FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

Norwalk Physical Education Teacher Named

Meriden , CT - June 15, 2004 - Teachers’ Insurance Plan, an auto insurance program exclusively for educators, announced the winner of Connecticut’s 2003-2004 “Teacher of the Year” award. The award was given to Thomas Kretsch, who is a Physical Education teacher at Columbus Magnet School in Norwalk.

Mr. Kretsch was presented with a check for $1,000 and his school received a $500 grant at a ceremony held before the entire student body.

“It was a very tough call,” said Stephen T. Zerio, Teachers’ Insurance Plan’s Manager for Connecticut. “We received hundreds of nominations, but our panel had to choose just one for the State and his commitment, ability and dedication won out.”

Mr. Kretsch was cited for his dedication, caring and leadership. Inspired in 1984 by seeing the Olympic Torch, he began a Norwalk tradition of students carrying their own torch for a 24-mile relay through the city. In his nomination he was described as believing that “the purpose of physical education is to teach children to be comfortable with their own bodies and to strive for their personal best.”

The Connecticut headquartered insurance program sponsored the statewide award. Nominations were open to Connecticut’s more than 50,000 accredited teachers and the winner was selected by a panel of judges that included both public and private school teachers, administrators and union officials, as well as Teachers’ Insurance Plan senior management.