Her Story
About Sheila
Sheila Peterson is a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience teaching sixth grade at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck Public Schools. She specializes in physical education and peer-to-peer classes that provide leadership training, match mentors with mentees of varying abilities, and promote inclusivity and positive school culture. Peterson earned her bachelor's degree in education from Dakota State University in 2000 and her master's degree in technology and education and training (MSTET) from the University of South Dakota in 2006. Her contributions to the field have earned her the 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award, the 2017 North Dakota Middle School Physical Educator of the Year award, and the 2013 Wachter Middle School Teacher of the Year award. She is an active member of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) and serves on her union foundation board. Peterson attributes her success to high expectations instilled by her mother and supportive mentors throughout her life, and she emphasizes investing in education, maintaining faith in oneself, and leading by example with positive intent.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheila
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother who instilled high expectations and solution-based thinking, and to four key people in my life: my 5th grade teacher Mr. Sampsky as my spark, Coach Greenwood as my torch with high expectations, Larry the night watchman as my lantern, and my aunt as my beacon. I credit having a good roster of supportive people throughout every era of my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Invest in yourself early by getting as educated as possible. Don't be afraid of challenge, have faith in yourself, and always count on yourself because at the end of the day you can count on you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow the poem 'Anyway' - do it anyways even if people criticize or quiet your dreams. Do things with positive intent to better yourself and others. Don't wait for permission from others to do great things; lead by example and people will follow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is a crisis of character in the world today, where people respond in unexpected ways under stress. It's important to put ourselves in other people's shoes rather than judging, and to frame difficulties positively because kids these days are empathetic and want authentic challenges and service opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Doing everything with positive intention and love, and having high expectations despite difficulties. I expect a lot because I love and believe people perform at higher levels with supported challenge, based on my own background where high expectations helped me succeed.
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