Basin Electric to sponsor teachers to attend 2023 teacher seminar

The Lignite Energy Council (LEC) is conducting the 2023 Teacher Seminar, “Energy, Economics and Environment,” at Bismarck (North Dakota) State College, June 12-15. Basin Electric will pay for travel costs for teachers from South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and Iowa, and LEC will cover the rest.

"Basin Electric encourages member co-ops and statewide organizations to communicate this opportunity to area teachers because it's a great opportunity," said Erin Laverdure, Basin Electric project coordination representative. "We would like to get as many educators involved as possible."

This seminar will provide teachers with the information and educational materials they need to teach their students about how lignite is mined and used to produce electricity for homes, farms, and businesses in the Upper Midwest. In addition, the seminar covers lignite’s economic impact on the region, as well as important environmental issues affecting the lignite industry.

Two graduate professional development credits are available through the Center for Economic Education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota State University in Fargo, or Minot (North Dakota) State University.

Teachers can apply online: www.lignite.com/teachers

Applications will be accepted until the seminar is full or until April 28, whichever occurs first.

A $60 deposit is required to reserve each teacher’s spot, and can be submitted online. This deposit will be returned when the teacher checks in at the seminar.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. While LEC encourages all educators and administrative staff to apply and attend, preference is given to those with the following criteria:

• 4th-12th grade teachers
• Science, math or social studies teachers
• Career counselors
• Principals and vice principals

Teachers must track their mileage and individual meal expenses (up to two each way) from home to the seminar and back. Packets with travel expense reimbursement forms will be given to the teachers at the seminar. Receipts for meals are required. Reimbursement forms are due July 7.

Retha Mattern at the LEC can answer questions related to the teachers’ seminar. Contact her at rethamattern@lignite.com or 800-932-7117.

Laverdure can answer questions regarding Basin Electric’s sponsorship of teachers from South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and Iowa. Contact her at elaverdure@bepc.com or 701-557-5625.