This summer, West Virginia University’s Center for Financial Literacy & Education (CFLE) and Next Gen Personal Finance hosted the 18th Annual Finance University for primary and secondary educators throughout the state, as well as neighboring counties.

Finance U – a free professional development conference – is geared towards educators who focus on financial literacy topics in the subject areas of civics, business and math.

While the conference is typically held in person, COVID-19 provided CFLE the opportunity to host the conference virtually and cover new topics, such as unemployment and health insurance. 

“Many teachers had to pivot to remote learning this spring and that is what motivated us to continue this year’s conference and to discuss those important, yet difficult subjects that are at the forefront during the pandemic,” said Naomi Boyd, Fred T. Tattersall Chair of Finance and director of the Center for Financial Literacy Education. “We never want them to think of it as a one-time event – we are their partner in building a robust curriculum that can be delivered both in person and remotely.”

Not only were attendees given resources and training opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques and own personal financial education, but they were also presented with speakers from Next Gen Personal Finance, EVERFI and FoolProof.

Organizations covered topics on budgeting, investing, retirement planning, large asset acquisition, estate planning and more. 

“As a high school business teacher, I have found Finance University to be the single most powerful professional development opportunity and I attend each year,” said Kimberly Britton, business and marketing teacher at Doddridge County High School. “Besides the relevant and professional sessions, I have gained numerous free resources, connected with a terrific group of teachers who share this interest and participated in Personal Finance studies to enhance the movement. Finance U is good for any teacher, middle school to high school, and gives you the ideas to help you plan your financial future, as well.”

The virtual conference was held on July 16 and 17, and continued on July 20 and 21.

For more information about CFLE, visit business.wvu.edu/cfle