Fox Hills Elementary School teacher honored as outstanding educator
By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
It’s official - Mrs. Whitney Wold is among the best of the best - but of course her students already knew that! For her exceptional dedication and the profound impact she has on her students, the Fox Hills Elementary educator has been named the McKenzie County Teacher of the Year for 2025. The announcement, made by State School Superintendent, Kirsten Baesler, during the celebration of 46 outstanding North Dakota educators recognized as the best in their respective counties. According to a press release from the Superintendent’s office, these teachers are “exemplars of their profession.”
For Mrs. Wold, the news was met with profound humility. “I was very honored to be selected as the McKenzie County Teacher of the Year,” she shared. “Our county and district is filled with so many deserving, amazing, and talented educators - and to be chosen among all of these incredible people is an absolute honor.”
This recognition, Mrs. Wold explained, carries deep personal and professional significance. “Personally, this award reiterates that I’m exactly where I need to be in life. I want to make a difference in this world, in any way that I can, and receiving this award just validates that I am making a difference.” Professionally, she added, “it feels amazing that those around me notice the hard work, dedication, and time that I’ve put into my career to be the best that I can be for my students and colleagues.”
When asked about the qualities that contributed to this honor, Mrs. Wold emphasized her unwavering commitment to growth and her students’ individual needs. “I’ve always been someone who wants to get better at anything and everything that I do. I don’t settle for ‘good enough’ - I’m always pushing to be great,” she stated. “Additionally, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of my students and build strong relationships with them. I truly believe that taking the time to get to know my students, what makes them tick, how they best learn, and how I can best support them on their educational journey is one of the most significant merits that contributed to this recognition.”
The news of Mrs. Wold’s award was met with an outpouring of joy from her students and colleagues. “My students went absolutely crazy, in the best way! They are so supportive and have always been my biggest fans,” she beamed. “My colleagues were incredibly supportive and genuinely excited for me as well. Many of them see the work and effort that I continually put into this job, not only to better my students, but to better those around me.”
Fox Hills Elementary Principal Cole Zarak expressed immense pride in Wold’s Teacher of the Year honor, stating his initial reaction was one of “happiness for Mrs. Wold,” whom he described as a “fantastic teacher” with a “tremendous work ethic” who consistently “goes above and beyond” for her students and their families. Mr. Zarak spoke of Wold’s exceptional ability to build strong relationships with students, her reflective approach to education, and her expertly crafted, engaging lessons designed to foster growth for all learners. Zarak further emphasized Mrs. Wold’s collaborative spirit and leadership among her colleagues, noting the enthusiastic reaction of her fifth-grade students upon the announcement of her award as a powerful testament to her profound impact. He concluded by stating that Mrs. Wold “masterfully blends lessons with rigorous content and highly engaging” activities, embodying both the “art and science of teaching.”
Reflecting on the unique aspects of teaching at Fox Hills Elementary, Mrs. Wold highlighted both the challenges and the immense rewards. “One of the unique challenges I face as an educator at Fox Hills Elementary and within the district in general is the diverse student population that we serve. We have students coming from many different backgrounds, cultures, and areas of the country - which can make it more challenging to meet their specific learning needs. Although the challenge of meeting their needs is present, the reward that comes from making a difference in the lives of these students transferring to us is immeasurable.”
Mrs. Wold echoed Superintendent Baesler’s sentiment on the vital role educators play in shaping the future. “Superintendent Baesler’s statement really emphasizes how crucial the role of a teacher is,” she affirmed. “Educators don’t just teach math, reading, writing, or science - they help students develop critical thinking skills, empathy, vs. responsibility, and awareness. These are the values that carry forward into adulthood and influence how these students will eventually participate within their community.”
For Mrs. Wold, the most fulfilling aspect of her profession lies in the lasting impact she has on her students’ lives: “The most rewarding part about my role as an educator is seeing the difference I’ve made in a child’s life, long-term. My students aren’t my students just for the academic year, they’re my students for life. I’m there to support them inside and outside of the classroom. I’m there to be their biggest fan and cheerleader long after they’ve left my classroom. Many of my previous students still talk to me about how much they enjoyed their time in my classroom and how it’s forever their favorite year in elementary school. That means more to me than I could ever put into words.”
Looking ahead, Mrs. Wold expressed excitement at the prospect of potentially representing North Dakota as the State Teacher of the Year, a title that will be announced in September. “The thought of potentially representing North Dakota at the state level is SO exciting! Truly, that would be my ultimate goal - to have made such an impact and a difference in the lives of those around me that I have the potential and opportunity to be chosen as the state Teacher of the Year. It would be an absolute honor.”
The entire McKenzie County community joins in celebrating Whitney Wold’s well-deserved recognition and wishes her the best as she moves forward in the selection process for North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year.
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