National Survey Finds Teachers Have Lasting Positive Impact on the Lives of Americans

NAPERVILLE, Ill., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret that teachers work hard, but many may not know how much they give personally. Each year, teachers spend an estimated $1,000 out of their own pockets on school supplies, according to the National Education Association. Furthermore, OfficeMax's 2011 Teacher Appreciation Survey(1) found that nearly seven in ten (68%) Americans had at least one grade-school teacher who made a positive impact on their life today. This bond is what drives the majority of parents (84%) to show their appreciation for their child's teacher by giving thoughtful gifts (53%), buying essential classroom supplies (43%), or giving a gift card to a store or restaurant (24%). Other parents choose to donate their time by volunteering (47%) in the classroom or on field trips.

Also recognizing the dedication of teachers, OfficeMax will celebrate teachers across the country during "Teacher Appreciation Days" at OfficeMax retail stores on July 31 and August 1, 2011. For two days, the first 150 teachers at each store will receive a free, reusable tote plus 20 percent off everything the fits inside(2), a free desk calendar filled with coupons for the year, free giveaways from Post-It®, Sharpie®, Expo® and more, and other savings for MaxPerks Rewards for Teachers members. Teachers can also receive 50 free, black and white, single-sided copies of their school supply lists from OfficeMax ImPress® through September 30, 2011. To join MaxPerks Rewards for Teachers, teachers can sign up in-store or online to earn reward points and save year-round.

"This is a great opportunity for OfficeMax to recognize and support teachers as they prepare to head back into the classroom," said Ryan Vero, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at OfficeMax. "Our company is dedicated to supporting teachers and their incredible work throughout the year, and we hope these savings will ease the financial burden many educators face."

OfficeMax's 2011 Teacher Appreciation Survey(1) also found that Americans recognize even more can be done by schools and parents to help teachers do their jobs more effectively. Nearly half of parents think that well-behaved students (54%) and students prepared for school each day (49%) would make a difference. While, about one in three (32%) parents believe volunteering their time can go a long way in the classroom. Others look to the school administration and believe having necessary school supplies (45%) and better technology in the classroom (37%) would help teachers succeed.

In many cases, teachers take matters into their own hands to secure the classroom supplies they need. A majority (76%) of Americans believe that teachers of grades K-8 typically spend their own money to purchase classroom supplies, estimating an average of $446 each year. Yet, many believe teachers should not have to pay their own way. More than half (55%) of Americans feel that the school is responsible, versus parents and teachers, for providing each classroom with necessary supplies.

While school budgets continue to waver and parents and teachers continue to go above and beyond to make ends meet in the classroom, there is no question that teachers have an enduring and positive impact on the lives of Americans. For the 2011 back-to-school season, OfficeMax and parents alike look forward to showing their appreciation for teachers across the nation. To learn more about OfficeMax's Teacher Appreciation Week, visit www.officemax.com/home/custom.jsp?id=m6510080.

Since 2007, OfficeMax has donated more than $4 million dollars worth of school supplies to support thousands of teachers through its national cause event, "A Day Made Better," founded to help erase teacher-funded classrooms. Through its partnership with nonprofit Adopt-A-Classroom, OfficeMax has helped encourage donations to fund more than 10,000 classrooms nationwide.

About OfficeMax

OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE: OMX) is a leader in both business-to-business office products solutions and retail office products.  The OfficeMax mission is simple.  We help our customers do their best work.  The company provides office supplies and paper, in-store print and document services through OfficeMax ImPress®, technology products and solutions, and furniture to businesses and individual consumers.  OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 30,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, e-commerce and approximately 1,000 stores.  To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX.  For more information, visit www.officemax.com.

All trademarks, service marks and trade names of OfficeMax Incorporated used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of OfficeMax Incorporated and its affiliates. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Research Methodological Notes:

The 2011 OfficeMax Custom Survey was conducted by Kelton Research in February 2011 using an email invitation and an online survey. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 2.9 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with All persons in the universe represented by the sample.

(1) National online survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18-years and older conducted for OfficeMax by Kelton Research during February 2011
(2) Offer available while supplies last. Certain restrictions apply. If supply is depleted, store will substitute tote. Offer available to MaxPerks Rewards for Teachers members or new teacher member sign-ups only.

OfficeMax Media Contact
Bill Bonner
630 864 6066

SOURCE OfficeMax Incorporated

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