Tennessee Treasury Department Equips More Educators with Free Financial Literacy Training

What teachers learn in one day can change the lives of their students forever. The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, a program of the Tennessee Treasury Department, will continue their series of free financial literacy training summits for teachers of kindergarten through eighth grade, this Saturday, January 10, at Walters State Community College in Morristown. In the last two years, the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission has trained over 1,800 teachers, and 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 $65 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 Morristown area to attend this summit and empower themselves, their students, and parents with knowledge and practical skills such as planning, saving, and investing.”

Well over 1,800 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 Walters State Community College in the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center. 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)532-5892 or by email at James.Armistead@tn.gov.