PHILADELPHIA – In recognition of Financial Literacy Month Councilmember Allan Domb, today called on the School District of Philadelphia and Superintendent Dr. Hite to certify as many high school teachers as possible from Philadelphia’s over 50 public high schools in financial literacy so they can bring the curriculum to their classroom next year.
In a letter to Dr. Hite, Councilmember Domb indicated many teachers and principals want to provide a financial literacy course but they do not have the resources to bring it to their schools.
“Financial Literacy is fundamental in education,” said Councilmember Domb. “After visiting nearly 50 Philadelphia schools over the past three years, I have found that teachers are excited about financial literacy and want to teach the skills within their classrooms. These teachers find the value in the education, but need the resources to teach the curriculum.”
As a way to ease the cost burden on teachers and the School District, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia will provide free registration, training, meals and course materials for Philadelphia’s public high school teachers. The five-day professional development program acquaints teachers with a personal finance course that can be taught in the classroom for a semester or the entire year.
“The Federal Reserve Bank is providing Philadelphia teachers with an amazing opportunity,” said Councilmember Domb. “I challenge Dr. Hite and his colleagues this month to get as many teachers as possible enrolled in the free training program.
“The School District cannot afford to pass on this opportunity, especially since our education system falls in a state that previously received an ‘F’ for lacking financial education in the classroom.”
The failing grade was marked by the Center for Financial Literacy’s National Report card for lack of financial education in the classroom. Pennsylvania also does not require financial literacy to be taught in high school, unlike many neighboring states.
“We need to provide the School District with much-needed resources so that teachers can reverse this trend and make Philadelphia a leader in financial education,” said Councilmember Domb.
The registration for teachers to sign up for the free training is open now until May 24. The training will take place the second week of June and allow teachers to bring the financial curriculum to their classroom starting in the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers can register at https://bit.ly/2K2Q610
Councilmember Domb has made financial literacy for all ages a priority issue and continues to work with public and private partnerships to get resources into the agencies that need it most. He introduced a resolution last April recognizing Financial Literacy Month for the City of Philadelphia and has assisted in funding several programs that have allowed financial educators to teach both students and adults throughout the city.
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