Back-to-School Shopping Season is a Time for Teachers to Prepare for Success…
Your children’s that is

Cleveland, Ohio (August 2007) – Anyone who has ever walked into an unruly classroom knows that there are few braver professionals out there than teachers. And as parents and students from across the country flock to stores to get the staples for the new school year, teachers too are preparing for success.

Summer is not a three-month vacation for teachers. Many assist in summer school, and begin to prepare their classrooms and curriculum for the upcoming year, which is a much more time consuming and costly project than most would imagine. In fact, The National Education Association reports that the average teacher will spend $443 out of their own pockets on materials for their classroom this year.

Created for these dedicated professionals, American Greetings has introduced a new line of cards available at Target specifically for teachers to share with students, parents and even colleagues.

“Teachers go above and beyond to prepare for their new students and parents,” said Angela Thompson, American Greetings trend spotter. “We thought that these cards would offer teachers a fun, easy way to welcome in a new class and introduce themselves to new parents.”

One of the highlights of the new collection is a series of eight-card packs so that teachers can be sure to have a card for everyone. One example for younger students reads, “Keep up the good work!” with cartoon depictions of kids on the front. Another, for slightly older students, features a smart looking desk set up and reads, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

A perfect set for teachers to send to parents features a simple apple illustration and reads, “A Note from the Teacher.” The blank inside allows the teacher to write a short greeting, possibly the only good news ever to come out of a piece of correspondence sent home that reads, “A Note from the Teacher.”

Additional offerings include notes that teachers can share with colleagues. One card perfect to welcome any new teacher to a faculty is highlighted by a modern looking teacher’s desk on the front and reads, “So Nice to Be Working with You.” The inside reads, “Just a friendly note to let you know I’m here if you need anything. Good luck with your new class.” Another lighthearted example shows a large stack of books and reads, “Is it Friday yet?”

The new collection of back-to-school cards from American Greetings can be found at Target, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.

About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of social expressions products and greeting cards. Its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.