I received a message recently from a teacher who hadn't received her order from Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and wondered if I knew how to help.
I did a quick search and discovered that ECI -- Educational Communications, Inc. -- ceased all operations in 2007! This came as a surprise to me. I'm not sure if another company has already stepped into their place, but the post on their main page, honoring.com, reports:
Educational Communications, Inc. has ceased all operations, including discontinuation of its publications for Who's Who Among American High School Students, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and The National Dean's List.Please note - All students who have already been named as previous scholarships winners through The Educational Communications Scholarships Foundation will remain eligible to collect their funds at anytime during their pursuit of higher education.
If you have any questions about the status of any order, you can call 877-843-9946.
A post I made back in 2005 about this 'who's who' recognition has to my great surprise continued to be one of the most popular entries on Pedablogue. I think that recognition for students -- like The Nat'l Dean's List -- can potentialy be a strong motivator for some students, but my position on these awards for professional instructors hasn't changed since I first mulled over the significance of this award. Perhaps many agree.
I haven't learned yet why the company has ceased operations (it's been in business since the late 1960s), but I did a little research to see if I could find out more. I discovered that ECI is currently listed as part of the American Achievement Corporation, which also has subsidiaries that sell class rings, make yearbooks, and more. This Austin based company might be contacted if you're a teacher or student trying to hunt down the status of your order or award.
I paid $15 to have my picture and info in Who's Who publication 2005-06 and received nothing. My school did not receive any info on this and I feel cheated. I am very disappointed in this publication.
I have been waiting and waiting!!!! I never received my certificate in the mail and I was told that I would get a package in the mail and never received that either. Also, this is very disappointing! I wish someone in that company would do something about it! Also.. was told to get a plaque but then the company shut down. That is not fair!!!
I have been nominated eight times by former students who were also nominated. I found this to be an honor that these students graduating from college and high school can look back and remember an elementary teacher who influenced their education in a positive way. I have been "prideful" enough to order some things from the company. Teachers get little recognition and buying a coffee mug or key chain is a fun thing to have around to remind yourself that of the hundreds of students that you teach, a few went on and remembered you.
The only problems I had in ordering was that during the time of the hurricane Katrina, the company who made the items for them lost their warehouse and factory. It took longer but eventually I received everything I ordered. That company then closed to relocate. I do not know what the status of either company is now. I am sorry to hear that some people did not receive what they ordered.
I called the phone number listed on the company's website and was on hold for close to two hours (obviously, I had the phone on speaker and was doing other things). After two hours, someone picked up and said "hello...hello..." and (pretended) like they couldn't hear me. A few weeks later, I called again and the number had been disconnected. It sucks...I ordered the book and stuff and am out $200.