The 2023 Idaho Teacher of the Year is a champion for public education, a cheerful cheerleader for her students and, as her son put it, "a radioactive ball of energy."

"I'm so proud of her. She definitely deserves it," 13-year-old Clark Massey said. "She works so much and so hard and, well, it just shows."

Karen Lauritzen, a third grade teacher at Treaty Rock Elementary in Post Falls, was surprised by Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra, Post Falls School District officials, her family and her entire school Thursday morning as everyone gathered in the gym to celebrate the big news.

"This is one of the best days of my life, because I get to celebrate it with all of these people that I adore and all of the teachers I appreciate so much, and my family, thank you so much," Lauritzen said. "I love my job."

She loves it so much, she even convinced her husband, Jason Lauritzen, to become a teacher at Lakes Middle School.

"This is my 21st year of teaching, and I love every minute of being a teacher. It's the best job I could ever imagine," Karen Lauritzen said. "I love every second that I get to spend with these guys. I absolutely love making a difference every day and being able to share my love of learning with them."

Her student, Paisley Roberts, submitted a letter in support of Lauritzen receiving the honor. Her constant smile said it all.

"I'm so proud of her. She's the best teacher I've ever had," Paisley said. "We're all just so proud of her and so excited she got that opportunity."

She said Lauritzen makes learning fun and awesome.

"She's funny, sweet and kind, and I just love that about her," Paisley said.

Lauritzen received a $1,000 check, bouquets of flowers, balloons and nonstop hugs when the announcement was made.

The Idaho State Department of Education received 348 nominations that resulted in 58 teacher applications for the accolades. Lauritzen was selected by a blue ribbon panel from among 13 finalists. She will serve as a spokesperson and representative for Idaho educators, and she will be the state's nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Ybarra said Lauritzen has found creative and effective ways to help students continue classroom conversations at home while connecting with their families on a daily basis.

"At the end of each school day, she gives students a chance to talk about the great things that happened that day," Ybarra said. "She then writes them on the board and emails a photo to parents, encouraging conversations at home about each and every school day."

Lauritzen has served on the school's behavioral leadership teams, providing focused professional development to school and district staff. In 2021, she was the Treaty Rock Teacher of the Year.

"It's such an honor to celebrate Karen," Treaty Rock Principal Katrina Kramer said. "She is such an amazing teacher. She just stands out as being a leader. She represents our school, our district and our state."

She said she remembers when Lauritzen was first interviewed for the position.

"After the interview, she left and we were just like, 'Wow!'" Kramer said. "She wowed us from the beginning and she's been wowing us ever since."

Post Falls School District Board Chair Michelle Lippert also lauded Lauritzen for her accomplishments.

"It's an absolute honor to have Karen in our district," she said. "I've had the chance to know her in the last two years. She is an incredible professional. She serves as a model for all of us."