North Dakota’s Baesler Moves Closer To National Ed Role

The U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education is Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who has progressed to the full United States Senate.

Approved today by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) in an en bloc vote endorsing seven of President Trump's nominees, Baesler's nomination came out along party lines 12-11.

Baesler's nomination will now go before the whole Senate for deliberation. Not yet announced is a date for the final confirmation vote.

In a remark about her nomination passing committee, Baesler stated, “I am grateful for the Senate HELP Committee’s vote and honored for the opportunity to support our nation’s students, families, and teachers.” She also added that “If confirmed by the Senate, I am committed to working closely with my colleagues for continued progress in serving students effectively.”

Baesler has served as North Dakota’s Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2013 and was re-elected to her fourth four-year term in 2024.

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In the press release announcing Baesler passing committee, the state claims that under Superintendent Baesler, the state has made tremendous strides in personalized, competency-based learning; started the first registered teacher and principal apprenticeship programs; developed a transformational, all-encompassing state assessment system; and raised the number of students graduating "Choice Ready," from 21% in 2018 to 71% in 2024.