Meet the Past and Current FMWF Teachers of the Year!
Join us for a quick shout out to the past few years’ and the current Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo public school teachers of the year!
While we know there are many facets of education, our community does a great job of highlighting the career that comes top of mind when you think, “an educator.” Fargo Public Schools annually celebrates the contributions of its nearly 2,000 staff members through its Staff Recognition Program. This initiative includes awards like Teacher of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and Support Staff of the Year to uplift and highlight the dedication and impact of these local educators!
The nomination process for Fargo Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year is both inclusive and thorough. Anyone within the school community—whether it’s fellow teachers, administrators, parents, or students— can nominate a teacher who they believe exemplifies outstanding qualities and dedication to education. After the nomination, a selection committee, composed of various stakeholders, reviews all submissions. They assess each nominee based on criteria that reflect excellence in teaching and a significant impact on students and the school environment. The process makes sure that the chosen teacher truly represents the best of educational leadership and commitment!
We were able to chat with the past few years’ award winners, check it out!
Did You Know?
The Teacher of the Year recipient also becomes a candidate for the North Dakota Teacher of the Year award. The 2024 winner was Sheila Peterson of Wachter Middle School, and the 2025 awardee is Kendall Bergrud, also from Wachter Middle School!
Sara Lichtblau
The 2023 Teacher of the Year award was given to South High School Choir Director Sara Lichtblau!
We had the chance to ask Sara a little bit about herself and her philosophy on education.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education and continue with it?
“It really started with Dr. Joanne Miller at NDSU. I wanted to audition for the choir my freshman year and I met with her. I was declared a business major at the time and she said, ‘Why don’t you try music education?’ I’m the youngest of five, but there’s a number of years between us, so I was always playing teacher with my little niece and those things. So I think it just was a natural fit… I love music, but I have loved working with kids… You have to love the kids, and I just love my students. You just take them where they’re at and try and elevate them and move them forward and hope they enjoy their experience and learn a lot.”
Q: What are some of your philosophies that you keep in mind when you are working with students
“I have the privilege of hopefully having the students for four years, right? I’m very lucky that they stay, so to see that growth is amazing. I think it’s a blessing to have that professional relationship with them so that they can come in and have someone in the building who knows them. If they’re having an off day or something, they can come and talk to someone. We have great support, of course, counselors and all of that, but just sometimes that teacher has that continuance of relationships. Making sure the kids know they’re important, not in a way that means that they’re always doing the right thing, or that they’re giving me exactly what I want-but you have to create that trusting relationship, and then you can be open and honest. My philosophy is we need to teach the whole student, and we just need to love and appreciate them. Then, I get that back 100- fold every day. I’m just so lucky to work with them.”
Amanda Hetland
The 2024 Teacher of the Year award was given to Eagle’s Elementary School Teacher Amanda Hetland!
We had the chance to ask her a little bit about herself and her philosophy on education.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education and continue with it?
“When I was younger, I enjoyed playing school with my younger siblings which helped inspire me to pursue a career in education. I am passionate about helping students succeed and build skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Seeing my students grow, overcome challenges, and thrive motivates me to continue in this field. I believe every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding.”
Q. Why do you believe education is vital in our community?
“Education is important in our community because it helps students develop the skills they need to become future leaders, doctors, inventors, and active members of society. It prepares them to think, solve problems, and contribute to making the world a better place.”
Bart Manson
Just this past month, the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award was announced—Davies High School Social Studies Teacher Bart Manson was recognized.
We also had the chance to learn more about him and why education is important in his life.
“The reason that I got into education was because both my parents taught and that is what I grew up with. I could see early on that choosing a path in education as a teacher/ coach could really make a difference in a person’s life. Education is vital to our community because it empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate life’s challenges. Strong educational foundations lead to informed citizens, economic opportunities, and innovation that supports our communities for the future.”
Both Moorhead Area Public Schools and West Fargo Public Schools also have similar recognition programs.
In the Moorhead Area Public Schools system, Moorhead High School English teacher Angela Hase was awarded the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year honor.
In the West Fargo School District, Special Education Professional at West Fargo High School Mendi Blake received the Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year 2024 – 2025 award.
Published March 25, 2025
