Vision, Mission & History

Our Vision

“In collaboration with business and community partnerships and through consolidation of regional education association resources, we provide opportunities to empower students to enter the workforce, compete in a global marketplace and engage in lifelong learning.”

Our Mission 

“Through ongoing collaboration and resource sharing, our mission is to provide high-quality, innovative, dedicated services.”

Our History

The Great Northwest Regional Education Association (GNWREA) had been a cornerstone of educational collaboration and innovation in western North Dakota since its establishment. Created to address the unique challenges faced by rural and regional schools, GNWREA emerged as a cooperative effort to unify resources, provide support, and enhance educational opportunities for students and educators in the region. Spanning the vast landscape of western North Dakota, GNWREA served member school districts that extended from the Canadian border in the north to Central Western North Dakota. This geographic diversity brought unique opportunities and challenges, uniting schools across rural and urban divides in a shared mission of educational excellence.

Origins and Formation

GNWREA was formed in response to the increasing demand for collaboration among school districts in western North Dakota. Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach to address challenges such as teacher shortages, professional development gaps, and the necessity of preparing students for regional industry careers, school leaders from across the region came together to form the association. The goal was clear: to provide equitable access to quality education and resources, regardless of district size or location.

Expanding Services and Merging with RESP to become WERC

In October 2024, a significant transformation occurred in the educational landscape of western North Dakota with the merger of the Great Northwest Regional Education Association (GNWREA) and the Roughrider Education Services Program (RESP) to become the Western Education Regional Coop (WERC). This unification marked a new chapter in regional collaboration, combining the strengths and resources of two educational service organizations to better serve the schools, educators, and students in the region.

Both GNWREA and RESP had long histories of supporting rural and regional schools through professional development, resource sharing, and initiatives tailored to local needs. However, as challenges in education grew increasingly complex—ranging from teacher recruitment and retention to addressing diverse student needs—leaders from both organizations recognized the potential benefits of combining their efforts.  The decision to merge was driven by a shared vision: to create a unified entity capable of delivering more comprehensive and efficient support to member districts. Extensive planning and collaboration among the leadership teams and member districts ensured that the merger would honor the legacy of both organizations while positioning the new entity, WERC, for future success.

Together, the organizations expanded their reach to serve nearly all school districts in western North Dakota, spanning from the Canadian border to the South Dakota border.

The newly combined WERC emphasizes:

• Enhanced Professional Development: Streamlined and diversified training opportunities for educators, tailored to the needs of rural and regional schools.

• Student-Centered Initiatives: Expanded programs connecting students to regional industries while supporting alternative career paths.

• Resource Optimization: Improved access to shared resources, reducing redundancies and maximizing the impact of investments in technology, curriculum, and teacher support.

WERC Today

Today, WERC continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its member districts. By fostering partnerships, leveraging technology, and maintaining a focus on equity, the association remains committed to empowering educators and students alike. Through its efforts, WERC exemplifies the strength of regional cooperation in creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and lifelong learning in western North Dakota.

The history of both the GNWREA and the RESP is a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the educators and communities they now serve as one.