CapEd throws support behind the teacher of the year

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The Teacher of the Year program is getting a first-ever sponsor for the annual award.

Debbie Critchfield, the superintendent of public instruction, announced that CapEd Credit Union will be the first corporate sponsor to support the program.

CapEd was founded in 1936 by a group of 13 teachers in Boise and has grown to a membership of more than 100,000 people. The tie to education made CapEd a sensible choice as a sponsor when Critchfield reached out in May to discuss the partnership.

“This made so much sense from the beginning,” Critchfield said in a statement. “This is an Idaho institution built by teachers more than 80 years ago, and one that continues to support educators all across the state. I’m thrilled CapEd Credit Union heard our message and was willing to step up to support this program that celebrates these critical professionals in our schools.”

According to the Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year program has remained mostly unchanged since the 1990s and the sponsorship will allow the department to update and modernize the program to “properly tout Idaho educators and their work.”

Critchfield added that the program was long overdue for modernization. “When I took office in January, I was made aware of its deficiencies, and it immediately became a priority,” she said. “We made exactly one call and CapEd was on board right away.”

Todd Erickson, president and chief executive officer of CapEd, said the sponsorship was a way for the credit union to continue its legacy of supporting education.

“We were started by teachers for teacher,” he said. “Today, we welcome all to enjoy our excellent member service and financial products for individuals, organizations and businesses, while joining us in supporting the education community.”

The credit union will be the program’s sponsor for the next four years and the CapEd Teacher of the Year for 2024 will be awarded later this year.