National Press Release

Funding Used to Build Writing Skills with 2nd and 7th Graders

RED BANK, N.J. and OLD BRIDGE, N.J., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ awarded Helen Thompson and Elizabeth Soporowski two grants allowing them to implement an innovative learning technique for their students. Thompson and Soporowski applied for the grant as part of the auto insurer's 'Quotes for Cash' program, a unique school fundraising initiative championed by Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ.

"We specialize in insuring educators, so not only do we seek to help them when they're behind the wheel but also while they're at school," stated Marc Buro, President of Teachers Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey. "Our Quotes for Cash program is a great way for schools to earn money and gain access to additional funds like grants and scholarships," he added.

The two grants being awarded today will help Thompson and Soporowski drive home the importance of technique in writing skills. Through the course of the year, students learn about the different elements in writing: the structure of an essay, the use of personifications and metaphor, and other critical writing techniques. At the end of the year, students compile their work and thanks to this funding, publish it. This provides both strong motivation for the students to focus on what they write, and the delivery of a long-lasting, concrete example of their work.

"Old Bridge Township Public Schools have been participating in Quotes for Cash since 2007. We are delighted with this partnership and plan to continue to take advantage of the benefits it provides," said Nancy Mongon, Business Administrator for the Township's public schools.

"Helping members of the educational community save money is what we do every day. But being able to give out money to support innovative teachers is what makes us more than just insurance," Buro said.

About Quotes for Cash

Through Quotes for Cash, money is donated into a fund each time a school employee of a participating school or district receives a quote on NJ auto insurance with Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ. For districts that are involved, there is an additional component that includes scholarships and grants. During the 2007-2008 school year, the program generated more than $22,000 for local schools. For more information about Quotes for Cash, contact Joseph Sansotta at 732-978-6420.

Teachers Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey provides auto insurance exclusively to the faculty and staff (active and retired) of New Jersey licensed educational facilities. Studies show that educators as a group are lower risk and have fewer claims, so Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ can offer lower rates than insurance companies who insure everybody. For more information, please visit www.nj-teachers.com.

SOURCE Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ