The North Dakota Association of Elementary School Principals announced Bear’s honor. The association’s program recognizes outstanding elementary school principals for their leadership, dedication and commitment to student success.

Bear began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Conrad, Montana, where she taught a multi-grade classroom of students in grades 4 through 8. After several years in Montana, she moved to New Town, where she taught various elementary grades, including second, third, fourth and fifth before transitioning into the role of K-5 reading coach. In 2018, she was appointed as lead principal at Edwin Loe Elementary School, a position she continues to hold.

Throughout her career, Bear has been guided by her mentor, Superintendent Marc Bluestone, whose support has played a pivotal role in her development as an administrator, inspiring her commitment to fostering a positive and thriving learning environment.

Bear has spent more than 20 years at Edwin Loe Elementary School. Under her leadership, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student achievement, particularly in reading and math scores.

Dan Kaffar of Devils Lake

One of her most impactful initiatives has been the implementation of a 90-minute dedicated reading block for all 555 students. The session begins with a fun, energizing dance down the hallway, allowing students to shake off any jitters before focusing on their reading instruction. Since launching this program, reading scores have improved year after year, with math scores following suit.

Bear is mother of four children and grandmother to four children. She and her husband, Joe, have been married for more than 30 years. She attributes much of her strength and perseverance to the values instilled in her by her parents, Gene and Shirley.

The North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals principal recognition program, has named Dan Kaffar principal at Central Middle School, Devils Lake, as the North Dakota Middle Level Principal of the Year.

The program annually honors secondary school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

Kaffar completed his undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University and Valley City State University in Elementary Education and Child Development and Family Science. He completed his master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Educational Leadership. Kaffar’s educational journey began at Midway Public School in Inkster. Driven by a love of learning and a desire to empower students, he became one of the region’s pioneers in adopting the innovative “flipped classroom” model. After three impactful years at Midway, he embraced a dual role as both elementary principal at Fordville-Lankin Public School and sixth-grade math and sixth-eighth grade science teacher at Midway.

In 2013, Kaffar and his family relocated to Devils Lake, where he became the assistant principal at Central Middle School, serving in this capacity for four successful years. He was promoted to principal in 2017, a role he continues to hold.

Known for his approachable and compassionate leadership, students trust that Kaffar is always ready to assist — whether it’s with a simple task or a more complex challenge requiring thoughtful attention.

Kaffar and Jake Wateland, assistant principal at Central Middle School, have a strong partnership, fostering a positive and dynamic environment and making a meaningful difference for both students and staff.

Over the past decade, Kaffar has played a key role in guiding Central Middle School toward continuous growth and improvement. The 2024-2025 school year marks a milestone with the school reaching its highest enrollment since his arrival at Devils Lake Public Schools.

Beyond his work at Central Middle School, Kaffar contributes to the district through active involvement on several committees, including the Native American Education Advisory Committee, Teacher Growth and Evaluation, and serving as the lead administrator for the Fine Arts Curriculum Committee.

Kaffar and his wife, Hayley, are parents to five children.

Kaffar credits his Christian faith, meaningful relationships with students and staff at Devils Lake, and the love and support of his family, including his parents, Tim and Barb of Zap, for shaping his journey.

Other educators honored include:

– Mark Andresen, principal of Mandan High School, selected by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals as 2025 North Dakota Principal of the Year.

– Dr. Shannon Mortrud, assistant principal at Fargo South High School, selected by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, as the North Dakota High School Assistant Principal of the Year.