Denise Bervig

Williston teacher part of state’s education innovation task force By Jamie Kelly editor@willistonherald.com Oct 21, 2017 A longtime Williston teacher is one of the 15 members of a new task force looking to prepare students for a 21st-century economy. Denise Bervig, a social sciences teacher at Williston High School, was appointed to Gov. Doug Burgum’s Innovative Education Task Force earlier this month. She was in Bismarck on Oct. 12 to meet the other members of the task force and start to develop a vision. The group was created in September by an executive order from Burgum. Its purpose is to identify and support schools and school districts that are being innovative in their educational offerings. “Members are also tasked with providing direction on how state government can empower districts to adopt student-centric learning practices designed to support a 21st century economy impacted by rapid technological change,” according to a news release announcing the members. Bervig heard about the task force and her experience as a teacher drove her decision to apply. She’s taught at WHS for 13 years and been a teacher for 22. During that time, she’s seen many changes, and she has also experienced how difficult it can be to follow a standard curriculum and also make sure students are learning the skills they need to succeed once they graduate. It’s also important to make sure students possess what she characterizes as 21st-century skills: collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication. It’s important to Bervig that students acquire those skills, and not just because she’s an educator. Her two children attend school in the district and she’s a graduate of WHS. She calls her time teaching there as her most meaningful teaching experience. “As a parent, as a stakeholder, as an educator, sometimes I’d get frustrated between what I was mandated to do and what was best for the students,” she said. She teaches a history class and has seen firsthand how students can search online and come up with a fact faster than she could tell them that fact. So the question instead is to assess not knowledge of facts, but understanding, she said. The task force is starting to work toward a vision for its work, and will meet monthly at locations around the state, Bervig said. One of the reasons the group will hold meetings around the state is because so many people applied, and the task force wants to get more input. In all, about 150 people applied for a spot on the task force, according to the state. “I left the meeting feeling very optimistic about the opportunity we have been given to create real educational changes for our kids,” Bervig said. Burgum had kind words for the people who were selected. “The incredible caliber of this group reflects a highly qualified pool of more than 150 candidates who have a passion for our students and our future,” Burgum said. “This group brings a depth of experience, diversity and leadership that will help North Dakota lead the nation in education and help our students succeed in a rapidly changing economy.” Task force members Gov. Doug Burgum created the Innovative Education Task Force last month, and 15 members were chosen last week. The members are: Kathryn Froelich from Selfridge, cultural coordinator with the Missouri River Educational Cooperative. Stacey Duffield of Fargo, professor of teacher education at North Dakota State University. Mary Jean Dehne, executive director of the nonprofit Legacy Children’s Foundation in Fargo. Jeff Ubl, president and principal architect of Übl Design Group, a parent, and business leader from Bismarck. Sonya Hansana, member of the Hazen school board and Oliver-Mercer special education board. Sen. Donald Schaible of Mott, chairman of the Senate Education Committee. Rep. Cynthia Schreiber-Beck of Wahpeton, vice-chair of the House Education Committee. Jessie Erickson of Grand Forks, a parent, teacher and instructional coach. Cody Mickelson of Jamestown, a teacher. Denise Bervig of Williston, a social studies teacher. Maggie Barth, who leads the Innovation School in Bismarck. Michael Gilbertson, secondary principal of New Salem-Almont Public School District. Superintendent Cory Steiner from Northern Cass School District. Allen Burgad of West Fargo, who brings experience working in small and large school districts. Tamera Uselman of Bismarck, superintendent of North Dakota’s largest school district, Bismarck Public Schools.