August 6, 2024
Jessi Hegg, Program Director, and Kara Schreiner, Education Inclusion Manager, for Mayville State University Child Development Programs (MSU CDP) served as resource experts at The Hunt Institute North Dakota Legislators Retreat held in Bismarck July 8-9, 2024. The retreat brought together leading experts and practitioners from around the country and North Dakota who shared their knowledge and engaged legislators in constructive dialogue about critical education issues facing the state.
Hegg and Schreiner were among several early care and learning providers from around North Dakota who participated in small group conversation with policymakers, exploring the critical role that a trained and professional early childhood workforce has on the quality of care for infants, toddlers, and young children. The child care providers and center directors reflected on strategies for increasing the pipeline of well-compensated, excellent early childhood educators in North Dakota.
The focus of The Hunt Institute North Dakota Legislators Retreat was improving the educational outcomes of North Dakota’s students. In addition to engaging in conversations with early care providers who shared their professional perspectives, legislators discussed approaches to child care quality and affordability, high quality math instruction, and the importance of character education. Legislators also explored how investments relate to student outcomes, teacher apprenticeship programs, and the importance of early exposure to postsecondary and career pathways.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler, Senator Michelle Axtman, Senator Ryan Braunberger, Senator David Hogue, Senator Donald Schaible, Representative Glenn Bosch, Representative Josh Boschee, Representative Michelle Strinden, and Representative Robin Weisz were this year’s retreat co-chairs. The Hunt Institute facilitated and planned the event.
Established in 2001, The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of James B. Hunt, Jr., the former governor of North Carolina who distinguished himself as an ardent champion of education. The Hunt institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. In 2016, The Hunt Institute became an independent, nonprofit entity and joined forces with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy to pursue research, educational partnerships, and events related to improving education policy.