Thank a Million Teachers w/ Jack Black!

Farmers Insurance looks to thank and fund a million teachers with new grant program

 Actor Jack Black reunites with his middle school teacher to show his appreciation as part of a new effort spearheaded by Farmers

Jack Black thanks his Drama Teacher Debbie Devine

Insurance. Schools looking for some extra cash this holiday season may want to check out Farmers Insurance's new national grant initiative, which launched Monday.

Read the LA Times feature.

 Actor Jack Black and his former drama teacher Debbie Devine, artistic director of 24th Street Theater, helped announce the $1 million grant program in West Hollywood. The campaign seeks to thank a million teachers and encourages people to nominate their teachers with thank you notes submitted online.

 "My middle school teacher, Debbie Devine, had a profound, transformative effect on my life," said Black, in a written statement. "I know students across the country have been inspired by educators in their own lives."

To apply for grant funding, any K-12 teacher who has been nominated via an online thank you note can write a proposal of up to 1,000 characters and submit it online. Farmers Insurance will then select some of the proposals to be voted on online by the public.

 Teachers are eligible for $2,500 in funding.

 The website to thank a teacher went live Monday. Teachers will be able to submit proposals beginning Jan. 1. 150 winners will be selected throughout 2014.

Watch the video, filmed at 24th ST Theatre:

 

A behind the scenes look at the press conference:

Jack Black also makes an appearance or two in our acclaimed field trip Enter Stage Right.