AUGUSTA – Laurette Darling, a fourth-grade teacher at the Albert Hall School in Waterville, has been announced as a science finalist for the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence for Mathematics and Science Teaching. If chosen as a winner, Darling will go to Washington, D.C., next year to be recognized.

The award is given  annually to exemplary pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process carried out at the state level. Each year the award alternates between elementary and secondary education, going either to science and math teachers in grades kindergarten through six or to those teaching in grades seven through 12.

Winners receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

Darling, who lives in Kents Hill, has been an elementary educator for more than two-and-a-half decades and has been at Albert Hall Elementary School for four years.

Darling holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and master’s degree in early childhood education and curriculum instruction from Chicago State University. For the last eight years she has participated in the professional development and the leadership of the Maine Science Teachers Association and serves as the group’s president.

“Step into her Waterville classroom, and you will see students actively engaged in science inquiry, applying their understanding of scientific principles, and using evidence to support their understanding,” said Anita Bernhardt, Presidential Award coordinator for Maine. “You will see learning in action.”

Maine Education Commissioner Angela Faherty congratulated Darling on her selection as a finalist.

For more information, visit the Maine Department of Education Web site, http://www.maine.gov/education