A Knoxville second grade teacher is $2-thousand dollars richer, after Dr. Jim McIntyre surprised her with a bonus check.
Teri Rudolph at Maynard Elementary School received one of several "Apex Award Checks. Apex stands for Advance, Perform, Excel.
According to Knox County Schools, nearly 60% of teachers will get either a $2-thousand dollar bonus or a $15-hundred dollar bonus.
Rudolph said she was shocked but grateful for the recognition.
Elementary and middle school teachers find out about their bonuses this week.
High school teachers and building administrators will find out in early november.
The Apex awards come from a $10-million dollar grant that Knox County Schools received to use for a district-wide compensation plan.
The funding is available for the next three to five years. Officials hope to incorporate that funding into the general operating budget.