Iowa Jump$tart strives to provide K-12 educators an rewarding experience away from home at two different conferences. Each event is held once a year at no cost to the educator.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
| Iowa Jump$tart Educator Retreat |
| Event Details |
| Highlights |
| Agenda |
| Sponsors |
| National Educator Conference |
Iowa Jump$tart Educator Retreat
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 1963 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315
Highlights
Join us for a no-cost educator retreat featuring a morning of engaging, practical learning followed by an afternoon of networking at the ballpark! The Iowa Jump$tart Educator Retreat will bring together educators from accross the state for interactive sessions focused on financial literacy topics you can take back to your classroom. Stick around after the sessions to connect with fellow educators in a relaxed setting at an I-Cubs game. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited – register now to reserve your spot.
Agenda
Wednesday, June 17
| Time | Session Title/Activity | Presenter(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 – 8:30 AM | Registration | Enjoy a light breakfast. | |
| 8:30 – 8:35 AM | Retreat Welcome | Welcome, sponsor recognition, introductions, and event housekeeping. | |
| 8:35 – 10:35 AM | Clear 2 Close: The Original Home Buyer Game | Kaleb Stevens | The Clear 2 Close session uses a fun, interactive game show format to help K-12 teachers understand the home buying process, with practical tips and expert answers that can support both their own financial knowledge and classroom discussions. https://www.facebook.com/clear2closedsm/about |
| 10:35 – 10:45 AM | Break | ||
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Car | Carolyn Steckelburg | Most students focus on the monthly payment when buying a car — but what are they missing? This interactive session helps educators teach students how to navigate the real-world car buying process with confidence. Topics include auto loans, leasing, indirect lending, credit scores, GAP insurance, trade-ins, negotiation strategies, repossession risks, and consumer protection laws. |
| 11:45 – 12:00 PM | Transition to Principal Park | Distribution of badges, agenda, and materials. | |
| 12:00 – 3:00 PM | I-Cubs Networking Event | Enjoy lunch and an I-Cubs game from a suite at Principal Park while networking with fellow educators. |
Sponsors
MidAmerican, Prairie Meadows, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services
National Educator Conference
It has been a tradition for Iowa Jump$tart to sponsor teachers to attend the National Jump$tart Educator Conference. This year the conference is November 6-8, 2026 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in beautiful Aurora, CO. Apply for your scholarship today to attend! If you are accepted, National Jump$tart will pay for your conference hotel, meals, and admission. Iowa Jump$tart will pay for travel.
Bruce Bennett, North Polk High School Educator and 2024 National Educator Conference attendee, had this to say.
I am incredibly grateful for your generous support in funding my scholarship to attend the National Jump$tart Conference in Louisville. This opportunity has been invaluable, providing me with essential financial literacy knowledge and skills. Your investment in my future and the future of my students means the world to me.
Iowa Jump$tart Coalition 