DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — A local teacher has received a lifetime achievement award from the Alabama Association for Gifted Children.

Every year the AAGC take nominations for this award and most of the nominations favored Karen Mann.

Mann is a Troy graduate and former Houston County Schools teacher who began teaching in gifted education over 20 years ago.

During her days as a teacher, Mann would teach students who had above-average IQ’s to introduce them to ways to use their talents.

As well as how to branch out beyond the comfort of their home to see the world and open doors for themselves.

Those students, and teachers she mentored and worked with nominated her and she says it’s truly an honor knowing she touched lives.

“I’ve taught students who are doctors plan to be doctors, in the business world lawyers its great to watch them,” Mann said.

Mann also played a huge part in getting the legislature to provide funding for gifted education in schools.