Paula Rose is surrounded by her Eastside Connections kindergarten students Tuesday afternoon. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Eastside Connections kindergarten teacher Paula Rose has been nominated for Teacher of the Year by ABC 57 News, Sunny 101.5 and Martin’s Super Market.

Rose found out Friday during the Niles school’s weekly assembly.

“They announced it in front of the whole ECS school,” Rose said. “I was shocked and surprised.”

On Friday, Rose said ABC 57 would interview her and her students.

“It’s pajama day so we’ll be in our jammies on TV — it will be fun,” she said.

Rose has been teaching in Niles Community Schools for 13 years, including stints at Ballard Elementary and Northside Child Development Center. It is her first year teaching at Eastside.

“I love my students, and I love seeing the joy of them learning,” Rose said.

One teacher in the Michiana area will be honored each month leading up to the announcement of the Teacher of the Year award ceremony in May.

Rose said there would be eight nominees.

Supt. Richard Weigel presented Rose with a certificate during Monday’s school board meeting.