Everything Christian Shane needed to know about his future career, he learned at his mother's knee.

A second-grade teacher in the North Allegheny School District, Shane figured teaching was in his blood, as his mother, Dianne Bauman, passed her passion for education to the next generation.

"I didn't set out to be a teacher, but being around teachers like my mom just led me into the field," said Shane, 35, of Bellevue. "I just saw what a difference my mom made in people's lives. She's an inspiring person, so that lead me into being a teacher."

With two sons following in her educational footsteps, Bauman has a lot to be proud of this Mother's Day. Bauman and Shane continued their friendly ompetition this year at the Teacher Excellence Center's Celebration of Teaching.

Shane, her eldest son, was recognized as one of the top 101 teachers in Southwestern Pennsylvania, an honor Bauman has received herself numerous times in her 29-year career.

But Shane isn't the only one to follow in mom's footsteps. His younger brother, Ryan, teaches English as a Second Language in Yemen. Bauman, 56, of Robinson, said she never expected both of her sons to follow her career path.

"I taught both of my sons that you need to do a career that you would do even if you didn't get paid for it, but also do something that's going to change the world in a positive way," said Bauman, an art teacher at Forest Grove Elementary in the Montour School District.

"It surprised me, but it didn't."

Shane always showed a strong interest in architecture, Bauman said, but at the same time, was a camp counselor. Her younger son studied Christian ministries, rather than education.

"Christian saw me going to school at night and teaching in the day, but he saw the respect I got and I think he saw how I affected kids lives," Bauman said. "If you would have told me Ryan was going to live in Yemen and teach English as a second language, I would have said you were crazy. He's quiet and very reserved, not what you'd expect of a teacher."

Bauman was the first in her family to receive a high school diploma, let alone a college degree. She is proud of the work her sons are doing, as she believes education is one of the most important jobs in the world.

"It's like being a pebble in a pond," Bauman said. "You're that pebble and that's what gets the ripple going on and on and on."

Shane said his whole family holds teaching at a high priority. Besides his brother and mom, he has aunts, uncles and cousins who are involved in teaching and social work.

"It is not uncommon for the love of learning to run in families," said Sarah Zablotsky, spokeswoman for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

"Here at the AIU, we have several families of dedicated educators who have served the needs of students in a variety of ways, either by being a classroom teacher or by being an administrator.

"It's not surprising to me that Mr. Shane will come from a family of professional educators who really value and who understand the importance of public education."

Bauman taught Shane that while the job is important, so is its effects. In his top drawer, Shane keeps a file of thank you notes and awards. It's a tactic he learned off of his mother to help him through the bad days when he might doubt his abilities.

"It takes a certain person to do certain jobs," Shane said.

"With education, I think it's someone that just truly enjoys being around the kids, connects with kids, and loves learning. And that's something I've learned from my family."