(GARNER) -- A fourth grade math and science teacher at Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, received the surprise of a lifetime today when she was awarded a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award and $25,000.

State Superintendent June Atkinson made the announcement during a school-wide assembly. Tiffany Lachenmayr is among 40 recipients across the U.S. who have earned the award this year, but the only recipient from North Carolina. 

"Tiffany's enthusiasm, creativity, and connections she makes with each of her students are what bring them back to her classroom for visits, long after they leave the fourth grade," Atkinson said. "Her colleagues and students alike benefit from her passion for education, and her commitment to student success."

This is Lachenmayr's ninth year teaching at Timber Drive.

"I truly am surrounded by the best staff, principal, and students. I'm very humbled by this and very thankful," she said. "I feel like there's no other profession where you have the opportunity to truly touch so many lives, and that's what keeps me coming back each and every day, and putting in the time that it takes to really make a difference."

Lachenmayr is a National Board Certified teacher, a grade-level leader, and a member of the school leadership team. She is also on the reading, writing and math committees, participates in professional development on a regular basis, and serves as a member of the Council of Teachers of Mathematics.