EXPO(R) Launches Search For America's Most Inspiring Teachers

EXPO(R) Launches Search For America's Most Inspiring Teachers

'Friday Night Lights' Star Kyle Chandler Stars In TV Ads Launching This Week in Search of 'EXPO Extraordinary Educator'

OAK BROOK, Ill., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- By definition, a teacher is extraordinary. But EXPO , maker of dry erase markers, boards and accessories, is launching a new multi-channel marketing campaign to recognize teachers who go the extra mile, including one special "EXPO Extraordinary Educator" who has made all the difference.

The campaign, which launches this week with TV ads in select NBC markets, is EXPO's way of saying thanks to America's best educators while also helping offset the money teachers spend each year out of their own pockets on school supplies. According to a 2001 study by the National Education Association, on average, teachers in large and medium school systems spent $523 and $465 respectively of their own money to meet the needs of their students.

EXPO's new TV ads feature Kyle Chandler, who stars as Coach Eric Taylor on the popular NBC TV series "Friday Night Lights." His message in the new spots is clear: Teachers deserve a break, and EXPO is here to help.

Honoring In-Classroom Inspiration

To nominate an extraordinary educator, visit www.expoeducator.com and submit a brief essay about a special teacher who has gone the extra mile. Judges will choose 12 city prize winners and one grand-prize winner. City prize winners will receive $500 in cash and $1,000 in EXPO classroom supplies to be donated to their school. They will also be honored via a special congratulatory television commercial to air in select NBC markets. The grand-prize EXPO Extraordinary Educator will receive $5,000 in cash, a year's supply of EXPO products to be donated to their school, and a "field trip" for two to Los Angeles or New York to attend the taping of an NBC Late Night Talk Show.

"Every year, teachers reach deep into their own pockets to prepare their classroom for the school year," said Steve Gradman, global director of marketing for EXPO. "The EXPO Extraordinary Educator Award was designed to salute America's most inspiring teachers and offer them a break when it comes to their back-to-school spending."

Every Teacher Wins with EXPO

No teacher walks away empty handed. EXPO is offering teachers everywhere a coupon for $1 off the purchase of EXPO products and accessories. Visit www.expoeducator.com to download. In addition, teachers can supplement their classroom lessons with free lesson plans from EXPO and Scholastic, including EXPO dry erase sheets students can re-use, saving paper and helping the environment. Some restrictions / conditions apply. See www.expoeducator.com for details.

For more information, complete contest rules, and to enter the EXPO Extraordinary Educator contest, visit www.expoeducator.com.

ABOUT EXPO

EXPO is a leader in dry erase markers, accessories and dry erase boards. Newell Rubbermaid's Office Products Group, maker of EXPO markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization and technology tools, including such well known brands as Paper Mate , Sharpie , DYMO Parker , Waterman , EXPO , uni-ball , and Rolodex , among others. Visit www.expomarkers.com for more information.

Source: EXPO

CONTACT: Dan Kurash of Weber Shandwick, +1-312-988-2314,
dkurash@webershandwick.com, for EXPO, or Susan Wassel of Expo ,
+1-630-481-2018, susan.wassel@sanford.com

Web Site: http://www.expoeducator.com/
http://www.expomarkers.com/

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