A Bushwick art teacher got quite the surprise Friday when told he was chosen as a winner for New York's Big Apple Award.

James Haggerty is an art teacher at JHS 383 in Bushwick.

Schools Chancellor David Banks was there to present the award given to teachers based on principal recommendations, classroom visits and a review by a board of judges.

Haggerty's work has been recognized before, but he says the award was incredibly special to receive.

He is one of the 20 teachers across the entire city to receive the award this year.