Millbrook teacher wins 2024 WCPSS Teacher of the Year, district says

The Wake County Public School System announced its Teacher of the Year on Monday night.

The award went to Millbrook Magnet High School teacher Ryan Berglund.

According to the district, Berglund transitioned to teaching career and technical education after working as a professional welder and equipment fabricator. He has been one of Millbrook Magnet High’s Agriculture teachers since July 2019. He is also a graduate of Millbrook High.

Berglund is also an AWS-certified welding inspector and helps provide students with welding certification, which industry professionals equate to passing the bar exam and becoming a lawyer.

The school district said 64 students have become certified welders under his mentorship.

As Teacher of the Year, Berglund will get to participate in the Go Global NC international study program in the Netherlands during the summer of 2025. The trip is sponsored by the Dan Royster Memorial Teacher Award. The award is named after Royster, who is a former WCPSS science teacher.

Berglund will also have an opportunity to attend the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship conference compliments of Participate Learning.

In addition, Berglund received an engraved award, a $100 gift card to Angus Barn, a $1,000 check from sponsors, a weekend stay at the Umstead Hotel and Spa with complimentary breakfast at Heron’s Restaurant, a $100 Amazon gift card compliments of sponsors; a Chromebook compliments of Lenovo; a gift bag from Crossroads Chick-fil-A and autographed hockey gear donated by the Carolina Hurricanes.

To top it all off, he will also have the use of a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, compliments of Capital Chevrolet, for the next year.