Local teacher receives WI Teacher of the Year award - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Eau Claire (WQOW)- A local teacher received a special recognition.

On Friday, Amy Traynor, an 8th grade math teacher at Delong Middle School, was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. 

Mrs. Traynor is one of four teachers statewide to get the award. She was picked because of her work with a program that helps students transition from elementary to middle school.

"It just really validates that you're in the right profession. Especially in the last couple of years where you're thinking is this where I'm supposed to be, is this what I'm supposed to be doing. It just makes you feel like this is where I need to be and this is where I'm meant to be. So it makes you just feel good about where you are," says Traynor.

The Wisconsin Superintendent, Tony Evers, was at Delong Middle school to surprise Traynor with the announcement.

"I think it's indicative of what goes on in our building. On a regular basis, people working hard trying to create the best opportunities for our students, that's how I define Amy," says Dr. Tim O'Reilly, Delong Middle School principal.

Traynor has also started a program to help parents strengthen their math skills, so they can help their children with homework.  Each of the winners gets $3,000.