New York, September 14, 2004 --To address New York City’s critical need for new teacher support and to encourage more new teachers to stay in the profession longer, Teachers Network, a non-profit education organization, has partnered with the Citigroup Foundation and the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to provide the “New Teacher Support Program.” The “New Teacher Support Program” is part of Teachers Network’s major teacher initiative called New Teachers New York, which the Citigroup Foundation has sponsored since 2000.

Through the “New Teacher Support Program,” new teachers in participating schools will receive leading teaching materials, created by Teachers Network, drawing on the experience of seasoned teachers. Materials include the best-selling publication New Teachers Handbook and the accompanying CD-ROM set, Successful Teaching Practices in Action. Teachers will also have access to the New Teacher On-Line Survival Courses, a series of seven courses facilitated by experienced New York City teachers that allows new teachers to work through lessons and assignments at home. Course topics include Classroom Management, Strategic Planning, Teaching Methods and other topics essential to successful teaching. For more individualized assistance, teachers can log onto www.teachersnetwork.org, and email questions to experienced teachers or examine detailed lesson plans.

“Citigroup is committed to helping make a difference in the local communities where our employees and customers live and work,” said Charles Raymond, President of the Citigroup Foundation. “We believe that supporting the development of new teachers on the job is a smart investment in local communities that will result in higher teacher retention rates and improved student achievement. The partnership between the Citigroup Foundation, Teachers Network, and the New York City Department of Education will provide new teachers with the resources and encouragement they need to be successful in the classroom.”

“Entering the city’s public school system is challenging and overwhelming, so we are excited to celebrate new teachers and introduce them to the ‘New Teacher Support Program. Since new teachers often have limited time and resources, we worked with experienced teachers to create materials that can be used at home or in school. By offering educators creative ideas and support, this program has become an important piece in retaining teachers during the most critical time of their careers,” said Ellen Dempsey, CEO and President of Teachers Network and former teacher.

The “New Teacher Support Program” materials and resources are available to any new teacher in New York City. Starting in September, the program will be offered to all schools in Brooklyn’s Region 8, courtesy of the Citigroup Foundation grant. With over 600 new teachers expected to join Region 8 this year, Teachers Network, the DOE and the Citigroup Foundation hosted a welcome reception on September 8 from 4-6pm at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. Chancellor Joel Klein, Deputy Chancellor Carmen Fariña and Smith Barney Chairman and CEO Sallie Krawcheck spoke at the event. The reception provided teachers with the opportunity to network with other educators and learn about the resources available through the DOE accredited “New Teacher Support Program.”

About Teachers Network
Teachers Network is a non-profit organization--by teachers, for teachers--with a 25-year track record of success, dedicated to improving student learning in public schools nationally and internationally. Teachers Network is unique in its focus on professional development as the key to improving student achievement. Using the power of an award-winning web site, videos, and print resources, Teachers Network leverages the creativity and expertise of a national and international community of outstanding educators. Through leadership, Teachers Network empowers teachers to transform public schools into creative learning communities. For more information about Teachers Network, see www.teachersnetwork.org.

About Citigroup
Citigroup (NYSE: C), the preeminent global financial services company has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Travelers Life and Annuity. The Citigroup Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com.

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