Brian Johnson, a teacher at Austin Public Schools in Austin, was recently named “Teacher of the Year” by the Austin Wal-Mart.

The award arrived early in the new school year. Johnson received a $1,000 grant for Austin Public Schools, a $100 gift card to buy classroom supplies and a personalized certificate.

Wal-Marts and Sam’s Clubs across the country are announcing the names of winning teachers. One teacher is selected by each Wal-Mart store, Sam’s Club, Neighborhood Market store and Wal-Mart Distribution Center, through nominations by members of the community during August and selected by a committee of facility associates. Nationwide, more than 4,000 teachers are being honored by the Teacher of the Year program.

Since the program began in 1995, the Wal-Mart Foundation has honored more than 30,000 teachers nationwide and donated more than $29 million to local schools.

Last year more than $67 million was provided in support of educational initiatives.