We believe the goals of education should be to inspire wonder and a lifelong love of learning. Many of us can remember a teacher who enriched our lives. These extraordinary educators enable the success of children in school by expanding their horizons. These teachers are the motivation behind the New Initiatives in Education Fund at the Community Foundation.

Through the fund, we empower exceptional teachers with grants and recognize them with Bear Hugs and the annual Outstanding Educator Award. Our school system is blessed with kids excited to learn, passionate teachers and caring administrators. Our activities support and encourage them.

We recently made a grant to Jackson Elementary to bring the third grade to the NASA Space Exhibit at the Museum of Idaho. After the field trip, one teacher’s comments capture the essence of New Initiatives: “it is one thing for kids to read about space in a book, but to get in the capsule John Glenn rode and truly understand the conditions and danger of space travel really excited the kids.”

When we were new to the valley, the Community Foundation played a significant role in helping give New Initiatives credibility with the school district and other education-minded donors. The Community Foundation is a valued sounding board, administrative partner and relationship builder. It is indeed rewarding when the New Initiatives in Education Fund helps a teacher spark the intellectual curiosity of a child.

Veronica and Gary Silberberg, New Initiatives in Education Fund