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NEA FoundationCommunications Associate1201 16th Street NW #416

Washington, DCUnited States, 20036Voice: 202-822-7806

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NEA Foundation Honors Sesame Workshop, Verizon at February 6 Awards Gala in Washington, DCAnnual Gala Celebrates and Recognizes Outstanding Achievements in Public Education

WASHINGTON, DC, February 05, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- At its annual Salute to Excellence in Education awardsgala on February 6, the NEA Foundation today announced that it will present its 2009 Award for Outstanding Service toPublic Education to Sesame Workshop and its inaugural Award for Philanthropy in Public Education to Verizon. A nationalcelebration of the men and women who work in America's public schools, the Washington, DC event attracts almost 900leaders from public education, business, philanthropy and the government. Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the NEA Foundation will recognize the nation's top public educators,presenting more than 50 awards, most notably, the $25,000 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, whichwill be announced that night. Each of the five national finalists will be honored with a video, which were, for the first time thisyear, created by their students. Links to these videos are available upon request. Themed a "Symphony of Success," this year's gala pays special tribute to music education, with performances from nationalaward-winning student musicians and vocalists. The Foundation, in partnership with MENC: The National Association forMusic Education, will also announce 10 new grants to be awarded to public music educators over the next year. WHAT: The NEA Foundation's Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala WHO: Ivan Seidenberg, CEO, Verizon Communications, Inaugural Recipient of the NEA Foundation's Award forPhilanthropy to Public Education Carol-Lynn Parente, Executive Producer, Sesame Street Bob McGrath, Sesame Street's Bob the Music Teacher, NEA Foundation 40th Anniversary Ambassador, and Gala Emcee Walkaround Cookie Monster and Walkaround Elmo Harriet Sanford, President & CEO, NEA Foundation Lauri J. Fitz-Pegago, Chair, NEA Foundation Board of Directors Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence five national finalists WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2009; Reception 6:30 p.m.; Dinner program, 7:30 p.m. WHERE: National Building Museum, 401 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001 PRESS PLAN: OPEN PRESS. Press set-up time: 6:00 p.m. The NEA Foundation The NEA Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity created in 1969 and sustained by contributions from educators, corporatesponsors and others. The NEA Foundation offers grants and programs that support educators' efforts to close the gaps instudent achievement, increase classroom innovations, salute excellence in education and provide professionaldevelopment. For more information, visit www.neafoundation.org Edith B. Wooten Director of Communications The NEA Foundation 1201 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 202.822.7834 (T) 202.822.7779 (F)

About NEA Foundation

Created by the members of the National Education Association in 1969, The NEA Foundation offers programs and grantsthat support educators' efforts to close the achievement gaps and increase student achievement. Apply online for ourStudent Achievement and Learning & Leadership Grants. For more information, please visit www.neafoundation.org.