Web Smarts

www.VeryBestKids.com/TeacherContest

what: An online contest running from now until Aug. 15 to find the nation's "very best" teacher.

Parents must submit an essay nominating their child's teacher in Grades 1 through 8. The essay should explain what kind of an impact the teacher has made on the child's school experience, and how he or she has made learning fun.

best points: The grand prize is a $5,000 donation to the teacher's school, and a $1,000 award and special-recognition plaque for the teacher. The school will also win an ice cream party from Nestlé, the sponsor of the contest.

Four runners-up will each receive a $250 cash prize, along with a special-recognition plaque.

The four parents who wrote the essays will win a Nestlé ice cream party for their child's class.

what you should know: Only parents may nominate a teacher. The contest is detailed on a website that also includes links to various children's activities.

The website includes many promotions for Nestlé products.