BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — Teachers who leave a positive impact on their students’ lives are often taken for granted. They have the tough job of teaching classrooms full of students about a certain subject, and it’s not always easy for them to get those students to engage. When a teacher can really connect with a student, the bond formed can be like no other.

That’s why the ND Teacher of the Year award seeks to recognize a teacher who stood out among all the others in the impact they have had on their students’ lives. The four finalists have been named, and they will each hold their own celebration to recognize their achievements.

This year’s finalists are:

• Kendall Bergrud, a math teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck;
• Macie Harris-Nelson, a music teacher at Kenmare Elementary School;
• Ashley Nudell, a family and consumer science teacher at Lisbon High School; and
• Kayla Tatro, who teaches English, math, science, music and technology at Roosevelt Public School in Carson.

They have all received various awards for their hard work, and will now face off for the ultimate statewide recognition.

Harris-Nelson’s celebration, during which everyone will gather for a school assembly, will be on Friday, Aug. 30 at 12:30 p.m.

Bergrud and Tatro will both have their celebrations at their respective schools on Wednesday, Sept. 11, while Nudell’s will be Friday, Sept. 13.

State School Supt. Kirsten Baesler will visit each of the four teachers at their schools to celebrate their achievements.

Finalists are interviewed each year by an eight-member screen committee. The 2025 ND Teacher of the Year Award winner will be revealed at a ceremony in Bismarck’s Memorial Hall on Friday, Sept. 27, starting at 1 p.m.

For more information on each of the teachers, visit the ND United website .

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