Hotline // January 28, 2026
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- VCSU adds Master of Education in Learner-Centered Instruction
- VCSU Awarded $15,000 ND EPSCoR Grant for INSTEM Academy
- Science faculty attend Project Learning Tree & Project Wild training
- VCSU Announces Free App Month for Prospective Students
- Viking Sports Update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
VCSU adds Master of Education in Learner-Centered Instruction
The Valley City State University Master of Education program has added a Learner-Centered Instruction option to its offerings this semester.
This 33-credit program is designed to help educators in any discipline become skilled in equitable teaching and leadership. Students who complete the coursework will earn a Master of Education in Teaching and Technology, Learner-Centered Instruction.
VCSU has partnered with 2Revolutions to build a program that focuses on the Global Skill Areas for Educators. Courses will provide knowledge and skills in the Global Skill Areas of Equity, Human Centered Ecosystems, Leadership, Achievement & Assessment Systems, and Learning Design.
The program requires 14 hours of core required courses and 19 hours of Learner-Centered Instruction courses, including an action research report and comprehensive portfolio.
Core Required Courses
- Issues in School, Community, and Family
- Supervision and Assessment of Teachers and Learners
- Exceptionality, Diversity, and Differences
- Action Research in Education
- Capstone
Learner-Centered Instruction Courses
- Learner Centered Systems
- Performance Assessments
- Capacity to Transform
- Personalized Learning in Practice
- Designing for Deeper Learning
- Learning Theory and Instructional Design
- Research Application
For more information, contact James Boe, jim.boe@vcsu.edu, or Heather Kvilvang, heather.kvilvang@vcsu.edu.
About VCSU
Valley City State University is a regional leader in teacher education and awards more bachelor’s degrees in education than any other university in the state. VCSU’s graduate studies program offers both a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching, along with several graduate certificates related to education.
VCSU Awarded $15,000 ND EPSCoR Grant for INSTEM Academy
Photo: Students do a hands-on activity with an instructor at VCSU’s INSTEM academy.
The Valley City State University INSTEM (Indians into STEM) Academy has been awarded a $15,000 grant through the North Dakota EPSCoR STEM Outreach Program, an initiative that supports activities designed to strengthen the STEM pathway and build STEM identity among youth across North Dakota.
The INSTEM Academy has been conducting week-long summer STEM academies for North Dakota Native American middle and high school students since 2018. The program is coordinated by Dr. Jamie Wirth, Director of VCSU’s Great Plains STEM Education Center, but its programming is powered by a broad team of STEM faculty from across multiple VCSU departments. These faculty lead hands‑on sessions that immerse Native American students in authentic STEM experiences. More information is available at www.vcsu.edu/instem.
The EPSCoR STEM Outreach Program emphasizes youth‑centered STEM activities aligned with statewide goals and the North Dakota Science and Technology Plan. Awards of up to $15,000 were made to programs demonstrating strong alignment with these priorities and high potential for impact. These funds will supplement the primary funding for INSTEM that is provided by the ND Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Indian/Multicultural Education. The new grant funds will allow INSTEM to expand the hands‑on learning opportunities that promote STEM identity, curiosity, and long‑term academic success among Native American youth.
“We are grateful to ND EPSCoR for supporting INSTEM’s mission to empower Native students with meaningful, culturally responsive STEM experiences,” said Dr. Wirth. “While I coordinate the academy, the true strength of INSTEM lies in the faculty across campus, as well as various guest speakers, who generously share their time, expertise, and passion for STEM with our students.”
About INSTEM
INSTEM at Valley City State University provides culturally grounded, high‑impact STEM learning opportunities for Native American K–12 students. Through interdisciplinary faculty collaboration and partnerships with tribal schools, INSTEM helps students explore STEM fields, develop problem‑solving skills, and build confidence in pursuing STEM careers. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu/instem.
About the Great Plains STEM Education Center
The Great Plains STEM Education Center at VCSU promotes excellence in STEM teaching and learning through teacher preparation, curriculum development, professional development, and statewide outreach.
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.
Science faculty attend Project Learning Tree & Project Wild training
Trista Montgomery, assistant professor for biology, Ellen Fehr, Director for Prairie Waters, and Lindsey Kiecker, assistant professor for chemistry, attended Project Learning Tree & Project Wild facilitator training on Jan. 26 & 27 in Bismarck, N.D.
These programs, hosted by the NDSU/North Dakota Forest Service in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, are focused on environmental education and offer ready-made activities for educators to incorporate more science in their teaching. Not only do these activities expose learners to the science of the world around them, but really showcase how science is connected to language arts, physical education and other disciplines at all learning levels.
The group returned to VCSU as facilitators for these programs and already have plans to train other educators. Montgomery is excited to include these programs in her Park Management course, where those students may go on to lead informal activities at outreach centers and parks. Kiecker is eager to include these programs in the secondary science methods course, so future science teachers have ready-made activities that are directly tied to national standards.
Attending this training has equipped the department with the ability to share the Project Learning Tree and Project Wild initiatives with other educators. Formal and informal, whether in a classroom or outside, there are opportunities to include environmental education and general science practices into K-12 teaching. The group is happy to collaborate with anyone interested in learning more!
VCSU Announces Free App Month for Prospective Students
Valley City State University is excited to roll out Free App Month, a special opportunity for prospective students to apply at VCSU without paying an application fee. From January 20 through February 20, 2026, application fees will be waived on most undergraduate applications.
“We want to remove barriers and make higher education more accessible,” said Erin Heide, director for enrollment services. “Students should feel empowered to take the next step in their college search without worrying about the cost of applying.”
VCSU offers more than 65 academic programs, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a supportive campus community. By waiving application fees during Free App Month, VCSU is encouraging more students to explore the opportunities available at its student-focused university.
How to Apply:
Prospective students can apply online at www.vcsu.edu/apply. Most applications submitted between January 20 and February 20 will qualify for the waiver when using the promo code “Vikings2026” during the application process. The promotional waiver applies to degree-seeking undergraduate students from the United States and neighboring Canada. It is for both incoming freshmen and transfer students.
For more information about VCSU programs and the admission process, visit www.vcsu.edu or contact the Admissions Office at enrollment.services@vcsu.edu or (800) 532-8641.
Viking Sports Update
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking Women reached a milestone in their win over Mayville State on Saturday. It was the first time in the program’s history that they scored 100 points in a conference game. This weekend the Vikings will host #7 Dakota State at the Claire Blikre Activities Center at North Dakota State College of Science. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. Saturday’s game with Bellevue will be played at Concordia College in Moorhead at the Memorial Auditorium. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking Men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to three in a row with a 78-72 win over Mayville State on Saturday at Concordia College in Moorhead. This weekend, Valley City State will host Dakota State and Bellevue. The Dakota State game on Friday will be played at the Claire Blikre Activities Center at North Dakota State College of Science. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Saturday’s game with Bellevue will be played at Concordia College in Moorhead at the Memorial Auditorium. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
LARSON EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
For the second time this season, a VCSU Men’s basketball player earned Player of the Week honors in the Frontier Conference. Kaleb Larson, a senior from West Fargo earned the honor this week.
INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
The Vikings track and field teams were split this past weekend. Three athletes went to Bismarck for the U-Mary Winter Classic while the rest of the team, was at the Cobber Alumni Classic at Concordia College. This week, the entire squad will head to Grand Forks for the UND Indoor and Multi Open.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
February 6
Viking Visit Day
Find out what’s happening at VCSU: https://www.vcsu.edu/news-events/
Find out what’s happening in the community: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/