Name: Wade Haugen
School: Grafton Public School, Grafton, ND
Grade levels: 7-8
Subjects: 7th Grade Technology, 8th Grade Business Education, Drivers Education, JV Girl’s Basketball
Making Money Matter
On the first day of class Wade tells his Business Education students “that this is probably the most important class you will take. I’m kind of biased, but the information that you learn in this class will be used every day of your life. You will use this no matter what career path you take in life.”
Wade says he tries to teach everything in real life situations so they can see how it works and be ready for the real world. “I feel like if they can see the way you use it and how important it is, they are wanting to learn it more,” says Wade.
“The school district that I teach in has a high poverty rate and I want to help those students start in the right direction and hopefully break that trend.”
Bravo Wade! Jump$tart applauds your hard work.
Financial Education Requirement
Currently in North Dakota the only requirements are that students take an Economics course under the Social Studies requirements.
Called to Teach
“I started out my college career going into teaching, but switched to a business finance degree. After college I moved with my now wife to a town where she got a teaching job. Job opportunities in the town were low, but I was able to get a job in sales. I was able to learn more hands-on about how the business worked. A tragedy happened in my life with my brother passing away and it pushed me into looking for a career change. There was a paraprofessional positioned that was open at the school, so I decided to apply for it. I worked at that position for 2 years when a great opportunity came forward. The Technology teacher was leaving at the end of the school year and they wanted to add a Business class for 8th graders to take. They asked if I would be interested in going back to school and finishing out the requirements, I needed to get my teaching license. So, I worked hard that year and summer to finish the classes I needed to get my license. I have been in that position for 7 years now. I am so thankful for the opportunity that I got and love being a teacher. I love getting to know my students and being a part of their lives and hopefully making a difference in it.”
Go-To Resources
“I have had the great opportunity to attend the National Jump$tart Convention the past 2 years. It has given me the opportunity to form relationships with other teachers around the country and bounce ideas off of them. I have also been able to attend different sessions at those of Conventions of resources that I didn’t know were available,” says Wade.
“I use a lot of different resources when teaching Business Education. I use Everfi, Federal Reserve Bank material, and Banzai. The two I use the most are Take Charge Today and Next Gen Personal Finance Middle School Course,” says Wade.
How This Rockstar Teacher Teaches During a Pandemic
From the middle of March to the end of May, Wade was full time distance learning. “It was a big change for everyone and it took a couple of weeks to get things organized as a district, making sure students had devices to use and internet access. Once we started going, I was thankful for some of the resources that I use on a regular basis. I was able to post things online for students to complete them and then meet with them on Google Meet. I used the situation as a learning point for the students and told my students that “this is great experience when you get into “life after school.” Wade continues to tell his students that this is teaching them to be self-motivated. “When my students are done with school they will have to use these same skills in everyday life.” As of now the start of this school year, Wade has been 100% in person. “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to see my students in person every day!” says Wade.
We are so thankful for that too, Wade! Keep up the great work!
