BNSF providing new support for Great Falls teachers

Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has a new partnering in recognizing the importance of education.

BNSF and GFPS Foundation announced Monday that the railway will donate $5,000 per year to honor two of Great Falls’ distinguished educators chosen by students.

“There are a lot of great things going on here,” said Matt Jones, regional communications director for BNSF. “This is the first place we’ve done something like this.”

Dave Crum, executive director of the GFPS Foundation, said the BNSF donation will support the Excellence in Education program the foundation has established over the last few years. A selection committee picks 30 distinguished scholars with a GPA of 3.7 or higher from Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High School to be honored each year, along with three students from Paris Gibson Alternative High School. Those students, in turn, pick a teacher from the school district who has made a difference in their educational career to be honored.

Crum said this year, two BNSF teachers of the year will be chosen from the group, and each will receive a $2,500 award to use toward continuing education for his or her classroom. There will be an additional group comprised of BNSF representatives to help chose the two teachers to honor.

But Superintendent Tammy Lacey said it all starts with the kids.

“This district is full of (excellent educators),” she said. “We’re so excited about this. The exciting thing is these educators will be selected by kids.”

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Kristen Cates at 791-1463 or kcates@greatfallstribune.com. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_KCates.