University of Mary, Bismarck and Mandan Schools Launch First-of-Its-Kind Educational Leadership Academy
Four-semester master’s program lets working educators choose among three leadership pathways while learning alongside colleagues in their own districts
BISMARCK, ND — Teachers in Bismarck and Mandan who want to advance their careers without leaving their classrooms or putting their professional lives on hold will soon have a new way to do both.
The University of Mary, Bismarck Public Schools, and Mandan Public Schools are launching the Educational Leadership Pathways Academy, a four-semester Master of Education program designed around the needs of working educators. Beginning in summer 2027, participants can choose among three pathways — School Administration; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; or Special Education — while learning as a cohort with colleagues from both districts.
The program is structured around educators’ schedules, with a heavier course load during the summer and online, pathway-specific coursework, research, and apprenticeship experiences during the school year. The University of Mary will provide eligible participants a 25% tuition scholarship, and eligible educators may also qualify for graduate tuition reimbursement through their districts.
Dr. Matthew Lonn, chair of Graduate Education in the University of Mary’s Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said the academy is the only program he is aware of in North Dakota that allows educators to choose among three master’s degree pathways while remaining together in a four-semester cohort and learning from both university faculty and professionals within their own school districts.
The academy was developed through six months of collaboration among Mary, Bismarck Public Schools, and Mandan Public Schools. It builds on Mary’s Teacher Leadership Academy while incorporating feedback from educators who wanted greater choice and opportunities to grow professionally while working full time.
“What really makes it stand out is that students can now choose among three degree program tracks while not sacrificing the benefits of being in a learning cohort with other professionals,” Lonn said.
Learning Leadership Where Educators Already Work
The academy’s apprenticeship model allows School Administration participants to work alongside administrators, taking on leadership responsibilities and receiving feedback. Those in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and Special Education pathways can work with experienced teachers to design and implement lessons, analyze data, and conduct action research.
Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Fastnacht says that choice is an important part of the new academy model.
“The optional pathways in School Administration; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; and Special Education allow educators to pick their passion area,” Fastnacht said. “An educator can explore leadership without having to decide that becoming a principal is the only next step.”
The School Administration pathway leads to a North Dakota principal’s certificate. The Special Education pathway can lead to a full K-12 special education teaching endorsement for educators who do not already hold one.
Investing in Local Educators
Mandan Public Schools Superintendent Carly Retterath says the academy helps develop talent already serving local students.
“Rather than relying solely on traditional recruitment, this partnership allows us to identify and invest in high-performing local teachers who already know our students, culture, and strategic goals,” Retterath said. “It bridges the gap between academic theory and the daily operational realities of leading in our specific schools.”
Retterath says the Bismarck-Mandan collaboration adds another dimension.
“Collaborating across the river breaks down regional silos and leverages a shared system of support,” she said. “Pooling resource capacity, district expertise, and institutional support alongside the University of Mary allows us to deliver a richer, more comprehensive curriculum than any single entity could offer on its own.”
Applications for the inaugural Educational Leadership Pathways Academy are being accepted through Dec. 1, 2026, with the program beginning in June 2027. Educators interested in applying can visit enroll.umary.edu/Apply and enter the code BISMAN to waive the application fee.
