from North Dakota State University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and composite science. He has served as president of the North Dakota Association of Agricultural Educators, on the North Dakota FFA Advisory Council and State Board, and as a mentor to new teachers through the North Dakota Teacher Support System. 

Schneider’s selection followed a process outlined in North Dakota law (N.D.C.C. 15.1‑02‑21) involving county Teacher of the Year nominations, statewide finalist review and interviews conducted by an education stakeholder committee. By earning the state title, Schneider will now be considered for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year award, coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers. 

Schneider will begin his term as North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year on Jan. 1, succeeding Frannie Tunseth, a reading and mathematics teacher at Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg Public School in Mayville.