An elementary teacher who is clever and creative received this 16 Excellence in Education award.

It's a perfect fit for the kids at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Michigan - it's a Christian school owned and operated by Andrews University.

In a small setting the kids explore the world with this one incredible teacher.

We surprised Laura Bowlby with her fourth grade class in the library.

Ms. Bowlby is one teacher on the go.

We learned from Bayley Schalk and her mom Brenda that this class takes lots and lots of field trips.

“We went to bowling to learn about friction and to the grocery store to learn about nutrition. We also learned about caring for animals at the humane society,” said Schalk. “When we're working on something, she usually has something, she has some fun idea to help us learn it.”

Ms. Bowlby can be compared to Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.

"She is missing the Magic School Bus, but she doesn't need it," said Brenda Schalk, "because she's got her own creativity."

Most of the trips are close by, like a compass journey around the neighboring campus of Andrews University.

“I call them 'being there' experiences because you learn so much when your emotions are engaged," said Bowlby.

To help the students learn, Ms. Bowlby taught the kids how to knit to keep their fingers and minds active.

"I actually can see stuff and visualize stuff and I'm doing something with my hands so that I can learn more and pay attention more," said student Ellie Morse.

"I try to make sure that each child has the opportunity to learn in their special way," said Bowlby. "There's different ways to learn how to learn stuff but, I don't know, different people are different."

In Ms. Bowlby's class, differences are celebrated. The parents of these children are from around the world and they work or attend Andrews University.

19 countries are represented in the classroom, including: Croatia, South Korea, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Botswana, Bahamas, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Italy, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, Uganda, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Samoa.

"Right now we're studying cultural influences and it's really fun because we all come from such a different culture that we can share that with each other," said Bowlby.

From this blend of bright children shines a common faith in Jesus Christ.

“It makes me pleased to see that they are proud of who they are and what they believe in,” said Bowlby.

Bowlby won a $1,000 savings bond from Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. The school will receive a $250 check.