By Scout Nelson
Brian Schneider, a long-time agriculture teacher at Napoleon Public School, has been named North Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes his decades of dedication to students, agricultural education, and leadership in the classroom and community.
Schneider is currently in his 41st year of teaching and has become one of the most respected agriculture educators in the state. Although he grew up on a farm, teaching was not originally part of his career plans. His high school agriculture teacher encouraged him to study agricultural education and explained that the degree could provide many opportunities within the agriculture industry. That advice eventually changed the direction of his life.
After graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural education and a minor in general science, Schneider began his teaching career in Cando, North Dakota. While he was unsure at first if he would remain in education, his experiences working with students helped him realize that teaching was the right profession for him.
After spending five years in Cando, Schneider accepted a position in Napoleon, where he has taught agricultural education courses for students in grades 7 through 12 for the past 35 years. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating strong relationships with students and helping them achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.
“When you build relationships with kids, they work hard for you, and they try to do the best that they can with whatever we’re covering at the time,” Schneider said. “I have a genuine love and interest in each of the students I have, and I just work at making those connections.”
His classroom combines academic learning with practical experiences. Students participate in hands-on activities covering food science, small engine repair, electrical wiring, carpentry, metalworking, and plant propagation. These experiences help students build useful skills while gaining a better understanding of agriculture and related industries.
Beyond technical skills, Schneider emphasizes important life lessons such as responsibility, integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic. His goal is to prepare students for future success regardless of the career path they choose.
Schneider has also played a major role in the success of the school’s FFA program. Under his leadership, Napoleon’s FFA chapter has earned more than 150 state individual and team championships. Students have also achieved success at the national level, including three national championships in the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event and numerous top-10 national finishes.
His impact on students extends far beyond graduation. Many former students remain connected with him and continue to credit him for helping shape their careers and personal growth. In recognition of his influence, former Napoleon FFA members helped raise more than $1 million to support the development of new agriculture facilities at the school. Combined with school funding, the project created modern learning spaces that include a greenhouse, meats lab, food science lab, large shop area, and additional storage facilities.
State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier praised Schneider’s contributions when announcing the award.
“Brian Schneider’s work reflects the commitment and student-focused mindset that define North Dakota’s Best educators,” Bachmeier said. “What stands out isn’t just what he teaches, but how he teaches. His humility, sincere care for students and passion for agricultural education are evident in everything he does. That combination makes a lasting, positive impact on the students he serves; North Dakota needs more veteran teachers like Schneider.”
Schneider described the recognition as a humbling experience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to do work he loves. Messages from former students dating back to his early teaching years have reminded him of the lasting impact educators can have on young people.
In addition to being named North Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, Schneider recently received the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, bringing additional recognition to both him and Napoleon Public School. His career continues to serve as an example of how dedicated teachers can inspire students, strengthen communities, and support the future of agriculture.
Photo Credit: North Dakota State University
Categories: North Dakota, Education