During a ceremony at the White House on April 26, 2007, President George W. Bush presented the 2007 National Teacher of the Year award to Andrea Peterson from the state of Washington. As of June 1, Andrea will begin her full-time, 1-year term as the national education ambassador.

Honored at the event were the three National Teacher of the Year finalists: Justin Minkel from Arkansas, Josh Anderson from Kansas and Tamra Tiong from New Mexico. Also recognized were the 2007 State Teachers of the Year from each of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.

Emerging from the Oval Office like graduates crossing the stage, the honored teachers represented their profession with grace and dignity. Their faces reflected the feelings of individuals who had just received the highest honor for their role in fostering an educated, responsible society.

President Bush expressed gratitude and support for Andrea Peterson and for each of the other honored teachers. “We're fortunate to have teachers like we do in America -- men and women who are drawn to the classroom with a desire to serve something larger than themselves. So on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your hard work and your dedication. I thank you for preparing our young children for the challenges of the 21st century. And I thank you for all you do every day to help build a better America.”

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