When Jamie Sadler first walked into a classroom at the University of Kentucky in 1997, she was hooked.

"It was the right fit," she said.

Now, the English teacher at St. Joseph High School is among this year's "Who's Who Among Teachers"

The book of the same title was first published by Educational Communications in 1990 in an effort to recognize America's most respected teachers.

Updated every two years, the book was once again published in October. In most cases, the teachers are recommended by a former students who was included in a prior edition of "Who's Who Among American High School Students" or "The Nation's Dean's List."

Sadler began as a psychology major at Ohio University, but took English classes as electives.

English professors told her she should major in the field, and she followed their advice, still not considering education. Her experience at UK eventually led to her receiving a Masters in Teaching from Marshall University in 2000.

"The students say she is very difficult, but they respect her," James J. Mains III, school principal, said. "They're learning quite a bit from her. We're very excited and pleased that she has received quite a distinction."

Sadler is also a part-time instructor at Marshall University and Shawnee State University, and her co-workers at both places said she is an asset to the universities and respected by the students.

"She's a caring individual who treats people with respect," Barbara Williams, program assistant for the Marshall University Department of English. "I've never heard any negative comments about her."

"She was born to be in a classroom," Dr. Tim Scheurer, chairman of the Shawnee State University Department of English. "I have observed her teaching, and I am very, very pleased. She is completely at ease and has excellent command."

Sadler said she was pleasantly surprised when she learned she won the award. Even though teacher's salaries aren't very high, she said the students make her job worthwhile.

"No doubt, the students make the hours worth it," she said. "The best rewards in this job are seeing them do well."