Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame inductees to be honored and new Finance in the Classroom website to be launched at $tart $mart Teacher Summit

SALT LAKE CITY – June 10, 2024 – The Utah Jump$tart Coalition, Utah Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks, and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) will honor the first-ever Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame inductees at a banquet this evening, kicking off the 2024 $tart $mart Teacher Summit. This coincides with tomorrow’s launch of the new Finance in the Classroom website, a tool to help teachers navigate the overwhelming wealth of personal finance resources available to them.

Utah Jump$tart Executive Director Shauna Barfuss said, “Utah Jump$tart is thrilled to formally recognize Utah’s outstanding personal finance teachers, as well as the administrators who support them in their important work. Education is not for the faint of heart. Yet, good teachers have a lasting impact on their students’ lives, especially when it comes to instilling important knowledge and skills like personal finance.”

USBE and the Utah Education Network jointly received a grant in 2008 to provide a professional review of resources for personal finance teachers and create the original Finance in the Classroom website, a tool that over the last 16 years has garnered national attention and reach. During the last year, teachers and community partners have worked to completely overhaul the website to meet the current needs of Utah educators. 

“We have heard consistently over the years that our teachers are overwhelmed by available resources and lack of curated lesson plans. The new Finance in the Classroom website is one way we are addressing that challenge. I appreciate the incredible efforts of USBE, teachers, and countless community partners to bring the new Finance in the Classroom website to life.” Treasurer Oaks said.

Teachers from across the state will gather tomorrow for the annual Utah Jump$tart personal finance training, the $tart $mart Teacher Summit. During the event, a panel, including Treasurer Oaks, will discuss the development of Finance in the Classroom and other resources for personal finance teachers.

“Finance in the Classroom serves not only our high school personal finance teachers, but is also a resource for teachers in all grades and community members to empower our youth with critical personal financial information and skills,” Treasurer Oaks said. “I’m proud of our efforts as a state to promote the financial well-being of Utahns over the last two decades. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we have made outstanding progress thanks to our incredible teachers and community partners.”

Tonight’s banquet at Draper Day Barn begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the media. Due to capacity limitations, other guests may attend by invitation only. The summit will be held at Corner Canyon High School from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow.

2024 Financial Education Hall of Fame Inductees:

Personal Finance Educator of the Year: Rick Cox, Wellsville Elementary

Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated excellence, dedication, and innovation in teaching personal finance. This award celebrates an educator who has gone above and beyond in the classroom to empower students with practical financial skills that extend into their daily lives and positively influence their community. This educator is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeff Bossard, Itineris Early College High School

Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated excellence in teaching personal finance over the years. This educator has taught financial literacy for at least 10 years and is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.

Student Empowerment Award: Tracey Jenson, Green Canyon High School

Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to empowering students to take control of their financial futures. This award celebrates educators who not only teach financial concepts but also mentor and support students in setting and achieving their financial goals, fostering a lifelong commitment to financial responsibility and success. This educator is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.

Innovative Personal Finance Curriculum Award: Justin Perfili, Stansbury High School

Honoring a Utah educator who has developed and implemented an innovative and engaging financial literacy curriculum. This award recognizes creativity in teaching methods, incorporation of real-world applications, and the ability to inspire students to become financially literate. This award is self-nominated.

Financial Education Champion: Brent Clark, Utah County Academy of Science

Honoring an administrator who has exemplified passion, excellence, and dedication in furthering personal finance resources in their district. This individual is nominated by an educator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.

Community Advocate: John Garrigues, Former Utah Jump$tart Coalition Board President

Honoring a member of the community who has exemplified passion and dedication in furthering personal financial education in the Utah. This individual is nominated by an educator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.

Media Contacts:
Brittany Griffin, Utah Office of State Treasurer
(801) 918-1411 | [email protected]

Shauna Barfuss, Utah Jump$tart Coalition
(435) 757-3450 | [email protected]

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