This year we've had the pleasure of going out in our local schools and recognizing the best educators out there.

Thursday night we announced our Golden Apple Finalists and Teacher of the Year.

This year WDEF News 12 and Bi-Lo recognized 30 Tennessee Valley Teachers who were the Best of the Best.

Henry Billen of Howard School of Academics and Technology says, "A good teacher is someone who realizes it's not about them, but about each and every kid that you've been entrusted with in your classroom."

From giving children the attention they may not be getting elsewhere...

Graysville Elementary Teacher Jan Nayadley says, "When they leave Graysville they may not remember anything that I've taught them, but they will remember how I treated them. So it takes the love, I think, the love."

...To the pat on the back they need...

Connie Jones from Wallace A. Smith Elementary says, "You give a kid the self-esteem that they need and you'd be surprised what they can do. And it's a lot of fun seeing them get there."

...Our teachers are in the classroom nine months out of the year.

Not only are they instructors, sometimes they take on the role of parent.

East Ridge Middle School Teacher Charlie Goss says, "We're it. We're the ones who have to give 'em hell 'cause sometimes there's nobody else there."

It's often a thankless job, but with the Golden Apple Award we got to say thank you.

This year's Golden Apple Finalists are:

Connie Jones - Wallace A Smith Elementary
Henry Billen - Howard School of Academics and Technology
Jan Nayadley - Graysville Elementary School
Charlie Goss - East Ridge Middle School

This year's Golden Apple Teacher of the Year is Millie Batts from Wolftever Creek Elementary, "Because I love the children. Because children need someone and so do I. So... I'm there for the children."

So to all our Golden Apple Winners and for the hundreds of amazing teacher's out there... here's to you.

We are proud to announce the continuation of our Golden Apple Program.

Next school year we'll pick it up again and honor the best in the classroom, so get your nominations ready.