LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 12, 2014) – Farmers Insurance announced today that Rohny Escareno of Edcouch-Esla High School in Edcouch, TX has been named a finalist in the Thank a Million Teachers Dream Big Challenge, putting him in the running for one of five $100,000 "Dream Big" grants rewarding winning teachers for their ideas to transform their classrooms, schools and communities. Escareno was surprised with a special visit from Farmers executives today when they arrived at his classroom to share the exciting news.
The Thank A Million Teachers program was launched earlier this year, inviting individuals across America to offer heartfelt thanks to teachers, present and past, for their positive impact on students and communities. Teachers were then invited to participate in the Dream Big Challenge, submitting proposals for their chance to be one of five outstanding teachers nationwide awarded with a grant to help them transform their school community. Since the launch of the Thank A Million Teachers program in late December, more than 760,000 teacher thank you’s have been received, putting the national effort far ahead of its stated goal of thanking one million teachers in 2014.
Teachers across the country went through a rigorous proposal submission and review process, and Escareno was selected to move on to the next round. Escareno’s proposal addresses the unique challenges to this border town school with 99% poverty. The proposal seeks to create a much-needed mentoring program for the students that would train teachers to provide daily assistance to address students’ physical, psychological, social, and academic needs. An innovative advisory/mentoring period would also be established that strengthens students’ post-secondary goals, academic and study skills, interpersonal skills, and teacher-student relationships.
Beginning October 1, the finalists’ proposals will be available for public voting at www.ThankAMillionTeachers.com, allowing individuals nationwide to cast their votes for their favorite proposals.
“We were so impressed with the quality of proposals we received throughout the entry period of the Dream Big Challenge and it was tough to select the top fifteen finalists,” said Randy Rice, National Manager of Education Programs at Farmers Insurance. “We are thrilled to share the news that Escareno is one step closer to transforming her school and community through the Dream Big Challenge, and we invite everyone to vote to help make their favorite proposal a reality.”
Beginning on October 1, anyone can vote for any of the 15 proposals, but a person can vote for the same proposal only once per day. Visit www.ThankAMillionTeachers.com to share your thanks for a teacher who has made a difference in your life and learn more about the program.
