DERBY - Irving School fourth-grade teacher Melissa Lawruszko was surprised last week when the entire school assembled in the gym to honor her.

She was named Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Teacher of the Year 2007.

"The whole school was here," said Lawruszko. "My family was hiding in the cafeteria. It was such a nice surprise." Lawruszko has been a teacher at Irving for three years. For two years prior to that, she worked as a paraprofessional at the K-6 school.

Lawruszko said voting for the award was done in the Derby Wal-Mart.

Personnel manager Dotty Cacchillo presented her with the award, she said. Cacchillo was unavailable for comment Friday.

In addition to a certificate, Lawruszko received a Teacher of the Year shirt.

The company gave Irving School a $1,000 grant, she said. Lawruszko received a $100 Wal-Mart gift card to buy classroom supplies. Principal Francis Gallo said she deserved the honor.

"I was surprised to learn she had won and was happy for her," Gallo said.

Winning teachers are considered for state and national "Teacher of the Year" Awards. Lawruszko said she planned to enter the state teacher of the year competition.

The entry deadline is June and the winner is announced in September.

State teachers of the year receive a $10,000 grant for their school.

State winners are automatically eligible to be chosen as National Teacher of the Year and receive a $25,000 educational grant for the school.