Every day this week, News 12 announced a winner for the Teacher Appreciation Week contest, and the final winner is Christina Carlson from Lanes Mill Elementary School in Bricktown.

Carlson teaches third grade, and now, after 30 years of teaching, she says the recognition is incredibly special to her.

“We start off our day with a mirror and I tell them and explain to them that I want you to look in the mirror so that you can see yourself the way I see you in the mirror, and we start out by saying, 'I'm important. I am kind. I am special. And I am loved'. And today I feel loved. Today I feel very, very loved. Thank you. Thank you so, so much. It means a lot. It really, really does,” says Carlson.

She is getting a $500 gift card courtesy of Teachers’ Insurance Plan of NJ.

Click here to see all of the nominated teachers.