Discovery Spanish Teacher Wins Fargo Teacher of the Year

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Jim Urlacher, a Spanish teacher at Discovery Middle School in Fargo, North Dakota, has been named the 2026 Fargo Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Urlacher has spent his entire career with the district, starting at Agassiz Middle School in 2005 before moving to Discovery the following year.

Why it matters

The Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to support student success, regardless of a student's background or ability. Urlacher's selection highlights Fargo Public Schools' commitment to providing high-quality education for all students in the district.

The details

Those who nominated Urlacher for the honor say he embodies Fargo Public Schools' mission of educating and empowering all students to succeed. Each year, Urlacher invites parents and community members to cook cultural dishes with their students, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Fargo Public Schools noted that Urlacher is a teacher that new teachers are sent to observe and veteran teachers get ideas from.

• Urlacher has spent his entire career with Fargo Public Schools, starting at Agassiz Middle School in 2005 and moving to Discovery Middle School the following year.
• Urlacher was named the 2026 Fargo Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

What’s next

Urlacher will be considered for Cass County Teacher of the Year.