Most teachers make sure students grasp the subjects they cover in the class. But at Northwest Elementary one special teacher makes sure her students get a well rounded lesson plan.

Elementary school is a great spot to learn the basics of education. But at Beaverdale Elementary, one special teacher makes sure her kids learn responsibility.

With all of the tests and complications of growing up, Caroline Kirkpatrick believes parents want a teacher who will love and inspire their child. She gave up a job in the oil industry to follow her passion... one that's making a difference in the lives of the next generation.

Some of Jack Leather's students score so high on college placement test, schools give them college credit. The high school science teacher uses the real world as his classroom.

She jumps in wherever needed.

He teaches three grades all at once, but Mark Sargeant's class gets along better than most. That's because he doesn't allow his students to discourage each other.

A child's attitude about learning makes all the difference. At Fairyland Elementary one special teacher makes sure her students stay positive no matter what.

Reaching a child with a disability can sometimes be a challenge. But at Dade County Elementary one extraordinary child says her teacher makes her feel special.

News 12 has made a commitment to telling positive stories about teachers in our area. And tonight, that commitment paid off for several local educators as the Golden Apple Award finalists and teacher of the year are announced.

Even though the April 27th tornado outbreak was the worst natural disaster in our region in nearly a century... It could have been worse.