A Long Island teacher has been honored among the best in the state, garnering the New York Teacher of the Year award.

Oceanside teacher Jennifer Wolfe says she can't believe it herself.

"I'm feeling elated, overwhelmed ... sometimes I have to pinch myself because I think they got the wrong gal," she says.

Wolfe has been a social studies teacher at Oceanside High School for 24 years. Colleagues say she comes to school ready to change and shape New York's future leaders any way she can.

"That's just the job. Because your students come to class every day with new needs and new ideas... and be ready to listen to them and incorporate it into lessons and be ready to change gears if they require it," says Wolfe.

To win the award, candidates go through a difficult and very selective process that takes months. Wolfe was awarded $1,500 and a chance to compete for national Teacher of the Year.

Another Long Island teacher made it to the top of the list as well -- Kings Park special-education teacher Victoria Gentile. The Fort Salonga Elementary School educator was among the four finalists.

"This was a great recognition because it did bring awareness to the population of students that I teach. As well as their needs," says Gentile.