A Washington county teacher is going above and beyond to give her special needs students the attention they need.

That's why Mrs. Sue Ritzman is our Jan Dils Golden Apple Award winner for the month of December.

We surprised Mrs. Ritzman Tuesday morning at Putnam Elementary School in Marietta.

A parent nominated the specials needs teacher after she saw her son excel under Mrs. Ritzman's teaching.

Mrs. Sue Ritzman, Golden Apple Award Winner: "I was given a lot of background information and I was a little nervous. But he came and he fit in perfectly and we worked with him and he's a great success story. He's reading and writing and doing math and he's really doing well."

Mrs. Ritzman says each one of her students is special in their own way.

If you would like to nominate a deserving teacher for this award click on the Golden Apple tab right here on WTAP.com.