In times of social distancing in the middle of a global pandemic, ABC7 and Gettel Automotive Chalkboard Champions surprises have gone virtual.

Guidance counselors are often the unsung heroes in the schools but often times goes unrecognized.

A teacher and coach at Southeast High School in Bradenton is the latest recipient of $500 and being named a Chalkboard Champion.

A Sarasota County parent has credited a teacher for the transformation that has been seen in her daughter over the last six months.

Jill Bergeron is the newest ABC 7 and Gettel Automotive Chalkboard Champion and recipient of $500.

A Sarasota County teacher is now the newest Chalkboard Champion and the recipient of $500.

A Manatee County teacher is now the newest Chalkboard Champion and the recipient of $500.

A Sarasota County teacher is now the newest Chalkboard Champion and the recipient of $500.

A Manatee County teacher is now the newest Chalkboard Champion and the recipient of $500.

"I am speechless and I usually talk nonstop," said Donna McGarry. That was her response when ABC 7 and Gettel Automotive surprised her classroom with $500.

For the month of October, Stacy Freeman was chosen at the Chalkboard Champion for Manatee County and received a $500 check from Gettel Automotive.

School is back in session and so is the ABC 7 and Gettel Automotive surprise squad. Each month, we recognize a teacher who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students.

This year, we wanted to do more to help teachers on the Suncoast. On Friday, August 2, all six Gettel locations opened their doors to the community. ABC7 was there as donations poured in and many teachers, past and present, stopped by to give their thanks.

All day long, ABC7 was at the dealerships. Donors filled more than 14 vehicles with classroom supplies and gave more than $10,000!

Every month during the school year, ABC7 honors an educator in Sarasota County and Manatee County as the “Chalkboard Champion" and now you can get involved!

ABC7 has teamed up with Gettel Automotive to celebrate teachers on the Suncoast - calling them “Chalkboard Champions." The community nominates a teacher and ABC7 selects two winners each month - one for Sarasota and Manatee County.

Chalkboard Champion & 5th Grade Teacher, Kara Carney (middle) poses with ABC 7's Ray Collins, Gettel Automotive's Roy Smalls, student Christian Vann, her mother Michelle Vann and Principal Pat Stream at Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School in Manatee County.

Winner of the ABC 7 Gettel Automotive "Chalkboard Champion" for May in Sarasota is Josh Stolze of "Beyond the Spectrum" Education Center in Lakewood Ranch. Josh is with ABC 7 Anchor Ray Collins and Gettel Automotive's Fred Bartholomew.

Mr. Boatwright, a Lakeland native, has been a teacher for 12 years, the past six in Bradenton. He says he loves what he does. And it shows.

ABC 7's Ray Collins, Emma E. Booker Elementary School Teacher Clesha Allen and Sandep SIngh of Gettel Automotive.

Tara Elementary School Principal Laura Campbell, ABC 7 Anchor Ray Collins, Teacher Loreena Durrance and a representative from Gettel Automotive pose for this month's ABC 7 & Gettel Automotive 'Chalkboard Champion' for March in Manatee County.

She may not be a traditional teacher, but Brenda Clark has taught some Venice High School students more than they’ve ever learned in a classroom.

Our Chalkboard Champion for February in Manatee County is Ms. Heather Camarda.

Our Sarasota County Chalkboard Champion for February is Mr. Robert Craig.

Mrs. Katherine Choate is this month's Manatee County Chalkboard Champion!

The Venice High School teacher making a difficult subject easy to understand, by connecting what he teaches in the classroom to real life so his students quickly catch on.

We head to Bradenton for December’s Manatee County Chalkboard Champion. ABC7′s Jacqueline Matter takes us to Manatee High School to meet orchestra director, Emily Eskildsen.

December Chalkboard Champion of the month for Sarasota County

We head to Bradenton for November’s Manatee County Chalkboard Champion. ABC7′s Jacqueline Matter takes us to Electa Lee Middle School to meet Theater Director Starloe Galletta.

We head to North Port for November’s Sarasota County Chalkboard Champion. ABC 7′s Jacqueline Matter takes us to Atwater Elementary to meet first grade teacher Kayla Conley.

BRADENTON, FL (WWSB) - ABC7 is teaming up with Gettel Automotive to celebrate teachers in our community – we’re calling them the Chalkboard Champions.