MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – Hutchens Elementary kindergarten teacher Nicole Baranov received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching on Feb. 9.

Baranov is one of two winners from Alabama this year, making her the 11th Mobile County teacher to receive the award since 1983, according to Mobile County Public Schools. The PAEMST award is the highest honor a K-12 teacher can receive and only about 100 teachers receive it each year. The award “recognizes teachers who have both an in-depth knowledge of the content of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to achieve success in those areas,” according to the MCSS press release.

Baranov has worked in Mobile County Schools for 15 years and has spent the last 10 students teaching and inspiring at Hutchens. There she teaches mathematics and also sits on the National Council’s teacher steering committee. She also attends professional workshops to better develop new and innovative curricula for her students.

“It’s really exciting,” Baranov said. “Teaching is such a difficult job and it’s rewarding to know that my work has paid off. It’s such an honor for me.

According to an MCPSS press release, science, technology, engineering, math, or computer science teachers from any of the 50 states can be nominated and receive it through the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Baranov also gave a few words of encouragement to other teachers, promising that their efforts matter.

“Sometimes it feels like it doesn’t matter what we do, but it really matters,” Baranov said. “Sometimes we don’t see it in the short term, but it’s a marathon and in the end the kids succeed and the best thing I can do is keep working hard.”

5,200 teachers have been awarded the prize since its creation in 1983.