Milwaukee Parkside School teacher surprised with special honor

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Teacher Appreciation Week continues in Wisconsin and on Tuesday, May 2, another hometown teacher got some special recognition. 

CBS 58 was at Milwaukee Parkside School when English Learner Specialist (ELS), Claudia Heller, was surprised with the announcement.

Heller teaches English as a second language at Parkside. She's originally from Colombia and in her current role, along with teaching, she also advocates for immigrant students and their families. 

Heller tells CBS 58 the award surprised her beyond belief and she's honored for "just doing her job."

"I have one of the best jobs on the planet. I talk about it with my co-workers regularly. I highly encourage anybody who's thinking of ESL as a job to tap into me and I'll tell you all the reasons why you should do it," Heller said. 

Heller's colleagues and students appreciate her for helping students and families navigate the systems of their new country.