University News
SBC Ameritech Supports Illinois Teachers with $100,000 Grant
August 9, 2002
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois UniversityÂ’s College of Education and Human Services will receive $100,000 from the SBC Foundation on Wednesday, Aug. 14 to continue the Virtual Teaching and Learning Community (VTLC). The online program enables Illinois teachers who have had little experience in using computers to create technology-rich learning environments in their classrooms without having to attend off-site workshops or classes.
Thanks to a continuing partnership between SBC Ameritech and Western Illinois University, teachers across the state will continue to receive ongoing training opportunities to upgrade their technology skills and shape technology-rich classroom experiences.
"We have recognized that many teachers in the field did not have the training, time or opportunity to obtain the skills needed to effectively incorporate technology into their own teaching and learning," explained COEHS Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps. "This SBC grant will help us continue to provide invaluable online training to benefit Illinois teacher ultimately Illinois students"
Marc Blakeman, senior director of external affairs for SBC Ameritech Illinois, will tour the campus and present this gift to support Illinois teacher training across the state.
"Western Illinois University and SBC have a long-standing partnership based on our shared vision of the life-long benefits that technology brings to the educational experience," said Blakeman. "We realize that continuing education of teachers that this grant supports is vital in ensuring the best education possible for students."
SBCÂ’s gift will enable WIU to offer scholarships for teacher participation in the VTLC and for Illinois teachers to develop additional content for the Virtual Teaching and Learning Community program. The Illinois State Board of Education has certified the program as an approved staff development opportunity for Illinois teachers seeking recertification.
The partnership between SBC and WIU dates back to 1993 when the college was the only Illinois institution to receive the prestigious GovernorÂ’s Ameritech Ed/Tech Grant to infuse technology into teacher education curriculums. With SBC funding in 1997, the online training project was developed was developed as a pilot program then enhanced in 1999 to meet state technology standards.
"SBCÂ’s vision and generosity has impacted teachers and students across the state by empowering the educational community to transport learning far beyond the four walls of the classroom and the confines of the school day," added Smith-Skripps.
The SBC Foundation is the charitable giving arm of SBC Communications Inc. and its family of companies. In 2001, SBC, through foundation and corporate giving, donated nearly $99 million to support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide. The foundation places primary emphasis on supporting programs that help increase access to information technologies; broaden technology training and professional skills development; and effectively integrate new technologies to enhance education and economic development -- especially for underserved populations. SBC has been named among America's Most Generous Companies for two consecutive years by Worth magazine (2000 & 2001).
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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