A Cobb high school chemistry teacher is in the running for a top math and science award.

Wheeler High School teacher Linda Patterson is a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching program state finalist, according to a release from the Cobb County school district. She is one of five finalists in Georgia for the award.

Finalists will go through the last round of review by a select White House panel. One winner per subject – math and science – will be selected for the state. Those winners then make a trip to Washington, to be recognized by the president and honored in a special ceremony next summer.

The award is one of nation's highest honors for teachers of math and science, and winners are models for their colleagues and leaders in improving math and science education, according to the program's website. Since 1983, more than 4,300 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

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