One Subject, Three Levels

Financial education evolves as students grow. In this Masterclass Series, educators across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms illustrate how instruction builds over time, drawing on students' prior knowledge and experiences. The Masterclass Guide supports deeper exploration with educator context, guided reflection questions, and curated resources.

Masterclass Guide

HIGH SCHOOL

Engaging Students with Real-World Lessons

5 minutes, 42 seconds

Deb Petruzzi  |  High School Teacher

Blackwood, New Jersey

When personal finance became a graduation requirement, Deb’s course changed—and so did the way she taught it. Hear how real-world examples help her engage students and why she believes every student should take personal finance before graduating. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Building Financial Skills Before High School

5 minutes, 44 seconds

Wendy Davis  |  Middle School Teacher

Fontana, California

Students have ideas about money long before high school. Wendy starts there. Find out how she challenges misconceptions using real-world tools and “reality check” activities to make abstract financial ideas feel concrete and relevant. 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Infusing Elementary Money Lessons Into Every Day

4 minutes, 43 seconds

Jen Berg  |  Elementary School Teacher

Chicago, Illinois

Money lessons don’t have to live in a standalone unit. Jen weaves financial education into everyday classroom routines. See how her “Berg Bucks” system gives students authentic opportunities to earn, save, spend, and set goals without a standalone personal finance unit.