It's not every day a teacher is presented with a check for $1,000, but that's what happened for the director of bands at Kelly Walsh High School Tuesday morning.

Chris Ehrlich is Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year, an award presented to educators who are nominated by fellow staff members, parents, teachers and community members.

The $1,000 prize is for the school, though Ehrlich was also given his own Wal-Mart giftcard. He said working with students is the main reason he loves his job.

"I'm just honored and humbled to be nominated by such a great group of kids," Ehrlich said. "As a band director, I get to see them forever, all four years they're here."

Manager of Wal-Mart Darrell Seurer said he was surprised by the number of nominations Ehrlich received - almost half of every slip turned in had Ehrlich's name on it.

"I was overwhelmed with the number," he said.

And usually the award goes to a teacher with 10 or more years of experience, Seurer added. Ehrlich has been teaching only five years.

"It's really quite an honor," Seurer said.

Co-manager of Wal-Mart Brian Walton said he was especially glad the award went to Ehrlich.

"I'm very pleased a music teacher got this award," he said. "It's one of those programs that many schools neglect."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.