President Barack Obama is honoring a Boston Public Schools teacher as one of the nation’s best science teachers. Wai Chin Ng, a 5th grade teacher at Josiah Quincy Elementary School, is among the 85 educators from across the country, and just one of two here in Massachusetts, to receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The White House has announced President Barack Obama is honoring a Boston Public Schools (BPS) teacher as one of the nation’s best science teachers. Wai Chin Ng, a 5th grade teacher at Josiah Quincy Elementary School, is among the 85 educators from across the country, and just one of two here in Massachusetts, to receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

“Our students are so fortunate to have some of the very best teachers in the country working in their schools,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “A great teacher, such as Mr. Ng, can inspire students for years to come. As we continue to talk about school reform and transformation we can’t take for granted the importance of a great teacher at the head of every classroom. I am honored to call Mr. Ng a colleague.”

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

“This award brings great joy and honor to our school and our city,” said Quincy Elementary Principal Simon Ho. “Mr. Ng believes that every student has a scientist inside them that is waiting to be unleashed, it is our job to make it as easy as possible for our students to open this door of discovery.”