MTA educators win book gift cards

2005 AEW Winners Lynn Podosek, Amherst-Pelham Beverly Moore, Ashland Lori Graveline, Bellingham Sofia Hughes, Berkshire Hills Amy Donahoe,, Berlin Frances Ridge,, Beverly Christina DiLibero, Blackstone Kathleen Tarentino, Bridgewater-Raynham Cheryl Dewey, Brockton Teri Greene, Canton Janet Folsom, Chicopee Bernardette Costello, Dedham Susan Bouldry, Dighton-Rehoboth Mary Toller, East Longmeadow Victoria Streeto, Fall River Kerri Cormier, Fitchburg Catherine Colonis, Fitchburg Virginia Garske, Franklin Anne Horrigan, Gardner Roger Davis, Gloucester Lori McKenna, Hanover Catherine Murray, Haverhill Jennifer Leary, Holyoke Donna Gortot, Malden Bradley Melville, Middleborough Tracy Cleveland, Middleton Gail Clark, Milford Seth Evans, Needham Marianne Pallatroni, New Bedford Ellen Wallace, Quincy Anne Wilson, Saugus Joanne Giroux, Somerville Judith Eddy, Swansea Jane Santos, Taunton Michelle Foster, Topsfield Anne Grilli, Walpole Linda Petty, Ware Amanda Morris, Watertown Nancy Heffernan, Winthrop Elizabeth Clifford, Worcester Barry Brooks, Amherst-Pelham Cindy Blake Denneson, Beverly Joan Packard, Brockton Darlene Riel, Chicopee Jean Daulton, Fitchburg Roberta Cousins, Gloucester Donna Newton, Middleborough Katherine Carroll, Somerville Melissa Blaser, Swansea Evelyn Garcia, Worcester

In celebration of American Education Week, the Massachusetts Teachers Association has awarded $5,000 worth of Borders gift cards to teachers and education support professionals throughout the state.

"Helping students achieve is the cornerstone of our work as parents, teachers, and public school employees," said Catherine A. Boudreau, MTA president. "We're proud of our work, and American Education Week is the time to celebrate this work."

The theme of this year's American Education Week is "Making Public Schools Great for Every Child!"

American Education Week began in 1921 as a way to generate public awareness and support for education. It is celebrated each year during the full week before Thanksgiving. Since 1987, Education Support Professionals Day has been observed on the Wednesday of American Education Week as a special way to honor the contributions of school support staff.

"By participating in our American Education Week events taking place across the country, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of public school students by shedding light on important education issues," said National Education Association President Reg Weaver.

The winners -- 40 teachers and 10 ESPs -- each received $100 worth of book gift certificates from the MTA.

Their names were selected from entries in the 2005 MTA Red Sox Reading Game. As part of the contest, students who pledged to read nine books over the summer were entered into a drawing to win free tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.