Self-Directed Academy
Self-Directed Academy Staff
We are excited to support your student's learning this school year!
At the Self-Directed Academy, teachers take on the roles of advisor. Advisors provide direct instruction, mentorship and guidance to support student learning, choice and voice. Our student teachers serve as Co-advisors, learning and teaching along side our Advisors.
Student Advisors are assigned during week 2 of school.
Dr. Kelly Dietrich, Principal
I am thrilled to represent the incredible students, families and teachers at the Self-Directed Academy!
I am most looking forward to working collaboratively as a school community to support a 6-8 grade middle school experience that integrates student choice, adaptive lessons and project based learning. Unique programs that meet the needs of the individual in an engaging and meaningful way are my favorite!
A Fargo-Moorhead native, Dr. Kelly Dietrich previously served as the principal of Focus Beyond Transition Services in Saint Paul Public Schools. Before beginning her current role, she was a Director of Special Education at Minnesota charter schools from 2017-23.
Dr. Dietrich began her career in education as a Title I intervention teacher and coordinator of a learning program for students with chronic illnesses at Cyber Village Academy in St. Paul in 2000. She was the education services director at Broad Education in Minneapolis from 2005-06. She was a special education teacher at Dakota Academy Charter School from 2006-07. She served as the special education learning manager at TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School in Lindstrom, Minn. from 2007-10. She was an Assistant Principal and Special Education Coordinator at Minnesota Virtual Schools from 2010-14. And she was a special education coordinator at the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District from 2014-17. Dr. Dietrich also holds an adjunct faculty position at Hamline University.
Dr. Dietrich holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Middle School Social Studies from St. Catherine University, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education and a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Bethel University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration through St. Cloud State University.
Mrs. Sharon Eide, Visual Arts Advisor, Fargo Public Schools Visual Arts Curriculum Facilitator
I went to Fergus Falls Community College and graduated from Bemidji State with degrees in Art Education and Art History. After graduating I traveled to New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Chicago as a women’s clothing buyer for O’Meara’s stores before moving to Fargo.
I began teaching as an Artist in Residence for Fargo Public Schools in 1989, where I taught kindergarten through grade six in each elementary school on a rotation basis. In 2020 I was hired as the Creative Arts Studio Director, and Visual Arts Curriculum Specialist.
I have taught Art as a visiting professor at both Concordia and Moorhead State University, pre-school, elementary, middle school, and adult education. This year I am fortunate to be able to teach at both Clara Barton Elementary and our new Self-Directed Learning Academy.
I am passionate about Art and love to see how students develop and grow as they problem solve, stretch, make mistakes, reflect, and explore through their Art. Art isn’t always about the product, rather it is about the creative process, the thinking and the work.
I look forward to getting to know each of my students and giving them a safe and welcoming place to learn and create!
Mr. Michael Hiltner, Advisor
I am excited to continue learning alongside students, as well as be a participant in something geared so much toward each student's educational journey.
A little information about me:
-I grew up and finished my schooling in Jamestown, ND
-I graduated from Valley City State University with a double major in History and Social Studies Education
-I began my teaching career at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown
-I would go on to get a special education endorsement through Jamestown Public Schools and worked as a special educator for 5 years at Lincoln Elementary
-I enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, road trips, and reading about random facts
Mrs. Horner, Campus Coordinator
I am very excited to be joining the SDA team and supporting our students through project-based personalized learning. I consider myself to be a support specialist who recognizes the potential in all students and am passionate about building close relationships with young learners.
A few facts about me:
-I have worked in various school environments with students ranging from Preschool through high school through both FPS and WFPS
- I was a paraprofessional for Fargo Public Schools for 3 years and loved working 1:1 and with small groups of students who benefit through accommodations and personalized learning
-I most recently worked as a coordinator for the YMCA, conducting a large afterschool program in West Fargo
-I have my degree in Art Education from Valley City State University.
- In my down time I love painting and reading. I also have a green thumb in the summers
Mrs. Missy Jackson, Advisor
I am excited to teach and be a part of the team at SDA to watch learners take ownership of their learning and to help them engage in projects and ideas, as well as to ignite their interests and help guide them towards proficiency in their own way that gets them excited about their learning.
I am also excited to also ignite my passion for personalized learning and project-based teaching in a way that I have always believed is best for learners and educators to teach and learn!
A little about me:
-I have TWINS! They are 7 years old. I have TWIN step girls! They are 22. I also have a stepson that is 25!
-I am also a really huge sports fan, especially football! My team is the New England Patriots, although I am not sure how great they will be in these rebuilding years!
-I also really like to golf, kayak and cook for my family!
Mr. Nick Magee, Physical Education Advisor
My background in Education is a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction along with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health. I graduated from North Dakota State University, and I have been teaching in the FPS for 18 years. This will be my 19th year in education.
I have taught at many different levels of education; Elementary, Middle School, and High School. I am also a wrestling coach at North Dakota State University and the Bison Wrestling Club.
I am originally from Wisconsin; so, I am a big Green Bay Packers fan. I am married with four children, and we live in West Fargo. On my free time I enjoy kayaking, hiking, going to the lakes and spending time with my family.
Mr. Bradley Reese, Advisor
A little about Bradley:
- Professional Background: In my previous role at Fargo South High School since August 2022, I used technology and instructional tools to enhance student learning and developed Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for diverse learning needs
- Passionate Educator: My previous experience includes fostering student-centered learning at Harshman Middle School in Indianapolis and working with Teach for America and the Montessori School of Dayton
Two unique things about me:
1. Multi-faceted Experience: My career spans roles from Special Education to English teaching and even store management at Starbucks, providing a unique perspective on leadership and education
2. Lifelong Learner: I hold advanced degrees in Education and Liberal Arts, reflecting my commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence
I look forward to connecting with parents and students to create an awesome learning experience at the Self-Directed Learning Academy this year!
Morgan, Co-Advisor
A little about me: I am majoring in ComsArtLit Education or what most people know as Language Arts/English with a minor in psychology! What interests me about the Self-Directed Academy is that I know the world of education needs to change, that students deserve better systems that work for them and I think that this is what the program seeks to do.
Two unique things about me:
-I participated in an internship through Concordia College working in the Mellon Grant Foundation in which I worked with the Indian Education Program here in the area and was able to help Indigenous students in the area as well as helping with curriculum for the ND Native American Studies regulations...this was something that was very important to me as I am Anishinaabe from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
-I have traveled to 7 different countries in one summer and was able to play in a large ensemble in each of those countries (I play the flute)! If you're really interested in which ones, I could list them all!
Maximus Nielsen, Creative Dramatics Advisor
A bit about me: I am the current theatre director at Fargo South High School. Before this, I was the Creative Dramatics Teacher and Director at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Master’s in Secondary Education.
