There are teachers - and then there are "Super Teachers." The Virginia Lottery and the Virginia PTA are looking for the latter. The Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Awards will help shine a spotlight on a valuable Virginia resource: dedicated and talented public school teachers who really make a difference in shaping young lives.

"The impact that a teacher can make in one's life is enormous," said Governor Timothy M. Kaine. "The Virginia Lottery's contribution to K-12 public education in the Commonwealth is vital and these awards highlight that effort."

The Lottery is seeking nominations for any K-12 Virginia public school teacher for the Super Teacher Awards. Eight winners, one from each of eight geographic regions of the state, will be chosen. Each award consists of a cash prize of $2,000 and an additional $2,000 classroom credit from Virginia-based The Supply Room Companies. The winners will be selected by a panel of distinguished educators and community leaders, including:--

Melissa Nehrbass, President of the Virginia PTA 

Richard E. Williams, Jr. Deputy Director of the Virginia Lottery

James W. Dyke, Former Secretary of Education for Virginia

Hon. Flora Crittenden, Virginia House of Delegates, Ret.  

Hon. Thomas M. Jackson, Jr., Virginia House of Delegates, Ret.

"The Virginia PTA is very pleased to partner with the Virginia Lottery for these fun, exciting and valuable awards," said Melissa Nehrbass, President of the Virginia PTA. "This promotion allows us a unique way to recognize some of those outstanding teachers who are working with our children each day!"

Anyone 18 or older can nominate a teacher by completing a nomination form and writing a short essay. Official rules and nomination forms are available at http://www.valottery.com/ or http://www.vapopquiz.com/. Nominations can be submitted either online or they can be mailed. Nominations must be postmarked by April 11, 2008. The winners will then be selected on the strength of their nominations. Winners will be announced between May 12 and May 23 in the winning teacher's hometown.

Since 1999, all Virginia Lottery profits have been designated solely to K-12 public school education in the Commonwealth. In that time, the Lottery has turned over more than $3.4 billion for Virginia's public schools, currently representing about 7 percent of annual state funding for public education in Virginia. In 19 years, the Lottery has awarded more than $10 billion in prizes to players and more than $1 billion in retailer commissions.