Alumni Spotlight: Isaiah MacDonald ‘21

Isaiah MacDonald, a Dickinson State University alumnus and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educator at Mandan High School, has been honored as the 2025 NDACTE FCS New Teacher of the Year.

MacDonald has called Mandan, North Dakota, home for the past seven years, where he lives with his wife, Ruth. Growing up, he struggled to find a place that truly felt like home. However, when he moved to Mandan, he discovered a welcoming community and a passion for giving back.

MacDonald transferred to Dickinson State University halfway through his path to becoming a teacher, enrolling as a Bismarck-DSU student in the fall of 2019. In December 2021, he graduated with a degree in Social Science Composite Education and had the honor of speaking at commencement. Since then, he has spent nearly four years teaching FCS at Mandan High School.

MacDonald’s love for teaching was never tied to a single subject, but to teaching itself. “I always knew I wanted to teach; what I taught didn’t matter as much to me as long as I could pour into future generations,” he says. “I enjoyed FCS in high school, so I decided to give it a shot and apply when a position opened in Mandan. Little did I know I was about to become the first male FCS teacher in North Dakota.”

He hopes to give students the ability to succeed through a growth-driven mindset, encouraging them to continue seeking personal development long after their time in his classroom. “I am excited to come in every day, teaching students’ skills that are immediately applicable when they leave the classroom,” he says. “FCS is all about what means the most to us—family and caring for oneself. My content area is an extension of my passion for helping students be the best that they can be.”

Reflecting on the honor, MacDonald adds, “We have a saying in FCS: ‘Say Yes to FCS!’ This comes from a program designed to encourage students to become FCS teachers. I always say, ‘FCS said yes to me.’ I am so thankful that it did so when I wasn’t sure what type of teacher I would be. I have gained so many opportunities to teach meaningful skills to students and make connections that will inspire them to achieve greater things than I ever could. I guess you could say all of these experiences combined into an intense gratitude at being the 2025 NDACTE FCS New Teacher of the Year.”

He aims to continue investing in the Mandan community by growing his FCCLA chapter, promoting FCS awareness across North Dakota, and creating more opportunities for students. “It has been my pleasure to see my students lead projects that have impacted hundreds, if not thousands, in Mandan,” he says. “The best moment is when you see a student realize that they made a difference and see the confidence it sparks in them.” MacDonald recently earned his master's degree in FCS Education and hopes to one day become a professor who trains future teachers, equipping them with the tools to make an impact on generations to come.

Written by Alician Parks, DSU HF Student Writer