The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, a program of the Tennessee Treasury Department, will celebrate April Financial Literacy Month by offering training summits for teachers of kindergarten through eighth grade, on Saturday, April 25, at Chattanooga State Community College.
In the last two years, the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission has trained over 2,000 teachers to incorporate financial literacy education into regular lesson plans. 2015 has the potential to be even better as even more educators and students learn how to make smart money choices for their futures.
Attending teachers will receive free training plus a free copy of the award-winning Financial Fitness for Life curriculum (a $50 value), which includes a teacher and student workbooks, a student storybook. Teachers will also receive a free copy of the Financial Football video game CD for use in their classroom.
Lifetime habits are formed in the early years, making financial literacy training a crucial component in a child’s academic development. And educators are the most valuable resource in helping young Tennesseans understand healthy money habits and financial practices.
“Understanding financial literacy and developing and practicing smart money choices can lead to a better lifestyle down the road,” State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr., said. “Developing and practicing those skills early on can make a big difference in the future of Tennessee students, but it is never too late for adults to learn, too. I encourage teachers in the Chattanooga area to attend this summit and empower themselves, their students, and parents with knowledge and practical skills such as planning, saving, and investing.”
Over 2,000 teachers from across the state have been trained so far, and the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission aims to provide many more teachers with the tools that they need to give Tennessee students a quality financial literacy education. The Tennessee Treasury Department will also send retirement counselors to the conference as a resource for teachers as they plan for their own futures. Additionally, some teachers may qualify for in-service credits, if permitted by their school districts.
Saturday’s summit will be held at Chattanooga State Community College in the Center for Business, Industry, and Health Professions, Room 102. Check-in begins at 8:30 and the summit will last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., local time. Lunch and free parking will be provided to participants.
To register online, teachers can visit www.tnflc.com. For questions, they may contact James Armistead at (615)532-5892or by email at James.Armistead@tn.gov.