North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders

It's hard to believe we're already on the final day of the 2026 NDCEL Summer Conference.

We hope you've enjoyed the conversations, connections, and opportunities to learn from colleagues across North Dakota (and had some fun along the way too!).

We are all set up and ready for our Summer Conference. We are excited to have Strike Visuals here with an awesome giveaway for one lucky registrant. Look for the QR codes to sign up! Can't wait to see you!

There is something powerful that happens when people stop working in silos and start working shoulder-to-shoulder for kids.

That’s exactly what the upcoming NDCEL Behavioral Health Workshop is all about.

This isn’t just another meeting. It’s a statewide effort to bring together everyone with a vested interest in the success and well-being of children and families — educators, school leaders, behavioral health professionals, Health & Human Services, Zones of Service, community organizations, and regional partners — all in one room with one shared purpose:

Building the strongest possible systems of support for kids, families, schools, and communities in every region of North Dakota.

The challenges facing children today are complex. The solutions must be collaborative. No single agency, school, or organization can do this work alone — but together, we can create coordinated systems that are proactive, responsive, sustainable, and deeply connected to local community needs.

This workshop is designed to spark meaningful conversations, strengthen partnerships, share innovative ideas, and help regions think strategically about how we support behavioral health for the long term.

When adults align around kids, incredible things can happen.

NDCEL is proud to help convene leaders and partners who believe that every child deserves support, connection, and opportunity — and that communities are strongest when we work together.

We are excited for the conversations, collaboration, and momentum this workshop will create across North Dakota.

Crucial Conversations Workshop is happening at the NDCEL office this week. This group is engaged, working hard and fully diving into the material to navigate high stakes conversations with confidence.

Does your school want equip their staff with these high impact strategies? Contact Kevin at about bringing Crucial Conversations or Crucial Teams to your school. 701-258-3022

NDFEL Scholarship opportunities are open until June 1st! These scholarships are designed to support both current and future leaders across North Dakota and are a great opportunity to invest in continued growth and development. For more information and to apply: https://www.ndcel.org/o/ndcel/page/scholarships

Happy National Principals Day! Today we recognize the leaders who show up every day for their students, staff, and communities—guiding, supporting, and making a difference where it matters most. Thank you for all you do!

Final day of Middle Level Student Council Conference! Wow! Did these kids ever show up!These middle school students are stepping into leadership and representing their schools with confidence, character, and commitment.

Day 2! We began by recognizing the Honor Society students that have made the decision to serve our country! 🇺🇲

We thanked our current State Officers for all they've done for our organization.

Leadership has many forms! Thanks to all!!

Keynote Joe Beckman is coming up next!

The 2026 ND Honor Society conference is underway!

NASSP celebrating Principals of the Year in Washington, DC! Representing ND are our state winners: Jason Schwabe - Thompson High School, ND Secondary Principal of the Year and Rick Wilson - West Fargo High School, ND Asst. Principal of the Year!