Abundant studies illustrate school-based financial education programs impact both students and their teachers. Beyond the impact on students’ financial skills, results show that teachers exponentially benefited from financial literacy classes with improved rates of savings, lower levels of debt, and increased rates of asset accumulation. Iowa K-12 teachers and their students will benefit from “Small Change: Building Financial Security for Educators” with an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach online course starting Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 5-7 p.m.

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. Educators can earn one Iowa License renewal credit. Registration at https://cvent.me/r9dom0 by October 25, 2023 for the course supports education efforts to increase Iowa students’ financial literacy.

The ‘Small Change: Building Financial Security’ course features vetted curriculum and resources. It has been accepted as a BoEE Endorsement Class for Financial Literacy and Business Teachers.

The educator course focuses on making more informed decisions about financial management and building 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 include:

• 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 2-hour introductory workshop on Nov. 1, 2023, from 5-7 pm.
• Complete at least 4 of 12 gamified online lessons covering financial topics.
• Complete assignments to promote financial literacy and connect with resources.

The course fee is $25 to ISEA members and non-members. Those who do not need license renewal credit may register and audit the course for a $10 fee. Check the ISEA On-line Catalog (https://isea.org/course) for this class.

Register online by Oct. 25 at https://cvent.me/r9dom0. Space is limited.

Contacts: Carol Ehlers and Phyllis Zalenski, Human Sciences Specialist in Family Wellbeing with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-732-5056 or xehlers@iastate.edu

Each year, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, with support from the National Council for Economic Education, hosts the Economics Challenge Program. The Challenge is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge of Economic Literacy by competing with other students across the state in online examinations.  Student participants receive cash prizes, awards, and accolades.

There are three divisions in the Economics Challenge:

• Adam Smith: For returning competitors, AP, IB, and honors students.
• David Ricardo: For first-time competitors with no more than one course in economics.
• Milton Friedman: For middle school students, grades 6-8.

Watch a video to get an inside look of last year's challenge: Iowa Economics Challenge 2023 - YouTube

Each year, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, with support from the National Council for Economic Education hosts the the Iowa Personal Finance Challenge. The challenge is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge of personal finance by connecting with other students from across the state in an online competition.

There are two divisions in the Personal Finance Challenge:

• The High School Division is for students enrolled in a high school level personal finance course.
• The Middle School Division is intended for students enrolled in a middle school level personal finance course.

Watch a video to get an inside look of last year's challenge: Iowa Personal Finance Challenge 2023 - YouTube

Just the facts … and a bit of fun, too.

When it comes to financial education for women, we’ve found the best advice comes from — wait for it — other women. That’s why we’re here: to share the latest and greatest financial information for women, by women. Along the way, we’re mixing in deep insights into the psychology of money, some seriously practical tips, tactics and techniques for SmartHER planning, saving and retirement, learning modules to get you up to speed fast and a bit of lighthearted motivation to get started and keep going.