Teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers a graduate can embark upon as it gives them the chance to not only shape the immediate education of their pupils but also their long-term approach to learning - and life.

Bill Monahan, a biology teacher from Washington, was recently honored for his ability to boost his pupils' academic abilities in the classroom, as well as their outlook for college and later life, the Sammamish Review said.

He received the state's prize at the National Association of Biology Teachers conference after being nominated by his colleagues.

Kaitlyn Kamstra, a senior who has been taught by Mr Monahan for three years, said: "He prepares students for what they’re going to go into. In AP bio he's prepared us for life, for college."

She added that Mr Monahan has another crucial ability for successful teachers - the capacity to make even challenging material "exciting".

The 2008 Biology Teacher Award winner is also an example of how teaching can be a career open to anyone - he obtained his degree later in life after serving 22 years with the US Army.

According to the Department of Labor, teachers made up four million workers in the US in 2006.