AUGUSTA - Teachers from Bowdoinham Community School and Madison Elementary School are among five Maine teachers named finalists for the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher of math or science may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States, according to a news release from the Maine Department of Education.

Pamela Thompson, a grade three and four science teacher at Madison Elementary School, and Tricia Fletcher, grade two math teacher at Bowdoinham Community School, are among the five teachers nominated from Maine.

The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in math and science. Nominees undergo a rigorous nomination process that includes videotaping and written self-analysis of their teaching methodology and student learning, all reviewed by state and national committees.

"Maine is lucky to have these talented and devoted teachers committed to the science and mathematics education of our students," said Anita Bernhardt, Maine coordinator of the Presidential Awards program.

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program authorizes the president to make up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers the awards

The five finalists will be honored at an awards banquet in Augusta in January. The Maine award winner will be announced by the White House in the spring.