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AUGUSTA, IL -- A local teacher found herself at the head of the class on Thursday.

Mrs. Sara Ramsey teaches junior high science and social studies at Southeastern Jr./Sr. High School.

KHQA's Rajah Maples visited her classroom after surprising her with this month's KHQA Excellent Educator award.

Mrs. Ramsey says, "I kind of just fell into this job, but I absolutely love teaching junior high students. I think that just showing them that I care about the learning process helps them to take appreciation for the learning process."

Ashlan Taylor is just one of the many students who helped nominate Mrs. Ramsey.

Taylor says, "She is an awesome teacher, and she's made us learn a lot over the years. She makes learning fun, and she's made me want to grow up and be a teacher."

Whitney Willard says, "She's really a good teacher, because you can really depend on her and no matter what you ask her to do, she's always there. She's just a great person all around."

Mrs. Ramsey's experience at Southeastern Jr./Sr. High School has come full circle. Her mom taught at Southeastern, and Mrs. Ramsey attended school here.

Mrs. Ramsey says, "My mom taught science, and I feel like I'm following in her footsteps."

And not only is Mrs. Ramsey well liked at school, her two small daughters think their mom is at the head of the class 24/7 even when she's away from the classroom.

And those are just some of the reasons that make Mrs. Sara Ramsey this month's KHQA's Excellent Educator.

If you know someone you'd like to nominate for KHQA's Excellent Educator award, send us your nomination to the E-mail or mailing address on your screen.

Don't forget to include your name, contact information and the name of your school.