MCEE Minnesota Council on Economic Education

The mission of the Minnesota Council is to provide Minnesotans with the economic and financial understanding they need to function effectively in a complex, global environment.

MCEE > Programs > Teaching Awards and Scholarships > Thrivent Financial Foundation Personal Finance Educator Award Program Description

Thrivent Financial Foundation Personal Finance Educator Award Program Description

The Thrivent Financial Foundation Personal Finance Educator Award was introduced in 2006 to recognize teachers who create and implement innovative learning activities that increase personal finance understanding.

Nomination Process
Teachers may nominate themselves or may be nominated by a peer, school administrator, curriculum specialist, director of a center for economic education, community or business representative.

Nominations must be received by June 1. Please send the nominee's name, and contact information to the Minnesota Council via the online nomination form.

The Minnesota Council on Economic Education will send each nominee an entry packet to complete and return by July 15.

Eligibility
The award is open to Minnesota teachers in grades K-12.

Award Criteria
In selecting the winning teachers, judges will consider:

Innovation in approach
Emphasis on personal finance concepts
Ease of replication by other educators
Assessment of student learning
Contributions to students' understanding of issues related to personal finance

Recognition
A first and second place Thrivent Financial Foundation Personal Finance Educator Award will be given in two categories - one for K-8 and one for secondary level grades 9-12. First place winners will receive $1,500; second place winners will receive $500. Winning entries will be featured on the Minnesota Council's web site.

Entry Submission
A nominated teacher will receive an entry packet requesting the following:

Brief description of the learning activity.
A list of the personal finance concepts addressed in the activity
The learning objectives of the activity.
The procedures followed in teaching the activity and a list of required materials.
Description of the assessment used to measure student learning.
Documentation or evidence of student learning.

Awards Celebration
Award winners, along with their administrators, will be honored at EconFest, our annual recognition event in October.