AMES – Iowa educators wanting to do a deep dive into finance topics but need flexibility have until Oct. 21 to register for “Small Change: Building Financial Security for Educators.” This Iowa State University Extension and Outreach blended course starts Tuesday, Oct. 28, with an introductory session from 4:30-6:30 p.m., followed by a four-week, self-paced, facilitator-led online learning experience that ends Nov. 25. The self-paced Certification Course provides both teacher license renewal credit or audit options so you can participate at your own pace.

The course content is embedded in the financial literacy standards connecting participants with curricula, resources and school-based programs for elementary, middle and high school levels, said course instructor Carol Ehlers, a Health and Human Sciences Educator with ISU Extension and Outreach. Educators can earn one Iowa License renewal credit. Registration is required by Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at ISEA web link: https://cvent.me/YRw3E0. Once the participant cap is filled, registration will no longer be available.

The “Small Change: Building Financial Security” course features vetted curriculum and resources. It has been accepted as an Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Endorsement Class for Financial Literacy and Business Teachers. Participants explore gamified lessons that are timely and relevant to themselves personally and to their classroom. Designed to help K-12 educators make more informed decisions about financial management and build greater confidence the course topics include:

-Finance Fundamentals–getting organized, smart borrowing, estate planning.

-Insurance–life, health, disability, long-term care, auto, home, liability coverage.

-Investing–risk tolerance, investment choices, funding long-term goals.

-Retirement–preparing for retirement, building a nest egg, Social Security, IPERS.

The course format requires participants to:

-Participate in a live, virtual two-hour introductory workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

-Complete at least four of 12 gamified online lessons covering financial topics over the next four weeks.

-Complete assignments to promote financial literacy and connect with resources.

The course fee is $30 to Iowa State Education Association members and non-members. Those who do not need license renewal credit may register and audit the course for a $15 fee.

Register online by October 21 at https://cvent.me/YRw3E0. Space is limited to 25 participants.

For more information, contact Ehlers at 712-732-5056 or xehlers@iastate.edu or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/small-change.