Not every teacher gets the opportunity to be recognized by peers and teachers alike, but for freshman science teacher Josy McLean it was a shocking announcement. McLean was chosen on May 14 by her teaching colleagues as the 2014 Teacher of the Year.

“I think that it made me out to be a better person,” McLean said. “Past teachers who have won the award decide who gets the award.”

The award recognizes a teacher who is deserving and works well with students and his or her peers. The previous year’s winner introduces the Teacher of the Year and McLean said that as this year’s recipient was being introduced, she couldn’t tell it was herself.

“I just didn’t recognize myself. I was wondering “who did they talk to?” and who else knows all these things about me,”she said.

McLean said the award put her in a good light.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” she said. “It’s really cool to be in a very affirming and accepting community. It’s great to work somewhere where you feel valued.”