RALEIGH, N.C. — A sixth-grade teacher in Apex is tops in the county.

William Ferriter has been named Wake County Schools teacher of the year. Ferriter teaches Language Arts and Social Studies at Salem Middle School in Apex.

Ferriter said he works to provide learning experiences in his classroom that help students find true knowledge.

"I believe that true knowledge is only developed when the preconceived notions that students currently hold about topics are challenged with new evidence or experience," he said.

Ferriter's A-plus work earns him a prize package that includes the use of a Saturn automobile for a year, a $1,000 cash prize, an IBM Thinkpad computer and gift certificates from various local merchants.