April Wood, preschool teacher at Cooper Elementary, was surprised during class by a visit from CenturyLink representatives Derek T. Kelly, State & Local Government Legislative Affairs Manager, and Joey Stephenson, Region Operations Manager recently. CenturyLink presented a check for $4,995 to Ms. Wood for a grant titled “Pioneering Preschoolers”. The grant monies will provide the preschool classroom with an interactive technology table.
Ms. Wood’s grant submission requested funding for an Engage-2 technology table because it will provide an innovative approach to learning through its hands-on activities and software. The table allows for multiple students to simultaneously engage in interactive technology. The Engage-2 technology table will also reinforce concepts taught in preschool such as collaboration and teamwork with its peer play activities. Creativity and imagination will be developed as well as vital social-emotional skills.
“I wanted to find a way to incorporate more technology into my preschool classroom and was shown the CenturyLink grant by our PTA president,” Ms. Wood stated. “And I thought why not?!“ I had seen the Kaplan Engage 2 at an Early Education Conference and knew the many benefits it could bring to my classroom. This type of cooperative technology infuses collaboration and accommodates the different learning styles of my children. Technology is an ever-evolving part of our society and laying a strong foundation for that will set my children up for success not only in my classroom but in life after Cooper Academy!”
Ms. Wood concluded that CenturyLink has made her dream a reality and she cannot wait to see the incredible things that will result from the implementation of the grant.
The CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grants are designed to help fund projects that advance student success through the innovative use of technology. Teachers in public or private PreK-12 schools in CenturyLink’s residential service areas and core Corporate locations are eligible to apply for a Teachers and Technology grant.
