Search for Phenomenal Teacher Underway

DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

The Ron Clark Academy is calling for nominations for the1^st Annual Great American Teacher Awards

ATLANTA (May 2009) — Do you know a teacher who is changing students’ lives through outstanding work in the classroom?  The Ron Clark Academy, in partnership with Great American Financial Resources, Inc., is searching for phenomenal teachers from across the country to participate in the first annual Great American Teacher Awards. Ron Clark and Kim Bearden, who are national award-winning educators themselves, are currently accepting applications for this prestigious award to recognize those who are doing exceptional work to inspire their students.  Click here to learn more.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize those teachers who are doing amazing work inside their classrooms,” said Ron Clark, founder of the The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.  “We all remember that teacher who was filled with energy and excitement, that teacher who was eager to help us learn.  We are absolutely thrilled to launch this national award.  It’s our way of saying thank you to those who have committed their lives to children and education.”

In order to apply, the nominee must be a passionate, dedicated teacher who is currently employed by a public or private school, at any grade level or subject from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, and who is planning to continue in an active teaching status.  A minimum of three years of current teaching experience is required.

The deadline to submit applications is September 1, 2009.  Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and semifinalists will receive a scheduled classroom visit by Ron Clark or a member of the Ron Clark Academy staff.  From these semifinalists, five teachers will be selected as national finalists, and they will be honored at special banquet on Friday, October 23^rd, 2009, which will serve as the kick-off event for the October National Educators’ Conference.  Each finalist will receive prizes and national recognition.  The five finalists will also be interviewed by Ron Clark and the Ron Clark Academy staff.

The five national finalists will receive the following: An all-expense paid trip to Atlanta for the finalist and a guest to attend the Ron Clark Academy’s National Educators’ Conference in October of 2009; special recognition at the National conference; classroom resources and supplies; media opportunities; and a $1,000 honorarium.

After the five finalists have been selected, one teacher will be named the Great American Teacher of the Year.  In addition to the prizes listed above, this exceptional teacher will receive a $10,000 cash award and a $5,000 cash gift to his/her school.

To submit an application or to nominate a teacher to become the 2009 Great American Teacher, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com and click on the Great American Teacher Awards link.

Sponsors of this event include Great American Financial Resources, Inc., and Promethean, Inc. Delta Air Lines is the preferred airline of the Ron Clark Academy’s National Educators’ Conference.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Please click here to learn more.

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About Great American Financial Resources

The companies of Great American Financial Resources, Inc. (GAFRI) have provided retirement solutions for educators for more than 30 years. Through its subsidiaries, GAFRI is engaged in the sale of traditional fixed, indexed and variable annuities and a variety of supplemental insurance products. GAFRI is a subsidiary of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol (“AFG”).  An American Company Serving America’s Educators, GAFRI is proud to recognize and support educators nationwide who make the future brighter for our children. For more information, visit www.GAFRI.com.