Grand Forks high school teacher named North Dakota Teacher of the Year

(Fargo, ND) -- A Grand Forks teacher is talking about how she feels after being named North Dakota's Teacher of the Year.

"It's an amazing feeling, and I'm still just processing since Monday, so I'm very honored," said Ivona Todorovic. 

Todorovic is an English Language Teacher at Red River High School. Her teaching career spans 30 years. She says she never thought about being recognized with such an honor. Todorovic says to be a good teacher, one must have passion for the work. She says she shares the honor with her students.  The award includes a $15,000 grant to be used for promoting the teaching profession. 

“Mrs. Todorovic has made an enormous impact on her students, on the Grand Forks community and the entire state through her passion for teaching students the English language and the skills they need to succeed in life, while giving them the opportunity to embrace and share their cultures with the community,” said North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum while announcing Todorovic as the winner. 

"Teaching is a really noble profession. I believe that we do make a difference everyday and I see that everyday in the classroom," said Todorovic.