Oakland teacher wins national prize

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.

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.