Innovative Technology Education Fund

ITEF is proud to celebrate programs that empower educators with the skills, resources, and confidence to create stronger learning experiences for students.

In partnership with AT&T, WashU Institute for School Partnership launched the AT&T Digital Navigation Program in 2025 to help PreK–12 educators strengthen their digital fluency and integrate technology into their existing curriculum.

Through workshops, mentorship, and a capstone project, educators explored topics including AI, data modeling, computational thinking, and digital tools for the classroom.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the program reached 53 educators representing 17 St. Louis-area schools and districts. Visit WashU's website to learn more: https://schoolpartnership.washu.edu/our-programs/att-digital-navigation/

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ITEF proudly celebrates our Board Member, Kendall Ware, for receiving the Educator Impact Award at the Titus 2 Foundation Gala at the beginning of August!

Thank you, Kendall, for your dedication to educators, students, and the St. Louis community. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations, Kendall!

Learning That Makes an

2026 Lean Into Learning Grantees Karsen Jurenka & Nate Reyes of Crossroads College Preparatory School attended the ISACS New Teacher Institute, where they gained practical tools for building strong classroom relationships, setting clear boundaries, navigating legal responsibilities, managing challenging situations, and creating purposeful lessons through backward design.

From the “rubber ball vs. glass ball” framework to de-escalation strategies and collaborative classroom norms, Karsen and Nate are taking valuable lessons back to their students—and into the new school year.

We’re excited to see how these experiences help them create focused, respectful, and engaging learning environments!

Fun Fact Friday: ITEF's Timeline through 40 Years/2016: ITEF's Lean into Learning professional development grants are launched. To learn more about our Professional Development grants for educators, visit our website: https://www.innovteched.com/lean-into-learning-grantees

Creativity can transform the way students learn.

2026 Lean Into Learning Grantee Christine Phillips of Buder Elementary School attended the Creativity Connect: 2026 Arts Integration & STEAM Conference and came away reminded that learning should be fun, creative, and full of possibility.

From dancing scientific principles and exploring social-emotional learning through puppets to discovering the STEAM behind the invention of Hip Hop, Christine experienced firsthand how creativity can deepen student engagement and retention. Her biggest takeaway? Slow down and allow students to explore topics creatively.

Christine also shared an important reminder for educators: every interaction with a student matters. The encouragement we provide can plant seeds that grow into future dreams—and our words have the power to inspire students or discourage them.

“We need to take the time to listen and be present for students.”

ITEF was pleased to sponsor Hancock Place School District Educator AI Summit—two days of meaningful connection for educators working to bring the best of AI to their classrooms.

Photos are from Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth’s keynote presentation: *Connecting Humanity and Innovation in Education.

Fun Fact Friday: ITEF's Timeline through 40 Years/2014: Physical Presence:
ITEF establishes its first brick and mortar office. "

Technology is more than a tool—it's a gateway to opportunity.

Support from the 's 2024 Catapult Grant award is transforming learning by investing in:

-New Chromebooks for students to use at school and at home
-Tablets that expand access to digital learning
-Interactive display boards that create engaging, collaborative classrooms

By closing technology gaps, this project is helping create more equitable learning opportunities and preparing students with the skills they'll need for the future while ensuring students and educators have reliable access to today's online curriculum and the digital resources they need to succeed.

Did you get a chance to vote early? If not, no worries; remember to vote in the Primary Election TOMORROW August 4! Your vote counts, and your voice matters. Make a plan to vote and help shape your community's future. Make sure you comment with your ""I Voted"" sticker! We want to see them all!

Fun Fact Friday: ITEF’s 40-Year Timeline

In 2013, ITEF launched its signature Innovator Grants, awarding the first round of funding to support innovative technology projects in education!

Learn more about the grant here: https://www.innovteched.com/innovative-technology-grant