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2011 Jump$tart National Educator Conference - A Big Success!
By Dr. Maryanna Hamburg
This year’s Jump$tart National Educator Conference in Washington, D.C. (Nov. 4-6) provided another phenomenal learning experience for all who attended. There was an explosion of information and resources that renewed everyone’s eagerness to return home and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the many breakout sessions, exhibit hall, concurrent activities, and networking opportunities. From Friday’s “Finger Food Fiesta” reception to the closing activities, conference participants were showered with new strategies and materials to support financial literacy education.
Friday evening’s activities were the perfect start to a whirlwind weekend. The after-hours Capitol tour was exceptional! Former Representative Robert Walker from Pennsylvania gave us unique insights into the workings of the House of Representatives. He kept all of us spellbound with his stories. Senator Akaka from Hawaii secured the Kennedy Caucus Room for a welcome reception. What a beautiful room steeped in history and grandeur. Senator Akaka is truly a founding father of financial literacy education.
Saturday began with a breakfast filled with delightful food and new friends! Cassandra McConnell, who previously held a leadership position at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, gave the keynote address. Then it was on to the first breakout session. The "Tools and Techniques for Early Grades" session was extremely informative and fun. The participants even sang a song about Habit the Rabbit! Money Management and Moonjar discussed the concept of using a divided container to teach children the basics of spending, saving, and sharing. In the session, "Tools and Techniques for Middle Grades," many new programs were presented. One program that caught everyone’s attention was The Secret Millionaires Club. Warren Buffett and Andy Hayward launched this animated series of 26 webisodes to help kids understand financial concepts. It is worth investigating www.smckids.com to find out how to earn Buffett Bucks!
Lunch was another opportunity to taste the Hyatt’s great food, to network, and hear Hampton Pearson from CNBC speak on many economic, financial, and political topics. The afternoon sessions were just as informative as the morning sessions. The session, "Fed Ed: Resources from the Federal Reserve" had five regional employees presenting the vast array of resources available from the Federal Reserve. The participants were divided into teams and quizzed on their financial knowledge. The winning team members received $100 each – shredded of course! "Tools and Techniques for High School" had four panelists. LifeSmarts was one competitive program that sounded interesting. It deepens teenagers’ consumer and marketplace knowledge and skills in the areas of personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, health and safety, environment, and technology.
Concurrent activities followed the afternoon breakout sessions. The exhibit hall throughout the conference was always buzzing. Multi-leveled exhibitors were eager to share their financial literacy materials and resources. One exhibitor, Money Habitudes, www.moneyhabitudes.com, allowed you to find out how your habits and attitudes about money affect your financial decision-making by using a deck of special cards! Money Habitudes also has a deck for young adults and teenagers.
The “Welcome to Washington!” dinner was absolutely fantastic! From the Chesapeake Lump Crab Cake appetizer to the Chocolate Pots du Crème with Toffee Crunch dessert, the meal was outstanding. However, the best part of the evening wasn’t dessert, it was the entertainment. James Cunningham, a versatile comedian, who developed the financial literacy program Funny Money for teenagers, gave a performance that kept the conference participants in stitches! He performs not only for juniors and seniors in high school, but corporate settings as well.
On Sunday, Angel Zapata valiantly attempted to overcome some technology challenges when he presented online resources. Even so, the participants were able to get a glimpse of Celebrity Calamity, a program that allows a student to be a movie or rock star’s manager, and the Credit Card Simulator. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure looked quite promising even though we weren’t able to play it. Next, a parent panel gave their unique perspectives on educating their children in financial literacy. We weren’t able to stay until noon for the interactive focus group and the closing ceremonies because our plane was leaving early.
Next year’s conference will be held in Chicago. Plan to attend. You won’t be disappointed. Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and Michigan Avenue (the magnificent mile) are among the Chicago favorites calling you!!
And the 2011 Ohio Jump$tart Educator Scholarship Goes To...
Felicia Short, a personal finance teacher at Bedford High School in Bedford, Ohio, is the 2011 recipient of the Ohio Jump$tart Educator Conference Scholarship. Her passion for personal finance education is an inspiration to her students and colleagues. She's a perfect example of the awesome teachers we have here in Ohio.
A special thanks goes to all of the wonderful teachers who took the time to participate in this year's scholarship contest. You're helping to change the financial future of your students and Ohio. Thank you!
The Jump$tart National Educator Conference: 2009-2011
In 2009, the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy held its first National Educator Conference in Washington, DC. More than 250 classroom educators from 46 states gathered to learn about financial literacy resources and share their experiences. Ohio Jump$tart held its first statewide teacher essay contest, awarding a conference scholarship to teacher Susan Stowe.
More than 30 Jump$tart Coalition partners supported the inaugural event as sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers. Highlights of the conference included a reception at the Federal Reserve Board; luncheon speakers FDIC Chairman, Sheila Bair and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Editor, Janet Bodnar; and a formal dinner featuring a comedy performance by the National Theatre for Children.
In 2010, the second conference was held. This time 350 teachers attended. Ohio Jump$tart held its second teacher scholarship contest, this time sending teacher Patricia Benedik to Washington. Ohio also boosted its attendance from the prior year from 14 to 19.
The third annual Jump$tart National Educator Conference was held on November 4-6, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Twelve teachers from Ohio attended.
Ohio Teachers - 2009 National Jump$tart Educator Conference
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Front Row L-R: Dr. Maryanna Hamburg, Dr. James Hamburg, Judy Leininger, Lynn Hericks, Karin Moran Back Row L-R: Shunda Wright, Steve Dantzler, Felicia McMiller, Kelli Alspaugh, Julie Blackston
L-R: Jason Terrell, Vickie Amerine, Susan Stowe - 2009 Educator Conference Scholarship winner
Ohio Teachers - 2010 National Jump$tart Educator Conference
Patricia Benedik - 2010 Educator Conference Scholarship winner
L-R: Jeff Montenaro, Leslie Blackston-Favors, Julie Blackston, Patricia Benedik, Monya Funderburke, Lawrence Funderburke
Dr. Maryanna and Dr. James Hamburg - Our favorite Ph.Ds!
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