Napa Christian Campus of Education first grade teacher Susan Alexander was honored Tuesday with Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year award. The award, awarded in various regions where Wal-Mart has a presence, comes with a $1,000 prize for the school. Local winners are considered for state and national recognition.

Alexander is a Napa resident who has taught at Napa Christian for seven years. She currently teaches first grade.

"First Grade is my passion," said Alexander, known to many as Mrs. A. She added that she varies her teaching methods and tries to expose children to as many different subjects and experiences as possible.

"The way they start out sets the tone for the rest of their lives," she said. "Probably my greatest desire is that they become self-motivated learners" and focus on "a Christian walk in life."

Steve Lawrence, development director for the school, credited Alexander for her "caring attitude. She goes way over and above in the nurturing of these kids. She has 20 in her class and they do everything from making bread to some outrageous science projects to taking them to Piner's Nursing Home (for visits.)"

Said Alexander, "I have the greatest job in the world. I love what I do."

Wal-Mart's 10-year-old teacher recognition program has directed more than $4 million to schools around the country./Register