Washington - As Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 to May 8, 2010) approaches, Senator Menendez is asking New Jersey students and their parents to nominate a teacher or coach who has made a difference in their lives. Students in grades K-12 and their parents are eligible to nominate their teacher or coach on the Senator's website: http://menendez.senate.gov. They can also email their nominations directly to the Senator at: TeacherAppreciation@menendez.senate.gov. The most compelling nominees will be honored and awarded by Senator Menendez.

"Parents and students rely on our educators day-in and day-out to prepare the next generation of New Jerseyans to become the leaders of tomorrow," said Senator Menendez. "From the basics of reading and writing, to critical thinking and skills for the 21st century economy, teachers are not only critical to our own children, but also to New Jersey's economic future. We should honor and appreciate teachers and the sacrifices they make on behalf of their students all year long - supporting them during Teacher Appreciation Week is the least we could do. I am starting this initiative to show our educators in New Jersey how much they are valued and will encourage students to take full advantage of the opportunities for which their teachers prepare them."

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