Is your child being taught by one of the nation's best teachers? If he or she goes to Wamego West Elementary that might be the case. 27 News Reporter Kia Carter has a look at a special teacher who just received some special recognition.

Mrs. Dow's 3rd grade class is doing math, a subject students often dread. But when you see how much fun the class is having, it's easy to see why their teacher is one of the best.

"It's fun to know you have a good teacher and she'll help you," says Trey Schmidt, 3rd grader.

Teri Dow is just back to her class after a weeklong trip to Washington D.C. where she was awarded the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science. She also got to meet the president.

"I was shocked and excited and thrilled. It was a great experience and I don't think it's ended. It has opened doors for me that I don't know of," says Dow.

Above her desk is where students have told her on paper what they think about her. They say they love Mrs. Dow because she brings things down to their level.

"If you don't get something she doesn't rush you. She lets you use anything you need to use to figure it out," says Kelli Jensen, 3rd grader.

Teri says after 10 years of teaching she's learned the secret is making things fun, like today’s activity where students are up out of their desks, learning math concepts by putting together puzzles.

"It is math, but in a funner way," says Jensen.

"You need to do it and play and have fun. If it’s not fun, you don't learn as well," says Dow.

Which is why the school says she keeps her students thriving.

Teri Dow is one of 93 teachers nationwide who received the award, and the only teacher in Kansas. She says meeting other great teachers has given her a network to help her take her teaching skills to an even greater level.