Austin ISD surprised three teachers Wednesday as finalists for the district's Teacher of the Year award.

The teachers represent the top teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Superintendent Pat Forgione surprised each one with a bouquet of roses in front of their classes, and said they are exceptional educators.

The finalists are Eric Cruzan, an English teacher at Austin High School, Shamaa Lakshmanan, a 7th grade math teacher at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, and Catherine López, a 1st grade Bilingual teacher at J.J. Pickle Elementary School.

They were selected from more than 100 nominees.

"These three finalists represent the exemplary teaching that goes on every day across the Austin School District," Forgione said in a news release. "I congratulate them on their selection, and thank them for the dedication they bring to their classrooms."

AISD will name one of the teachers Austin Teacher of the Year on May 14. That teacher will also serve as the district's nominee for Texas Teacher of the Year.