Honor teachers who rock

Greater Media radio stations WRATFM (95.9) and WJRZ-FM (100.1) are holding a Teachers Who Rock contest to recognize 24 full-time teachers in public and private schools in Ocean and Monmouth counties, (grades prekindergarten through high school), who are outstanding.

Anyone, except the educator himself or herself, can nominate a teacher now through Feb. 27, for special recognition. Nominations can be submitted online at either www.wrat.com or www.wjrz.com; or mailed to Teachers Who Rock, 610 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719.

All nominations will be forwarded to each school district's superintendent for review and endorsement before the final selection is made by Greater Media.

Each Friday, two winners will be announced on WRAT's Rockin' Robyn's midday show and WJRZ's morning show. The 24 winners will be honored at an awards banquet in March, receive an award and gifts, and be enrolled in the Teachers Who Rock Class 2008-09.

Carl Craft, morning show host and program director of WRAT-FM, said, "Outside of parents, teachers are the most influential people in a child's life today. It's time that we take a moment to honor those teachers who make the extra effort for their students. That's what Teachers Who Rock will do; honor those teachers who, through their very dedication to educating today's youth, will make America's future brighter."

Jeff Rafter, program director and operations manager of Magic 98.3 (WMGQ-FM) and WJRZ, said, "When you think about it, many of your achievements in life can be traced back to a teacher or mentor you had when you were young. It wasn't just about learning algebra; it was about learning how to think, being creative, and making a contribution. That's the idea behind Teachers Who Rock. It's a thank you to those who inspire us."