It was a typical American Education Week at Southern Lehigh Middle School – conferences, early dismissals, faculty meetings. But, for one teacher, a faculty meeting turned into something very atypical and special.

Patricia Schultheis, seventh-grade special education teacher, received the Exemplary Teacher Award from Cedar Crest College.

Named for Howard L. Klopp, former education professor and chair of the Education Department, this is an annual award presented to a teacher during American Education Week to honor Dr. Klopp.

School administrators, teachers, students and parents are encouraged by Cedar Crest to nominate an outstanding teacher who represents excellence in the teaching profession.

The award goes to a teacher in Lehigh or Northampton counties who best exhibits the qualities that made Dr. Klopp beloved and respected as a teacher.

The criteria for selection include: devotion to quality in education, ability to focus on each student's strengths, commitment to helping each student achieve full potential, concern for students that extends beyond the classroom, service to school and community, and dedication to helping colleagues and advancing the profession.

Schultheis' seventh-grade teaching team nominated her for the prestigious honor.

"Patsy's dedication to her students, colleagues and parents is remarkable," said one teacher.

Schultheis received her Bachelor's degree with dual certification in elementary and special education from Millersville in 1979 and her Master's degree in education from Kutztown University.

She has been teaching for 35 years, so it is not unusual to run into former students.

Schultheis takes her job of developing good citizens very seriously, and is thrilled to see students doing well.

"The future is in our hands," she said, referring to the job of all teachers.

Schultheis works closely with her team of seventh-grade teachers.

She is in the classroom with her students during every one of the five major classes: math, science, reading, language arts and social studies.

She works with the classroom teachers to provide accommodations for each student on her case load.

Although she is very humble about winning the award, she will admit to one quality; she is organized. With all the paperwork involved her job, it's necessary, she explained.

Winning the award was very emotional for Schultheis.

"I work with phenomenal teachers," she said.

Teachers respect her for making sure students work hard and do their best.

Schultheis' website is filled with reminders for students about upcoming book talks, quizzes, and projects.

Her enthusiasm for the job, her students and her peers is obvious.

Schultheis is devoted to quality in education and remains a positive influence on everyone.

She summed it up with an enthusiastic proclamation.

"I love my job," she said. She also admitted to enjoying the celebratory cake.

Schultheis and her husband, Carl, an electrical and electronic maintenance team leader at Lehigh Heavy Forge, live in the Northwestern Lehigh School District.

Their daughter, Kari, is a senior at the high school.

Also, joining in the celebration was Pat's brother, Tony Stellar, who sponsors the Stellar Catch A Rising Star Basketball Tournament for high school students every year at Cedar Beach Park, Allentown.