Obama is seeking to improve math and science education through a number of initiatives, the largest of which is a $4.35 billion for the "Race to the Top" fund announced this month.

The money, which comes from the $787 billion stimulus, is designed to create incentives for schools that develop science, technology, and engineering and mathematics programs, known collectively as STEM subjects.

Among the things the White House will do to encourage students is to hold an annual science fair that will bring together winners of science fair contest nationally. Obama said students who design the best experiment, hardware or software deserve the same recognition that athletes receive.

The U.S. is lagging when compared to many other countries in science and math education, Obama said. He didn't cite enrollment in particular, but it's one area that's been in decline.

In a recent trip to Asian countries, including China, the president said he asked the mayor of Shanghai about recruiting teachers and was told that the city didn't have any problems do so "because teaching is so revered and the pay scales for teachers are actually comparable to doctors and other professions."