COEUR d'ALENE - Erin Lenz's name echoed Thursday through Winton Elementary School's multi-purpose room.

The kindergarten- through- fifth-grade students kept repeating, "Mrs. Lenz," their young voices rising in unison, a chanted cheer for a beloved teacher.

Along with the rest of the Winton teachers and staff members, the children had just learned that one of their own, Erin Lenz, was named Idaho Teacher of the Year.

"When I accept this award, I have to say all of you deserve it too. We really are a great school," Lenz said.

Idaho Superintendent of Instruction Tom Luna made the trip from Boise to make the surprise announcement during a school-wide assembly at Winton.

Luna visited Winton a year ago to recognize the elementary school as one of 11 in Idaho to have made significant strides in student achievement. There are 750 public schools in Idaho.

"I'm here to remind you, you guys are one of the best schools in the whole state," Luna told the group, prior to making the teacher of the year announcement.

As Idaho Teacher of the Year, Lenz will receive $1,000 from the Idaho State Department of Education, $16,000 in technology from the SMARTer Kids Foundation, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Idaho as a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.

Now a first grade teacher, Lenz has been an educator for a decade. She began her career teaching third grade, and then spent several years as a Title 1 reading teacher, dedicated to helping students experiencing difficulties with reading.

Winton Principal Kristin Gorringe said she could think of no one better to represent Idaho teachers.

"Teaching is not what Erin does but rather who she is. Her commitment, modeling, skills, and ability to relate to people, both old and young, raises the capacity and performance of all who are lucky enough to work with her," Gorringe said. "I consider myself blessed to be one of those people."

Nancy Mueller, Winton teacher of physical education and music, taught third grade with Lenz for several years.

"Everything they said about her is on target," Mueller said.

Lenz's career path changed, and she became determined to earn a degree in education after being hired as a classroom aide. She discovered her passion was working with children.

Lenz graduated from the University of Idaho, and has continued with post graduate studies focusing on reading development and instructional strategies for struggling readers.

Coeur d'Alene Superintendent Hazel Bauman said Lenz's award is well-deserved.

"She is an amazing teacher with a heart for children and very skillful. She can teach any child to read," Bauman said. "We will bask in her reflected glory."

School Trustee Terri Seymour was among the school board members who attended the assembly. Seymour was also one of many adults in the audience moved to tears by the award presentation.

"I'm proud to be part of a school district with a wonderful teacher like this. It's an honor," Seymour said.

Lenz is the sixth Coeur d'Alene teacher since 1999 to be named Idaho Teacher of the Year. Past Coeur d'Alene recipients include: Judy Bieze, 1999; Nancy Larsen, 2000; Patti Perry, 2003; Paula Conley, 2005; and Mike Clabby, 2007. The former recipients were in attendance to watch Lenz receive the honor.

"We must be doing something right in this district to produce so many Idaho teachers of the year," said Trustee Sid Fredrickson. "It's a habit I like."

The announcement was a surprise for Lenz, but her family members were in on the secret and were there to witness the award presentation.

"I'm extremely proud of her," said Lenz's husband Patrick.

He tipped his hat to the entire Winton faculty and staff also, saying they work hard, just like his wife does.

"It's a collective effort," he said.

Since 1959, school districts throughout the state have had the opportunity to nominate one teacher for Idaho Teacher of the Year. Charter schools are also able to recommend an educator for the honor. A state selection committee representing teachers, education leaders, parents and legislators from across the state choose the Idaho Teacher of the Year from among the nominations.

There are roughly 16,000 public school teachers in Idaho.