James (Jim) Urlacher

At the building level, I lead our Social Committee, am a member of the Building Leadership team, and am part of our Catalyst Support Team. I also serve on the District’s Health Insurance Committee and am a member of our Union Negotiations team. I have also previously served as the Fargo Public Schools’ District World Language Facilitator, as well as a member of the Middle Level and Grading Task Forces.

How did your time as a Spanish major prepare you for your current role/career/life? You can point to a specific skill, a course you took, and/or something else entirely.

During my education at NDSU I studied abroad in Peru. My experience there motivated me to continue traveling and share those cultural experiences with others. I have co-led 4 educational trips for high school students, offering students language immersion and a homestay experience. Twice, I have led groups of adults to Peru to experience the culture and hike the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu. Additionally, I have been an advisor for 5 student and parent trips to Washington, DC, and New York City. In addition to Spain and Peru, I have visited 21 other countries around the world.

What advice would you give to someone considering a Spanish major?

Aside from educational aspects of a Spanish major, the ability to communicate and connect with people around the world has been an amazing asset. It is hard to anticipate all the connections you can make with others around the world. Not only will this give you unique perspectives, but you will make lasting relationships. An example of that has been the connection I built with my study abroad host family. I first met them in 2002 and am in contact with them to this day. During my 6 return trips to Peru, I stayed with the same family. My host sister is currently living in Germany, and I have also visited her there and in Austria when she was working there. I will continue to maintain that relationship in the years to come. I also have various friends and former teachers from my study abroad experience that I keep in touch with and visit in different parts of the world.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

In 2026 I was awarded the Fargo Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year as well as the Cass County Teacher of the Year. Being an educator is a very rewarding experience. One of the biggest rewards I have experienced is having former middle school students who are now teachers at my school, who I work with side by side as colleagues.