ABOUT ME
Hey! I'm Ryan Dodd.
WHERE I'VE BEEN
I was born and raised in North Dakota. We were an Air Force family, and found ourselves stationed in Minot, ND. Throughout my public education, I loved my music classes so much that I figured I'd try teaching it as a career. That brought me to North Dakota State University, where I studied education with a music emphasis. Fargo has been my home ever since!
I worked three years as a music teacher and was a substitute teacher both before and after that. I left teaching for a number of reasons, but compensation and lack of support were my biggest reasons for making the difficult decision. ​Nearly a decade has passed, and a whole lot has changed! I've settled into a career in real estate, and I have three great kids with my lovely wife Emily. Being a parent has filled our life with lots of laughter and joy!
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to substitute teach in nearly every school in the district. There are always plenty of substitute teaching jobs available. Teacher recruitment and retention is a big challenge that Fargo Public Schools is currently facing. Nothing is more important than getting quality teachers into our district and then doing whatever we can to make sure they stay! The quality of our students' educations depend on it. There is a great opportunity to improve kids' lives in the coming years here in Fargo!
GOING FORWARD!
My kids will be in school for the next 15 years, and I can't help but return a portion of my focus towards the wellbeing of Fargo Public Schools. My children are fortunate that their parents will always be in touch with their public education. Not every parent has that flexibility, meaning not every student will experience what it means to have many adults checking in on their education, ensuring they experience positive outcomes.​ My wish for Fargo Public Schools is that every student, regardless of their background or station in life, can experience the full potential of a quality and equitable public education.
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Fargo is a burgeoning community, with new growth and development almost everywhere you look. We should make every attempt to mimic that growth throughout all of Fargo, including the public schools. With an open mind and smart, compassionate voices on the school board, I truly believe we can get there. We'd be one step closer to schools that properly support and pay their teachers, and give our students the tools they need to graduate educated and equipped.
