AMES, Iowa – Iowa K-12 teachers can improve their own personal finance skills as well as build skills in their students by participating in “Small Change: Building Financial Security for Educators.” This Iowa State University Extension and Outreach blended course starts Monday, March 24, with an introductory session from 4:30-6:30 p.m., followed by a four-week, self-paced, facilitator-led online learning experience that ends April 21.
The course content is embedded in the financial literacy standards of the Iowa Core 21st Century Skills and Social Studies, and connects participants with curricula, resources and school-based programs for elementary, middle and high school levels, said course instructor Carol Ehlers, a human sciences specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Educators can earn one Iowa License renewal credit. Register by Monday, March 17, on the Iowa State Education Association website.
The “Small Change: Building Financial Security” course features vetted curriculum and resources. It has been accepted as an Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Endorsement Class for Financial Literacy and Business Teachers.
“Research shows that school-based financial education programs impact both students and their teachers. As students build financial skills from financial literacy classes, their teachers also benefit by improving their rates of savings, lowering levels of debt and increasing rates of asset accumulation,” Ehlers said.
The course is designed to help K-12 educators to make more informed decisions about financial management and build greater confidence to make small changes that can make a difference. Participants explore gamified lessons that are timely and relevant to themselves personally and to their classroom.
Lesson topics are:
- Finance Fundamentals — getting organized, smart borrowing, estate planning
- Insurance — life, health, disability, long-term care, auto, home, liability coverage
- Investing — risk tolerance, investment choices, funding long-term goals
- Retirement — preparing for retirement, building a nest egg, Social Security, IPERS
The course format requires participants to:
- Participate in a live, virtual two-hour introductory workshop on March 24 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Complete at least four of 12 gamified online lessons covering financial topics over the next four weeks.
- Complete assignments to promote financial literacy and connect with resources.
The course fee is $30 to Iowa State Education Association members and non-members. Those who do not need license renewal credit may register and audit the course for a $15 fee.
Register online by March 17. Space is limited to 25 participants.
For more information, contact Ehlers at 712-732-5056 or xehlers@iastate.edu or visit the Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach website.
