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Phillies and MLB announce teacher all-star appreciation efforts in 2014

Fans given two opportunities to nominate local area classroom all-stars!

The Phillies and Major League Baseball want to know: Do you know a classroom all-star?

For the 14th consecutive year, the Phillies will honor local area educators who are making a difference in the lives of their students and in their community with the Teacher Appreciation Night program presented by GDF SUEZ. Fans are urged to nominate a teacher, past or present, who has made a difference through Wednesday, April 2, 2014 by visiting phillies.com/teachers.

Ten educators will be chosen to be honored during the Teacher Appreciation Night on-field celebration, prior to the 7:05 p.m. Phillies versus Washington Nationals game on May 2. Additionally, 20 Honorable Mention All-Stars will be acknowledged during a pregame tent party on the same date. All nominated teachers will receive an All-Star certificate from the Phillies. Ticket discounts for the May 2 game are on sale now. All educators in attendance will receive a tote bag when presenting their school identification.

"We couldn't be more excited to begin the nomination process for the 2014 Teacher Appreciation Night program," said Meghan Essman, Director, Fan Development & Educational Programs. "We take pride in all of our Educational Programs but Teacher Appreciation Night is a chance to showcase the educators who not only help shape the lives of their students but make their communities a better place."

In addition, Major League Baseball, Target and PEOPLE today announced the "Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" campaign, which celebrates remarkable current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities. All-Stars Carlos Beltran and Adrian Gonzalez will lend their support to the initiative by encouraging fans to nominate an outstanding teacher beginning today through May 6th at AllStarTeachers.com. Nominees will have the chance to represent their favorite team and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15th on FOX. 

Three teachers per MLB team will be selected, with the 90 finalists to be announced on June 5th. From June 5th through June 29th, fans will be encouraged to visit AllStarTeachers.com to read nominees' submission stories and vote for their favorite teachers. All 30 winners, one representing each MLB Club, will be announced during All-Star Week. Winners will be included in All-Star Week activities and recognized during the pre-game ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on FOX. One winner will be featured in PEOPLE during the week of the MLB All-Star Game. Target presents "PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" is just one part of Target and MLB's effort to celebrate teachers and raise awareness about the importance of education this baseball season.

Free Phillies Teacher Workshops, Educational Programs

Education and literacy are at the forefront of the Phillies' community efforts. Using baseball to teach in fun and innovative ways, the Phillies have developed programs and partnered with various organizations to provide teachers, students and parents exciting ways to enhance the learning experience. Visit www.phillies.com/education to learn more about all of the educational programs offered by the Phillies, including: HOMEWork It Out educational booklets, Be A Phanatic About Reading presented by Comcast, Phillies Phitness presented by NovaCare, Extraordinary Scholars presented by Cabrini College and more.

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