Wendy Tickel is a special needs teacher who has such passion that she finds her own way to not only give her students an amazing education but also take them on adventures.
Tickel works tirelessly for her students, and that's why she's a finalist on LIVE with Kelly and Michael for America's top teacher.
Tickel teaches elementary school to special needs students in Roanoke Rapids at Belmont Elementary School.
She works with her students effortlessly in and out of the classroom often going above and beyond by fundraising to take her kids on field trips from the Outer Banks to Virginia, and even Washington, D.C.
Tickel says her faith fuels her passion
"It is a truly gift from God and it is because of him why I come to work every day," said Tickel. "Some days, I want to give up, and then one of the kids will do something, and it'll make me laugh or make me cry. Then I realize I'm here for a reason."
Tickel will be featured on LIVE with Kelly and Michael Wednesday at 9 a.m. on ABC11.
