This online Institute is built to streamline how teachers learn personal finance content, pairing classroom-ready curricula and resources — lessons, videos, infographics, slide decks, simulations, games, and more — so content knowledge and instructional strategy come together at the same time, cutting down on prep work. Drawing on 25 years of experience, this professionally curated, multimedia collection of 450+ resources brings together the best of what’s out there in personal finance education. Basic economic concepts and reasoning become the lens for helping students make smarter, more confident financial decisions, with resources for Title I schools built in.
Designed around experiential learning, the Institute flexes easily for teachers coming from any disciplinary background and adapts to different formats — from cross-curricular integration into CTE coursework to a standalone semester course that satisfies California’s graduation requirement. Built on the National Standards for Personal Finance Education and California’s own state standards, the self-paced online modules include practical, applied, and reflective assignments teachers can use directly with their own students. Live Zoom sessions add breakout groups for statewide networking, collaboration, and planning, and the Institute wraps up with a shareable set of co-created lesson plans ready to anchor a new personal finance semester course.
Teachers learn personal finance content via a curated collection of 450+ resources.
Create a standalone course in personal finance with little to no extra prep.
Instructional context for integration into other subjects.
Zoom breakout groups for collaboration, resource sharing, and lesson planning.
Completion fits a teacher’s schedule: join a statewide cohort on a set calendar, or move through the material independently at your own pace. Part A and Part B can be completed in either order to earn full CCEE Personal Finance Educator Certification, or each part can stand alone for professional development hours. Every completer receives a Certificate of Completion and a Digital Badge alongside their certification.
The Institute aligns with the National Standards for Personal Finance Education from the Jump$tart Coalition and Council on Economic Education; the National Standards for Adult Financial Education from the Institute for Financial Literacy; Money Smart for All Americans from the Financial Literacy and Education Commission; and Career & Technical Education (CTE) personal finance competencies.
Aug. 24 – Oct. 16, 2026
25 Hours of Professional Development (8 Weeks)
Topics: Economic Decision-Making Skills, Money Values, Financial Goal Setting, Earning Income, Human Capital, Taxes, Budgeting, Reducing Expenses, Spending Decisions, Saving, Banking
Oct. 26 – Dec. 11, 2026
20 Hours of Professional Development (7 Weeks)
Topics: Credit, Borrowing & Debt, Bankruptcy, Scams, Identity Theft, Payday Lending, Insurance, Investing, Retirement, Paying for College, Consumer Rights & Responsibilities
Live Zoom Classes: 4:00–5:30 PM PT — Aug. 27, Oct. 15, Dec. 3 (recordings available)
$450 for both Parts A and B | $225 for Part A or Part B individually
45 Hours of Professional Development. Optional 3 hours of undergraduate or graduate university credit available.
CCEE Personal Finance Educator Certification, Certificate of Completion, and Digital Badge included.
Questions? Email Dr. Cheryl Ayers at [email protected]
