OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A high school science teacher from Zillah is one of four finalists for national teacher of the year.

Jeff Charbonneau was chosen last year as Washington's 2013 teacher of the year. He has worked to get his students college credit for some of the science classes they take at Zillah High School. Students at this rural high school can earn up to 24 college credits before graduating.

Charbonneau is competing for the national honor, which will be presented at the White House in April, with a high school English teacher from Maryland, a pre-kindergarten teacher from Florida and a high school music teacher from New Hampshire.

In addition to his work in the classroom, this national board certified teacher is a leader in statewide robotics. He's also adviser to the school yearbook and is co-president of his local teacher's union.