State Treasurer Curtis Loftis celebrates 26 educators in SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher program

June 3, 2024

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis to recognize the fifth cohort of educators who have qualified to become South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teachers. This year’s Bronze level cohort included 26 educations from across the state.

Launched in January 2020, this innovative program was designed to increase the number of teachers that incorporate personal finance education in their classrooms across the K-12 system. To date, more than 144 teachers have participated in the program.

“I want to congratulate these hardworking educators for achieving Bronze certification and promoting financial literacy in their classrooms this year,” Treasurer Loftis said. “The knowledge they have gained from this program is important 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 provides financial incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their schools and districts.

It is sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics. The program also offers specialized training and a curriculum that promotes financial literacy education. These tools and skills can be shared with their students.

In order to become a South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher, applicants must complete certain professional development classes, as well as create and teach professional development training for their peers. Applicants must also pass the W!SE Personal Finance Certification Test for Educators. This nationally recognized credential certifies that educators demonstrate the proficiency required to teach personal finance.

One of the benefits of the Master Teacher program is it ensures skills in financial literacy are being passed on to both students and teachers alike. To learn more, visit the SCFLMT website: scflmt.org.

 

About Future Scholar

Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, is administered through the State Treasurer’s Office. For more information, visit FutureScholar.com or follow @SCStateTreasurer on Facebook. No state funds are used to market Future Scholar or the SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program.

Fifth Cohort of South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teachers

Name School District
Mandy Hannah Dixie High School Abbeville County
Anna Rhyne North Central Elementary Kershaw County
Chanelle Sharper Homeschool Richland Two
Michelle Graham Fairfield Central High Fairfield County
Crystal Banks Abbeville High School Abbeville County
Crystal Thomas Alfred E. Rush Academy Florence One
Debbie Sweat Blythewood High School Richland Two
Ghislane Nsangou Irmo High School Lexington Richland 5
Heather Gregory Union County Career
& Tech Center
Union County
Jennifer Scarmack Low Country Virtual Academy Berkeley County
Justin Davis L.E. Gable Middle School Spartanburg 6
Karen Boyd Fairfield Central High Fairfield County
Leslie Parks St. James High School Horry County
Linda Dara Cherrydale Elementary Greenville County
Meg Gardner North Central Elementary Kershaw County School District
Melanie Barker FIVE High and Middle School Lexington Richland 5
Michael Crosby Sangaree Middle School Berkeley County
Nate Gilmore Goose Creek High School Berkeley County
Rebekah Watson Heath Springs Elementary Lancaster County
Sandee Oliver St. James High School Horry County
Sharon Fleming Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary Richland Two
Shonita Montford Orangeburg County Consolidated School District Orangeburg County
Tiffany Hutchinson Spring Hill High School Lexington Richland 5
Tim Ray Kelly Mill Middle School Richland Two
William Joy Lucy Beckham High School Charleston
Zerita Johnson-Thomas St. Andrews Middle Richland One