The North Dakota Association of Secondary Principals has named Dr. Shannon Mortrud, South High’s assistant principal, as North Dakota’s Assistant Principal of the Year for the year of 2025. This has come after seven years of serving South as assistant principal and 16 total years in the field of education, being initially a school psychologist. In an interview with the Sudhian, she reflects on her experience as assistant principal and what this award means to her.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and eventually become an assistant principal?
“Public education afforded me every opportunity that I have today. My high school career introduced me to college and career opportunities that I was not aware of. For example, I did not know that you even needed the ACT to get into college, and I may have not been able to attend college had it not been for the supports I received in public school. I love the idea that no matter who you are or what your background is, we all come together in public school, and all can experience the many opportunities afforded to us. I became an assistant principal sort of by chance. I was encouraged by a past supervisor to eventually get into leadership as a special education director, which is why I went back to school for the credential. Through my work experiences, it became clear that I really enjoyed high school and working with all students and the entire system, which led me to my current position.”
What, in your belief, is the most important quality an assistant principal should possess, and how do you embody that?
“I think that consistency and empathy are necessary. Not everyone needs the same things but we need to get people what they need to access the opportunities at South in the same way. I hope that I am consistent with my approach to outcomes and goals with students. I believe that it is important to set boundaries but to be compassionate. This time in a young person’s life requires structure as well as room to explore and supports for all of the experiences they encounter.”
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
“Time. There are a lot of things that need to be done or can be done to always improve our school. Often my day-to-day tasks cannot be completed on a set schedule due to responses to student needs or unexpected situations. There is never enough time in the day to get everything done.”
What are some challenges facing students at this school that you feel are not spoken about enough? How do you work to address these challenges?
“The ‘why’ behind the massive increase in absences. We have the data, but now are looking to understand what is going on with the students to create this increase in time out of school compared to a few years ago. The efforts that we have put into place in the past are not meant for this number of student absences, so I am excited about our Student Impact Team and Principal Impact Team for semester 2 to hear from our students and have their voices heard. We are also working as staff under Mrs. Brandt to make some adjustments at Fargo South to help with the attendance issues.
Any other comments?
I love my job and I love South. I have worked at a few high schools over my career, and I think that South has something really special going on and that is due to the great students, staff and families associated with our school.
