Rebecka Peterson can add 'Teacher of the Year' to her ongoing classroom ritual of naming one good thing that happened each day.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma math teacher brightens every day with a love for her students and a steadfast determination to show the joy that can exist in a classroom.

She does this through her One Good Thing blog, where she writes daily about something good that happened in her class at Union High School, and encourages her students to do the same in their hand-written journals.

In a video tribute Wednesday morning, First Lady Jill Biden, a teacher herself, praised Peterson for sharing the "beautiful and positive experiences" that come with teaching.

Rebecka was named the top teacher in her state and one of five finalists to be named the nation's best by the Council of Chief State School Officers, which funds the National Teacher of the Year program to identify exceptional teachers, recognize their work, and engage them in a year of professional learning.

"Since Rebecka was named the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, she has traveled all over the state to report on more stories of hope, creativity, and joy in classrooms," said Oklahoma Education Association President Katherine Bishop.

"She is truly passionate about the power of teachers and what it means to be a leader for your students and the community."

The year-long program is also meant to empower teachers to participate in policy discussions at the state and national levels.

"Her ability to tap into students' joy and form authentic bonds and her dedication to making learning truly accessible embodies what it means to be an outstanding educator" said NEA President Becky Pringle.

Additionally, the former college mathematics teacher was recognized as one of six state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

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