COLUMBIA, S.C. (January 6, 2020) – South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced the launch of the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, a new statewide financial literacy initiative, that aims to energize more teachers about the importance of incorporating personal finance education into their classrooms.
Sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics, the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program provides financial incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their schools and districts. Through the program participating teachers will have access to specialized training and financial literacy curriculum resources that will better enable them to promote financial literacy education in K-12 schools.
“You cannot underestimate the importance of financial literacy. It is an essential tool for personal financial wellness, and it impacts so many facets of our everyday life,” Treasurer Loftis said. “We want to channel the enthusiasm and passion of our best and brightest educators and train even more teachers on how they can effectively incorporate personal finance education into their classrooms.”
“I am elated to participate in a program that systematically accomplishes something I have been doing for the past five years – championing financial education for all students, incorporating personal finance concepts into my classroom curriculum, and teaching colleagues ways they can introduce financial literacy into their existing classes,” said Dr. Ashley Bowers, a teacher at Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville and a member of the program’s inaugural class.
“SC Economics is very successful in providing quality training, curriculum and resources for our K-12 teachers across the state, and we have enjoyed partnering with them for a number of years,” Loftis added.
“Our ultimate goal is educate and empower our K-12 students with the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.”