PITTSBURGH - The Teacher Excellence Center has announced four more school districts in Butler County have decided to participate in the center's 2004-05 teacher recognition program.

Those districts are Mars, Moniteau, Seneca Valley and Slippery Rock.

Through their participation, these districts will identify top teachers and nominate them for a recognition award. The center will choose 100 teachers from southwestern Pennsylvania to become finalists, with the top five receiving a classroom grant of $2,500.

Winners are announced in April 2005.

School districts that have not yet committed to participating can sign up by calling 412-809-5191 or online at www.teacherpa.com.

Teacher nominations are due between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. Nomination forms are available online or at participating school districts.