Kirsten is a native of Flasher, N.D.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University, and a master’s degree in library and information technology integration from Valley City State University.  She currently lives in Mandan, N.D., and has 3 adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and 2 granddaughters. 

Kirsten previously worked for the Bismarck public school system as a vice principal, districtwide technology integration specialist, library media specialist, classroom teacher, and instructional assistant. She worked as the assistant director of the North Dakota School Boards Association.

Kirsten Baesler is the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her 4th term. She also served as an elected member of the Mandan school board.

Baesler says NDGOP doesn’t reflect voters’ views on education

Believes getting rid of property taxes would leave communities with less local control over how to fund education.

- Believes getting rid of property taxes would leave communities with less local control over how to fund education.

School Facilities & Resources

Literacy Task Force meets to discuss literacy rates and to help students with dyslexia

New state guidance issued on AI for North Dakota schools

North Dakotans asked to comment on school assistance process

STEM-ming up success: North Dakota State School Superintendent visits Lincoln Elementary School's STEM Day

Supports requiring cybersecurity and computer science teaching at every grade level.

Believes investing in professional development and high-quality instruction materials will help students.

Believes implementing AI, or any other instructional tool, requires planning and alignment with existing educational priorities, goals, and values.

Supports ND FIRST, which gives the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) authority to supervise schools that are underperforming and need “comprehensive support and improvement.”

Believes that STEM is a necessary component in school curriculums.

- Supports requiring cybersecurity and computer science teaching at every grade level.
- Believes investing in professional development and high-quality instruction materials will help students.
- Believes implementing AI, or any other instructional tool, requires planning and alignment with existing educational priorities, goals, and values.
- Supports ND FIRST, which gives the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) authority to supervise schools that are underperforming and need “comprehensive support and improvement.”
- Believes that STEM is a necessary component in school curriculums.

School Curriculum

As of October 2, 2024, Kirsten Baesler’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

Candidate website

Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards to ensure students succeed in a 21st-century economy.

Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards.

Supports developing comprehensive apprenticeship plans to boost recruitment and retention for all school professionals, including paraprofessionals, teachers, and principals.

- Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards.
- Supports developing comprehensive apprenticeship plans to boost recruitment and retention for all school professionals, including paraprofessionals, teachers, and principals.

Teachers

DPI candidates seek different educational change

Supports providing "high-quality, personalized learning choices for all students with accountability for services received for taxpayers’ money."

- Supports providing "high-quality, personalized learning choices for all students with accountability for services received for taxpayers’ money."

Access to Education

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Kirsten Baesler

Kirsten is a native of Flasher, N.D.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University, and a master’s degree in library and information technology integration from Valley City State University.  She currently lives in Mandan, N.D., and has three adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. 

She previously worked for the Bismarck public school system as a vice principal, districtwide technology integration specialist, library media specialist, classroom teacher, and instructional assistant. Baesler also served as an elected member of the Mandan school board and worked as the assistant director of the North Dakota School Boards Association.

Kirsten Baesler currently serves as the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her 4th term.

Supports the role of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in overseeing school facilities.

Supports the Council of Chief State School Officers' recommendations on school facilities.

Supports child wellbeing through educational initiatives and policies.

Supports strengthening families and communities.

Supports policies that promote child wellbeing.

Supports the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction's (NDDPI) policies for child well-being.

Believes in promoting child wellbeing and education, and as a Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow in 2019, focused on leadership development in these areas.

Supports child wellbeing through school board service and association work.

Believes decisions about education are best made locally by teachers and families.

Supports teachers and believes in providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their roles.

Supports teachers and believes in providing them with the necessary resources and support to ensure quality education.

Serves on multiple educational boards, including the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement Board, supporting North Dakota’s public schools.

Supports funding to ensure teachers are paid well, without raising property taxes.

Supports North Dakota's 2021 mandate for cybersecurity and computer science education at all grade levels.

Believes in the importance of a strong educational foundation and diverse career experiences in public education.

Supports ensuring families can choose an education journey that meets their needs while preparing students with real-world skills.

Received the Valley City State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the Rising Star Award from Bismarck State College.

Supports ensuring all students graduate "Choice Ready" with the necessary knowledge and skills for college, careers, or military service.

As of October 7, 2024, Kirsten Baesler’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Kirsten Baesler is the state school superintendent and the administrator of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. She previously had a 24-year career in the Bismarck public school system as a vice principal, districtwide technology integration specialist, library media specialist, classroom teacher, and instructional assistant. Baesler also served as an elected member of the Mandan school board and worked as the assistant director of the North Dakota School Boards Association.

- The superintendent of public instruction heads the state's Department of Public Instruction, overseeing education statewide. The department creates and shares state education policies, supports school districts, and oversees K-12 education.
- It also manages a loan forgiveness program for teachers in shortage areas and subjects.
- To be elected to this position a person must be a qualified North Dakota voter and at least 25 years old.
- The annual salary for this position is $143,668.

Chief executive of the state’s public education.