Local PE Teacher Named McKenzie County Teacher of the Year
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
While the school hallways have quieted down for the summer, the celebrations are just beginning for one Watford City Middle School educator. Else-Marie Westman, a dedicated physical education teacher at the middle school, has officially been named the 2026 McKenzie County Teacher of the Year. The prestigious honor is part of the North Dakota Teacher of the Year program, a state-run initiative designed to celebrate outstanding kindergarten through 12th-grade classroom teachers across all fifty-six counties.
Administered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), the county-level awards rely entirely on nominations submitted by members of the public, including parents, fellow educators, and students who have been impacted firsthand by an instructor’s dedication.
For Westman, the gymnasium isn’t just a place for running drills; it’s a classroom for building character. As a physical education teacher, she has centered her career on helping Watford City’s middle schoolers develop healthy, lifelong wellness habits while using movement to teach crucial life skills.
“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Westman said in response to the announcement. “Teaching is a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing students every day.” In a modern educational landscape where keeping kids active can sometimes be a challenge, Westman has been widely praised for fostering an inclusive environment that emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and personal growth. “The support and encouragement from our school community are what make it possible to create meaningful learning experiences for our students,” Westman added.
The announcement is a well-deserved point of pride to the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 leadership team. Superintendent Dr. Steve Holen pointed out that Westman’s influence stretches well past the school’s recreational facilities. “Else-Marie exemplifies the dedication and commitment to student success that we strive for throughout our district,” Dr. Holen said. “Through physical education, she helps students build habits, develop confidence, and learn life skills that extend far beyond the gymnasium and classroom. We are thrilled to see her contributions recognized at the state level!”
The county-level recognition is the first step in the state’s annual awards cycle. By winning the McKenzie County title, Westman is automatically placed in running for the statewide North Dakota Teacher of the Year award, which will be selected from the county cohort later this year. Westman won’t have to wait long to receive her official hardware. She is scheduled to travel to Bismarck on June 23, where she will be honored alongside the state’s other county recipients during a special awards ceremony held at the State Capitol. With this recognition, Westman joins the ranks of several other local educators who have recently received statewide honors.