*Please make sure you are logged in as an internal employee when applying
The Bismarck Public Schools Leadership Development Program is a two-year program that provides accepted applicants who are current BPS employees the opportunity to experience and learn about day-to-day tasks of district leaders. The Leadership Development program aims to support the District's Strategic Plan and the district value of leadership by supporting the development of leadership skills of those participating in the program. The program also aims to ensure mentees understand what it is like to lead the implementation of the District Strategic Plan to positively impact students, staff, and the community. Mentees grow as leaders and exhibit their desire to be a leader by their willingness and enthusiasm for learning about the role of an educational leader.
In year one the mentee will take part in leadership professional development and be assigned a mentor who is a current district leader. Mentee's will have up to 15 days to spend with a current district administrator, so they have a chance to observe or ask their mentor about some of the most important tasks they tend to in their role. Those tasks may include how a current district leader manages their time, works with parents and students, how they budget, hire, and evaluate staff.
The first year of the program provides mentees the opportunity to truly begin to understand the multifaceted role of being an educational leader. At times the leader must perform tasks that many might shy away from such as visiting with an upset parent, having a crucial conversation with a staff member who needs improvement, or providing discipline for students who have received a major behavior notice. Being able to observe and learn about some of these situations may bring clarity to anyone who might wonder "Do I really want to become an educational leader"? Whether or not the mentee ultimately decides to continue pursuing a leadership role they will have grown as a professional through the experience.
In the second year of the program accepted applicants participate in an internship giving them the best possible learning environment by interning under a current district leader. Interns, like mentees get to observe first-hand the duties of being a district leader, but also learn by being able to gradually take on administrative tasks. Bismarck Public Schools does not guarantee an accepted applicant future employment as a district leader. However, Interns can exhibit their leadership growth and capabilities through internship, which may lead to future career advances in the district or in the field of education.
Year 1

• 10-15 days to spend with mentor
• Professional Development Opportunities paid by district
  • May include trainings, conferences, book studies, etc.

Year 2

• Up to 20 days to spend with mentor
• Professional Development Opportunities paid by district
  • May include trainings, conferences, book studies, etc.

Requirements of the application process
Applications should include the following.

• Resume
• Cover letter stating why the applicant is seeking this opportunity
• A minimum of three letters of recommendations
• Applicants go through a formal interview


• *Additional time spent in the program off contracted time is not paid time.