On Wednesday, June 17th, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition hosted its annual I-Cubs Educator Retreat at Principal Park. 16 dedicated educators from across the state joined us for an intensive day of collaborative learning, professional development, and networking.
Financial literacy is no longer just an elective skill; it is a fundamental necessity for navigating the modern world. Every day, Iowa educators step into their classrooms to build the foundation for their students’ financial independence and lifelong economic mobility. This retreat was designed to give these real-world heroes the ultimate “cheat codes”—actionable tools, expert strategies, and fresh curricula—to help our youth win the game of financial life.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors, MidAmerican, Prairie Meadows, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, whose support makes these vital no-cost professional development events possible.
Round 1: Mastering the Home-Buying Process with “Clear 2 Close”
We kicked off the morning by diving into an interactive, game-show-style session titled “Clear 2 Close: The Original Home Buyer Game,” led by expert Kaleb Stevens. This unique session provided K-12 teachers with practical tips and expert answers regarding the complex world of real estate, empowering them to strengthen both their own financial knowledge and their future classroom discussions.
The game’s mechanics brought real-life financial consequences to the table. If an educator answered a house-buying question incorrectly, their scorecard took a hit, simulating high-risk scenarios like taking on massive credit card debt or paying an unexpected, expensive tab at a bar. Conversely, correct answers unlocked positive financial scenarios, such as picking up an extra job to aggressively pay down debt. By turning the daunting task of buying a home into an engaging simulation, our educators discovered a highly impactful framework for teaching long-term financial responsibility to their students.
Round 2: Navigating the Dealership with Confidence
For our second inning, we shifted focus to the open road with a session titled “What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Car,” presented by Carolyn Steckelburg, a professor from Iowa State University (ISU) who teaches this critical module in her personal finance classes.
Too often, young consumers focus strictly on the monthly payment when buying a vehicle, missing the broader, riskier picture. Drawing from personal past experiences, Professor Steckelburg highlighted the hidden pitfalls of the automotive market and provided a strategy guide for educators to pass down to their classrooms. Key lessons included:
- The Trust Factor: How to evaluate if a dealer is trustworthy.
- The Power to Walk: Conducting thorough, independent research to establish a fair price, and having the discipline to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
- The True Budget: Looking past the monthly payment to assess the comprehensive cost of ownership (insurance, maintenance, fuel) to see if it truly fits a budget.
- Checking the History: Ensuring a vehicle’s history report is fully vetted before signing.
By preparing students to manage auto loans, trade-ins, and credit scores with confidence, our teachers are ensuring the next generation is fully equipped to defend themselves against predatory consumer pitfalls.
Congratulations to Our National Conference Scholarship Winner!
During the first half of the retreat, we paused for a special drawing for our premier professional development opportunity. A massive congratulations goes to Cyndi Ehrhart from Mason City Alternative School, who won a guaranteed scholarship spot at the upcoming Jump$tart National Educator Conference!
Cyndi will be joining fellow educators from across the country from November 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. Iowa Jump$tart is proud to sponsor local teachers for this elite event, providing them with hours of national-level professional development and cutting-edge resources to bring directly back to Iowa classrooms.
Final Inning: VIP Networking & An Extra-Innings Win
To wrap up a highly productive day, our educators transitioned to a luxury suite at Principal Park for a well-deserved afternoon of networking and connection. On a beautiful, sunny afternoon overlooking home plate, the Iowa Cubs overcame a slow start to secure an exciting comeback victory!
Our educators received true MVP treatment as a small token of gratitude for their tireless work in our schools. Attendees enjoyed premium box seats, free refreshments, popcorn, and dedicated server service. To ensure the day was entirely cost-free, all participants received a $50 stipend to cover travel, parking, and stadium food, alongside a full reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay.
Thank you to the 16 incredible educators who invested their time to play, learn, and grow with us. The work you do in Iowa schools changes the trajectory of young lives, turning financial literacy into a lasting reality for our communities!
Missed out on this year’s retreat? Visit our Personal Financial Literacy Conference page to learn more, and keep an eye on our events calendar to secure your roster spot for our next event!
Iowa Jump$tart Coalition 