By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

HOOVER — President Obama has named Greystone Elementary School math teacher Danielle Peterson a winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The award is given annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. Winners receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. Winners also are invited to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and the Administration.

“These teachers are inspiring today’s young students to become the next generation of American scientists, mathematicians and innovators,” Obama said in a news release. “Through their passion and dedication, and by sharing their excitement about science, technology, engineering and math, they are helping us build a promising future for all our children.”

A panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators select the winners following an initial vetting process done at the state level.  Each year the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and those teaching seventh through 12th grade.

Nominations for the 2014 awards are open through April 1, 2014. For more information, visit www.paemst.org.