Frannie Tunseth is a middle school math and language arts teacher and interventionist, supporting students in grades 6-8 at May-Port CG Public Schools in Mayville, North Dakota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in special education and a Master of Education from the University of North Dakota, as well as an educational leadership certificate from the University of Mary in Bismarck. Tunseth is currently pursuing a doctorate in teaching and leading at the University of North Dakota, and her dissertation, Acting Within Context: A Case Study on Teacher Agency in a Rural School, examines how teachers make purposeful decisions in complex educational settings.

Tunseth’s teaching is deeply grounded in relationships and community. She mentors pre-service teachers at the University of North Dakota, leads inquiry-based professional development in rural schools and partners with families to design meaningful, equitable learning experiences. In her classroom, she combines interactive, experiential learning with individualized support, guiding students to engage deeply with challenging content, develop critical thinking skills and take ownership of their learning, all while recognizing and celebrating each student’s unique strengths and perspectives.

Tunseth has been recognized as a North Dakota County Teacher of the Year twice. Through her teaching, research and leadership, Tunseth strives to create spaces where teachers are empowered, students are inspired to learn and communities thrive — often by turning small classroom successes, such as a student discovering a love for writing or finally mastering a tricky math concept, into lasting growth.