IRMO – Three dedicated educators from Lexington-Richland School District Five have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to financial literacy. Melanie Barker from Flexible Innovative Virtual Education, Tiffany Hutchinson from Spring Hill High, and Ghislane Nsangou from Irmo High have qualified to become South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teachers. They are among the 26 educators across the state who have joined this year’s Bronze level cohort.
Launched in January 2020, the SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program aims to increase the number of teachers who incorporate personal finance education into their classrooms from kindergarten through high school. To date, over 144 teachers have participated in this innovative program.
South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis praised the educators for their achievement: “I want to congratulate these hardworking educators for achieving Bronze certification and promoting financial literacy in their classrooms this year. The knowledge they have gained from this program is crucial for preparing young students for the future. We value their efforts and wish them continued success as they move through the Master Teacher Program.”
The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, sponsored by Future Scholar (South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan) and in partnership with SC Economics, provides financial incentives to K-12 teachers who excel in financial literacy. It also encourages these educators to teach professional development workshops to their colleagues, thus broadening the reach of financial education.
Participants in the program receive specialized training and curriculum resources that they can share with their students. These resources are designed to foster a deeper understanding of financial literacy among both students and teachers.
To become a South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher, applicants must complete several professional development courses. Additionally, they must create and conduct professional development training for their peers and pass the W!SE Personal Finance Certification Test for Educators. This nationally recognized test certifies that educators possess the proficiency required to effectively teach personal finance.
The Master Teacher Program ensures that essential financial literacy skills are being imparted not only to students but also to fellow educators. This initiative helps create a ripple effect, spreading financial knowledge throughout the educational community.
For more information on the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program and to explore its resources, visit the SCFLMT website at scflmt.org.
