SYLVANIA, OH (Toledo News Now) - A teacher at KinderCare in Toledo received a big surprise Thursday morning during Your Day.
Joy Semelka was reading her class a book about a great teacher, but what she didn't know, was the great teacher mentioned in the book was her. When she got to the end of the book, she was shocked by the news of winning a huge, national award. Chosen from a mix of 24,000 teachers nationwide, Semelka received a check for $10,000 as part of the award.
"That's crazy to think about. That's so many teachers. The only thing I can say is that I love what I do. And I just try to provide a great experience for the children and their families, and I just love them," said Semelka.
Semelka received the Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award through KinderCare. She had no idea that parents of students, along with her co-workers, had nominated her for the award.
"I honestly had no idea, and I'm still kind of shocked," said Semelka.
Semelka has worked as a teacher for 20 years, six of those at KinderCare. She said she plans to buy a new car with her winnings.
Tune into Your Day every weekday morning from 9-10 a.m. on WTOL 11.
