Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year is one of the largest teacher recognition programs in the country and honors outstanding teachers in local communities, according to Betsy Reithemeyer, Wal-Mart Foundation director.

"Since its inception in 1996, the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year program has recognized nearly 11,000 teachers nationwide and contributed more than $6.6 million in educational grants to schools," Reithemeyer said in a press release. "This program exemplifies our associates' commitment to education and the value that excellent teachers deliver to our communities by positively impacting the lives of young people."

Individuals in the different communities from across the state handed in nominations to their local Wal-Mart stores. Each store then selected a winner.

Wal-Mart representatives contacted Washington Oak's principal, Dr. Donna Raptakis, last week and the school held a surprise assembly for McCarthy.

"It was really hard for me not to tell anyone," Raptakis said. "It was a lot of fun; we really surprised her."

McCarthy said a parent of one of her student's nominated her. She said she felt "kinda funny" getting the award because she works as part of a team. The regular education teachers, the resource assistant, Lisa Lasoursa, and the behavioral specialist, Ruth Daniels, all work very closely with the children, she said.

"I think I was nominated because the parent has the most contact with me," McCarthy said. "Even though I was named Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, we all work together. I was nominated because of the model we follow here at Washington Oak and that model made us stand out. We are a great group and we work so well together."

Raptakis said she was proud of McCarthy on behalf of all of Washington Oak School.

"We are thrilled that Krissy received this award," Raptakis said. "I have known her for 12 years and she has not lost sight in all those years. She has the same enthusiasm since the first day she was hired. She really cares about the kids and she works phenomenally with parents. She not only works with the kids academically, but, when they are in school, she treats them like they are her own children. They feel emotionally and physically safe with her."

McCarthy did her student teaching at Hopkins Hill Elementary School and was hired right after graduation by the Coventry School Department.

"Teaching is the only thing I ever wanted to do," McCarthy said. "I never thought about doing anything else. My favorite part of my job is seeing students make progress. When the children learn to read, it is magical."

McCarthy said she received a plaque, a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year T-shirt, and a $100 gift card to the store. Washington Oak Elementary School received $1,000, which will be used for gardening in front of the school, Raptakis said.

McCarthy is now eligible for the state competition. All the Rhode Islanders who won at local Wal-Marts can hand in resumes, letters of recommendation, and essays for a chance to be the Rhode Island Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. The winner at the state level is eligible for the national competition.