Shelly Heath, a high school teacher from Boise, Idaho, believes that ever-growing consumer debt is just one reason why her students need financial literacy education — now more than ever.
Since attending the Jump$tart National Educator Conference in 2019, Heath has increased her personal finance courses at Boise High School to six sessions every semester, up from just two. With a keen eye for saving, Heath regularly writes grants to provide her students with an up-to-date curriculum without spending the school district's money.As a teacher and cross-country coach, Joe Tarantello has revitalized his Boston-area high school's personal finance curriculum, transforming what was once a languishing business education department and launching a new yearly tradition.
This updated curriculum at Hingham High School in Hingham, Massachusetts, includes online simulations on the fundamentals of investing, project-based learning opportunities and community partnerships. Tarantello has spearheaded a new tradition at his school, The Credit for Life Fair. Seniors simulate financial decisions that mirror choices they will soon be faced with post-graduation. Over the past six years, Tarantello has seen a steady increase in financial literacy enrollment and hired additional teaching staff to meet the growing demand.