$4.9 Million Awarded to Schools in Program’s 11th Year
BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 9, 2006 – Teachers have a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of young people, challenge their thinking and instill within them a passion for learning. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. today is recognizing these contributions by honoring more than 4,000 teachers in their 11th annual Teacher of the Year program. Each winning teacher will receive $1,000 for their school and a $100 gift card to purchase classroom supplies. Wal-Mart is donating $4.9 million to schools of winning teachers nationwide.
In partnership with Phi Delta Kappa International, an international professional education association, Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB associates are announcing winning teachers at each of the company’s stores, CLUBs, Neighborhood Markets and Distribution Centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. Many honorees will be surprised with a special ceremony at their school. The recognition comes during Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 7-13, and in honor of National Teacher’s Day, Tuesday, May 9.
“Wal-Mart is one of the largest corporate supporters of teachers and education – last year alone the company gave away more than $45 million in support of educational initiatives,” said Bob McAdam, vice president of corporate affairs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Teachers help shape the lives of all of their students,” said McAdam. “This award is a tribute to all teachers whose exceptional knowledge and skill and true passion for education inspire learning everyday in the classroom.”
Since the Teacher of the Year program began in 1995, Wal-Mart has honored more than 26,000 teachers nationwide and donated more than $23.4 million to local schools.
In addition to the $1,000 educational grants and $100 shopping card, winning teachers will receive a Teacher of the Year polo shirt and certificate. Winning teachers also have the opportunity to apply for state and national Teacher of the Year honors, for which Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. donates an additional $10,000 to schools of state winners. All state winners are automatically entered into the national competition. The national winner will receive an additional $25,000 educational grant for a total of $36,000 to his or her school.
“Educators need to be recognized now more than ever as they face the current challenges of improving student achievement," said Dr. William Bushaw, executive director of Phi Delta Kappa International. “The recognition that this program brings, as well as the dollars it provides to schools, is a very tangible contribution by corporate America toward school improvement across the country.”
Winning teacher names across the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico will be available on www.walmartfoundation.org under “Teacher of Year” on May 9, 2006. (Please contact your local Wal-Mart, SAM’S CLUB or Wal-Mart Media Relations for names of recipients before then.)
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. More information about the Wal-Mart Foundation and Wal-Mart Corporate Giving can be found at www.walmartfoundation.org.
About Phi Delta Kappa International
Phi Delta Kappa International is committed to leadership, research, and service in education. Founded in 1906, PDK is a professional association composed of educators at all levels. Member chapters are active throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. As an association, PDK works to promote quality education, with particular emphasis on publicly supported education, as essential to the development and maintenance of a democratic way of life. In addition, the organization supports educators in their work through publications, research, and professional development opportunities. Visit www.pdkintl.org to learn more about Phi Delta Kappa International.
Educational Grants Awarded by State
Editor’s Note: Please contact your local Wal-Mart, SAM’S CLUB or Wal-Mart Media Relations for the name and school of the local winner(s) in your community. Grant dollars donated during the local winner phase of the program are based on the number of stores, CLUBs, Neighborhood Markets and Distribution Centers in each state.
Educational Grant Dollars Awarded in the State ($1,000 per winner)
Alabama - $106,000
Alaska - $10,000
Arizona - $82,000
Arkansas - $108,000
California - $197,000
Colorado - $77,000
Connecticut - $35,000
Delaware - $11,000
Florida - $228,000
Georgia - $149,000
Hawaii - $10,000
Idaho - $18,000
Illinois - $168,000
Indiana - $108,000
Iowa - $63,000
Kansas - $63,000
Kentucky - $93,000
Louisiana - $95,000
Maine - $26,000
Maryland - $52,000
Massachusetts - $50,000
Michigan - $100,000
Minnesota - $65,000
Mississippi - $77,000
Missouri - $135,000
Montana - $12,000
Nebraska - $29,000
Nevada - $37,000
New Hampshire - $29,000
New Jersey - $54,000
New Mexico - $37,000
New York - $103,000
North Carolina - $131,000
North Dakota - $10,000
Ohio - $158,000
Oklahoma - $111,000
Oregon - $31,000
Pennsylvania - $146,000
Rhode Island - $11,000
South Carolina - $72,000
South Dakota - $14,000
Tennessee - $123,000
Texas - $432,000
Utah - $46,000
Vermont - $6,000
Virginia - $55,000
Washington - $46,000
West Virginia - $39,000
Wisconsin - $69,000
Wyoming - $11,000
Puerto Rico - $45,000