OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An Oakland teacher got a very unexpected reception when she walked into her classroom on Monday. Fourth grade teacher Laura Strait from Aspire ERES Academy was told she won the Fishman Prize -- a national award given to the top teachers in the country.
"I'm on top of the world. I honestly, truly feel like I'm blessed to be in this situation and I don't know... I feel like a million teachers deserve this award," Strait said.
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Strait was picked for the attention she gives each student, and for raising test scores at the school. Her students were so excited they gave her a group hug.
Strait is the first California teacher to receive the Fishman Prize.
KGO
Laura Strait (left) from Aspire ERES Academy in Oakland accepts the Fishman Prize.