CHICAGO, January 22, 2008 –WGN-TV will launch “Teacher of the Month,” to recognize exceptional teachers for their contributions both inside and outside of the classroom, January 30 on WGN News at Nine. Reported by WGN News anchor/reporter Valerie Warner, WGN–TV will profile one teacher each month through the end of the school year in June.

January’s Teacher of the Month is Mr. David Levine of Al Raby School in Chicago. Student Tamyra Hickman nominated Levine submitting, “Mr. Levine has high expectations for all students, and his motto is “No Excuses.” Every time he reminds us of this it motivates me to not settle for average, but to do my best at all times. He has joined our Spanish teacher for the Salsa Club, he is a part of our Environmental Justice club here at Raby, and he rides a bike to school everyday!” Levine’s profile airs on WGN News at Nine on January 30 and repeats on WGN News at Noon on January 31.

Any teacher, who is currently employed by a school (grades K-12) in Chicagoland or Northwest Indiana area can be nominated by any student living in Chicago or Northwest Indiana who is 13 years or older. Children under the age of 13 are still eligible to participate by having his or her parent or legal guardian complete the form. The Teacher of the Month will be chosen based upon his or her educational achievements in the classroom, innovative teaching techniques and unique contributions made in the community. Each Teacher of the Month will be officially recognized on WGN-TV and each winning school will receive a $1,700 scholarship from Sylvan Learning Center to be used at discretion of the school.

To nominate a teacher, visit www.wgntv.com and click on the Teach of the Month link. Fill out the nomination form completely, or pick up a form at any Chicagoland Sylvan Learning Center. The completed form should be sent to WGN-TV Teacher of the Month, ATTN: Diana Dionisio, 2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago, IL 60618