Eastern Idaho teachers win approximately $7,000 in grants from the CenturyLink Foundation for innovative technology projects

CenturyLink, Inc. today announced the two eastern Idaho winners of the CenturyLink Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. The program awards teachers in CenturyLink’s local service areas who have innovatively implemented technology in their classroom to increase student achievement. These teachers are among 16 statewide winners of the grant, with an approximate total of $70,000 donated in Idaho this year.

CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Idaho, Jim Schmit, presented the awards to both teachers in their individual classrooms on May 22.

“The selection committee, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Education, reviewed more than 70 applications and was very impressed with the number of entries and overall excellence of the grant proposals,” Schmit said. “There are many teachers in Idaho who are doing innovative things with technology in their classrooms. This is a great opportunity for the CenturyLink Foundation to make a positive difference in students’ lives by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their outstanding work, and supporting them in further expanding their use of technology. Over the years, we have found that students are genuinely excited to experience the learning opportunities provided by these teachers through their creative use of technology.”

The teachers will use the funds to purchase technology with which to engage students and supplement their curriculum: 

• Arik Durfee, a teacher at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase video equipment and accessories for students to create an educational YouTube channel called “Science in Slow Motion” where they can publish student-made videos.
• Trevor Jensen, a teacher at Beutler Middle School, was awarded approximately $2,000 to purchase an iMac computer, as well as a digital audio recorder and tripod, to create a dedicated video editing station for producing and sharing educational videos.

“These teachers know and understand the important role technology can play in the classroom to help individualize instruction and raise academic achievement for every student,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I am grateful to the CenturyLink Foundation for its continued commitment to Idaho’s teachers and students every year as they work to bring these innovative ideas to life and create a 21st century classroom in every school.”

About the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service. CenturyLink extends this vision through the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to contributing to endeavors that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people throughout CenturyLink’s communities. Named after CenturyLink’s founder Clarke M. Williams, the Foundation is endowed by CenturyLink to support community initiatives that encourage our employees to use their time, talents and resources to strengthen the communities in which they live and work.