This summer, NGPF took FinCamps, our free, in-person professional development experience for personal finance educators to 28 cities. Each FinCamp was a full day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and exploration of ready-to-use lessons and activities from NGPF’s award-winning curriculum.

Educators left with new strategies to engage students, practical tools to bring into the classroom the next day, and connections to a nationwide network of peers.

Thousands of miles, hundreds of conversations, and countless “aha!” moments later, the impact will ripple into classrooms across the country this school year.

Every room had its own personality, but the vibe/energy was the same:

Educators pooling their ideas, sharpening their skills, and leaving with a shared mission: to make sure every student has the knowledge and skills to thrive in a complex financial world.

At every FinCamp, you could feel it:

• Teachers huddled in corners swapping lesson tweaks and classroom hacks.
• Laughter breaking out over an activity that actually works at 8 a.m. with high schoolers.
• That collective spark when someone realizes, “I can teach this in a way my students will never forget.”

Here’s what we heard this summer:

• “I thought the most effective thing about todays session was connecting to other teachers who teach the same courses as me. I don't have any other business/personal finance teachers on campus to collaborate with so this was huge!”
• “This is my second Fincamp and I always learn something more! Thank you for offering these PD sessions and always teaching something new from being able to collaborate with other teachers and other districts”.
• “Seriously this was the best professional development I have ever attended. All sessions were relevant and helpful. I am so energized to teach next year.”
• “The facilitators were fantastic! I walked away with strategies I can use tomorrow and ideas to re-energize my entire PF course.”

You shared what worked, where we can stretch further, and what you need next. We’re listening and using it to build on this momentum so next summer offers even more chances to connect, practice, and head back to your classroom with confidence.

So thank you, whether you traveled across town or across state lines to join us.

You made this summer more than 28 events. You made it a movement toward giving every student the tools they need to thrive.

We can’t wait to do it again next summer!

About the Author

Kaytie Brissenden-Smith

NGPF's Professional Development Operations Manager Kaytie is a former early childhood teacher, instructional coach, and social justice advocate.