Kendall Bergrud, an award-winning mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck and a proud alumnus of Dickinson State University (DSU), is one of four finalists for the 2025 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. His teaching methods and philosophies inspired us so much that we sat down with him to explore how classroom teachers like Mr. Bergrud can guide business leaders toward success.
Build Positive Relationships
KB: My biggest focus is on building strong relationships with students, which creates a foundation of trust and respect. Secondly, I set high expectations for both academic and behavioral achievement. I encourage students to always do their personal best and take ownership of their learning. Lastly, I provide a variety of learning experiences to meet the needs of all students in the classroom. Combining all of these components helps create a learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
Leadership Lesson: For business leaders, fostering strong relationships with employees and other stakeholders is equally important. Building a foundation of trust and respect encourages individuals to perform their best and take ownership of their work. By setting high expectations, you create an environment where everyone feels valued, challenged, and motivated to succeed.
Making Work Fun and Engaging
KB: The funniest moment from my teaching career involved a pair of ice skates and ice! We took our 7th graders on an ice-skating field trip. The students were challenging me to a race, and being the competitive person I am, I was not going to let any of them win! Side note: I am not an ice skater and probably should have stayed off the ice. The race began and I started out strong until I lost my balance and fell flat on my back in front of all of the 7th graders! The only thing I could do at this point was laugh with them. I am thankful there is no video evidence of this happening. Although, I have learned that 7th graders never forget anything! I haven’t gone ice skating again since that day!
Leadership Lesson: Taking risks and maintaining a sense of humor in business is just as important. Leaders who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and laugh at themselves when things don’t go as planned foster a positive and resilient work culture—a culture in which everyone knows that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Advice for New Teachers (and Leaders)
KB: The three things I would share with new teachers entering the profession would be:
- Focus on building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues at the start of the year. Relationships are the foundation of a successful school year.
- Seek advice and support from colleagues. Collaboration with other colleagues is a great way to gain advice as well as other resources to help support your classroom.
- Embrace the journey with an open mind and a positive attitude, and enjoy the opportunity to make a difference in your students' lives.
Leadership Lesson: These principles are just as relevant for new business leaders:
- Build positive relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders from the start. Strong relationships are the foundation of a successful business.
- Seek advice and support from experienced colleagues and mentors. Collaboration and sharing knowledge are key to both personal and organizational growth.
- Embrace your leadership journey with an open mind and a positive attitude. Enjoy the opportunity to make a difference in your team’s lives.
Channel your inner Kendall Bergrud and cultivate a thriving and motivated team!
Interview by Dr. Debora Dragseth, Ph.D. Dragseth is the Baker Boy Professor of Leadership and the 2024 Dickinson State University Distinguished Professor of the Year. Her monthly column offers practical solutions to common workplace issues.
This story is posted as it appears in the Heart River Voice (September 2024 | Vol. 6, No. 9 | p. 12). To view this column online, please heartrivervoice.com/HRVSeptember2024.pdf