Congratulations go out to Carol Swink Wooten, a fifth-grade teacher at Hunter Elementary School in Raleigh, who was named one of the top math and science teachers in the nation today.

Wooten was one of 87 winners nationally and two from this state to receive the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Some educators have called the award, which includes a $10,000 prize, the Nobel Prize of their profession.

The award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade math or science teacher can receive in the U.S. for outstanding teaching. Recipients are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make pregress in math and science.