OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Employees Credit Union is once again teaming up with Seattle's local radio station KOMO AM-1000 and the Seattle Mariners to salute Washington's finest teachers.

This is the second year the credit union has sponsored the “Teacher of the Week” promotion, which recognizes 24 teachers who ignite imaginations and inspire success in their students.

Nominations are submitted by community members via forms available only in WSECU branches or from the credit union's Web site. “Teacher of the Week” winners receive a $500 classroom grant and seats in the KOMO News suite to watch a Mariners game at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Radio spots promoting WSECU's sponsorship air during every radio broadcast of Mariner games on KOMO AM-1000 until the nomination period closes June 30, 2007.

“We couldn't have been happier with our sponsorship last year,” said Kristina Walters, WSECU vice president of marketing. “While state employees still make up our core membership, we've been open to public school employees for several years now, but it's difficult to grow that part of our market. The partnership with KOMO and the Mariners gives us great exposure with the education community and provides well-deserved recognition for educators. Associating WSECU's name with the Mariners' team spirit makes it just that much more exciting for our credit union.”

Last year there were 350 nominations for the Teacher of the Week promotion. Walters added that she expects that number to increase this year.

“We knew we were doing something really special when we saw the looks on the faces of the winners last year,” Walters said. “Teachers from all over, some of whom had never been to a Mariners' game, let alone view it from a luxury suite, were thrilled with the recognition. In addition to all the publicity, we also are getting 24 excited ambassadors from around the state that have a wonderful story to share with their peers about what WSECU did for them.”