Teachers honored through Teacher Rewards Program

Walmart presents funding to offset classroom expenses

— Ten educators each received a $100 Teacher Reward Card at an award presentation ceremony at the Gentry Primary School during a staff meeting on Monday.

As teachers continue to dedicate their time and money to provide for the future of local youth, Walmart stepped up to help teachers at the Gentry Primary and Middle Schools purchase much-needed classroom supplies this back-to-school season through its Teacher Rewards program.

During the presentation ceremony, Gayla Wilmoth, Larry Cozens and Conrad Miller addressed those in attendance and highlighted ways in which the Teacher Reward cards will benefit classrooms at these two Gentry schools, according to a Walmart release.

On average, teachers spend more than $500 a year out of their own pockets for classroom supplies, according to the American Federation of Teachers. To help offset rising expenses for classroom supplies, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation have joined together tolaunch Teacher Rewards, a new program that is providing more than $4 million to 40,000 deserving teachers across the U.S.

According to Walmart’s website, 10 randomly selected teachers per school each receive a $100 Teacher Reward card to purchase classroom supplies from a Walmart store, Sam’s Club or online at walmart.com or samsclub.com.

Focusing on schools whose needs are greatest, each participating Walmart location selects one local kindergarten through eighth grade school to take part in the program.

News, Pages 7 on 09/28/2011