North Dakota has named Brian Schneider, a 40-year agricultural educator at Napoleon Public School, its 2027 Teacher of the Year, giving the state’s highest teaching honor to a rural career-and-technical instructor whose program connects classroom work with agriculture and employment.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier announced the selection Thursday at the state Capitol. Schneider has spent 35 of his 40 years in public education at Napoleon, where he teaches students in grades 7 through 12. His courses range from introductory agriculture to community development, and he oversees the school’s Cooperative Work Experience Program, according to the joint release.
Schneider first advanced as Logan County’s honoree. The Department of Public Instruction’s county list shows he was among 50 educators recognized statewide in May, before the pool was narrowed to four finalists. The other finalists were Teresa Olson of Jamestown, Jennifer Nokes of Dickinson and Dustin Moe of Washburn.
The selection followed a process set in state law rather than an informal appointment. North Dakota’s education code requires the superintendent to publish criteria, appoint an eight-member committee representing education organizations and announce a winner with the governor by Sept. 30. Schneider will begin the one-year role on Jan. 1 and will be considered for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year award.
The honor also draws attention to agricultural education as a workforce pipeline in a state where farming and related industries remain central to local economies. Schneider’s record includes advising Napoleon’s FFA chapter, which the state says has won more than 150 state individual and team championships and three national Agricultural Sales championships. A KFGO report independently confirmed his tenure, statewide award and the chapter’s competition record.
Local coverage before the final selection documented the school community’s support. The Napoleon Homestead reported Sept. 16 that students, staff and family members gathered when Schneider was recognized as one of the four statewide finalists. That event followed his county-level selection and preceded Thursday’s Capitol announcement.
In his application, Schneider emphasized confidence as a foundation for student achievement. His teaching assignment gives that philosophy a practical dimension: students can move from introductory subjects into hands-on leadership, community development and work experience while remaining in a small rural district. State officials also cited his service as a mentor to new teachers and his past leadership of the North Dakota Association of Agricultural Educators.
The award does not by itself change education policy or funding, but it gives Schneider a statewide platform during 2027. It also signals what the statutory selection committee chose to elevate: long-term service, career preparation and individual attention in a rural school. The practical test will be how the state and local districts use that platform to share successful instruction and strengthen agricultural and technical pathways for students.
