AMARILLO,TEXAS --

It's not every day Amarillo gets mentioned in the national media, but the spotlight was on Friday morning's Regis & Kelly.

They were highlighting the top ten teacher of the year candidates as nominated by parents and students.

Among those being called out as semi-finalists, Amarillo's own Josie Valdez, a 14-year veteran, teaching special education at Glenwood Elementary.

Norah Hernandez's son is a student of Ms. Valdez and she is the one who nominated her.

"One night I woke up and he was in the middle of the kitchen, with a blanket over his head saying, please God, please let me be like other kids...and she made that possible."

Josie heard about the nomination, but it wasn't until an impromptu party held Friday afternoon that it really hit home.

'"I come everyday, in fact, just yesterday I said how much I loved my job and how glad I was to come to work, I mean, this feels really good, and I'm very happy, but most of all, I'm very appreciative."

Log on to Regis & Kelly's website and vote for Ms. Valdez, but do it quick because voting closes on Tuesday.

The five finalists will be flown to New York City for an appearance and a couple days and nights on the town before the winner is announced.