As schools wrapped up last week, a North Dakota educator highlighted the importance of prioritizing recruitment and retention amid teacher shortages and state funding concerns.

In his guidelines for the next state budget cycle, Gov. Kelly Armstrong is calling for a freeze on education spending, along with potential cuts.

Landen Schmeichel, a teacher at Legacy High School in Bismarck, said while his district is compensated well compared to the rest of the state, teacher salaries have not kept pace with inflation overall. As the cost of gas, groceries and healthcare continue to rise, he’s concerned freezing the budget would be detrimental.

“How do we make sure that we’re not only attracting new talent, but how do we make sure that we’re taking care of people who have invested their entire life into public education?” Schmeichel asked. “Supporting schools, supporting educators is not a partisan issue. An investment in public education is an investment in the posterity of our country.”

Research from the National Education Association showed North Dakota ranks 40th in the nation for average public teacher pay. Schmeichel added over his decade in teaching, he has witnessed well-intentioned educators forced to leave the profession for higher-paying jobs.

Named 2025 North Dakota History Teacher of the Year, Schmeichel, who also teaches government and criminal law classes, explained he got into the profession to carry the torch of civic leadership onward. He said while he is grateful for the accolades, they are not what keep him motivated.

“The greatest awards are the thank-you notes that I have saved in a little file,” Schmeichel said. “And on my toughest days, I pull them out and I read them, and I remind myself of exactly why I do what I do every day. Those are the most prestigious things that I’ll ever earn.”

Schmeichel believes his students have taught him more than he could ever teach them. While he stressed the importance of building strong relationships and always assuming positive intent, he emphasized if he could send one message for Teacher Appreciation Week, it would be to vote.

“And vote in a way where appreciation for teachers recognizes hardworking professionals who entered a career knowing they’re not going to make six figures but committed to nurturing young people in a way that will lead to a more successful society,” Schmeichel said.