On Monday, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced that a Round Rock-area teacher was one of 10 from the state to be named finalists for the 2017 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The awards focus on seventh through 12th grade math and science teachers. According to a release from the Texas Education Agency, PAEMST is the highest recognition a math or science teacher can receive for exemplary teaching in the United States.

Mark Rogers, who teaches grades 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate math at Meridian World School in Round Rock, was nominated in the secondary mathematics category.

To receive the accolade, teachers must apply or be nominated. Then a state panel of teachers, content specialists and administrators review the applications. Winners will receive $10,000, a citation signed by the president of the United States and a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C.

Find out more about the awards here.