Kendall Bergrud Named 2025 North Dakota Teacher of the Year

BISMARCK, N.D. — In a celebration of excellence in education, Kendall Bergrud, a mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, has been honored as North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year for 2025. The announcement was made by State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Governor Doug Burgum during a ceremony held at the state Capitol on September 27.

This marks the second consecutive year that a teacher from Wachter Middle School has received this prestigious accolade, following Sheila Peterson, a physical education teacher who held the title in 2024. Bergrud will officially take over the role in January.

Accepting the award, Bergrud expressed humility and gratitude, stating, “Every educator in North Dakota deserves this honor… Most of us were called to this work because of the drive and dedication we have in helping students and seeing them succeed.” His remarks highlighted the collective effort of educators across the state who strive to inspire and nurture their students.

The ceremony also recognized Bergrud among four finalists, including Macie Harris-Nelson, a music teacher at Kenmare Public Schools; Ashley Nudell, a family and consumer science teacher at Lisbon High School; and Kayla Tatro, who teaches a variety of subjects at Roosevelt Elementary School in Carson. Baesler praised Bergrud for his exceptional dedication, stating, “He has a remarkable ability to forge meaningful relationships and make connections with his students.”

Governor Burgum echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Bergrud's embodiment of North Dakota values: “People who support and care about each other… want the very best for our current and future generations of young people.” He underscored Bergrud's ability to create supportive bonds that foster both emotional and academic growth in his students.

Bergrud began his teaching career in 2013 at Lincoln Elementary School before moving to Wachter Middle School in 2022. At Wachter, he not only teaches math to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders but also contributes to the school's leadership team. In addition to his teaching roles, he has served as a principal intern and coached various sports.

With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Dickinson State University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Mary, Bergrud credits his “incredible students” for continually inspiring him. He urged students to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams, saying, “Your potential is limitless.”

A group of Bergrud’s students, proudly wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his image, were present at the ceremony and erupted in cheers upon his recognition as Teacher of the Year, showcasing the strong bond he has cultivated with them.

Get our free mobile app

The selection process for the Teacher of the Year began last spring, with 49 educators recognized as county Teachers of the Year across North Dakota. From this group, Bergrud was chosen for the state honor by an eight-member committee of education stakeholders. As North Dakota's Teacher of the Year, Bergrud will also be in contention for the National Teacher of the Year award, to be announced in spring 2025.

Reflecting on the challenges and joys of teaching, Sara Medalen, the 2020 Teacher of the Year, spoke at the ceremony about the profound impact teachers have on their students’ lives, reinforcing the importance of their work in shaping future generations.