Tag: educator

News/Accolades

Looking Back at Boston and Forward to the Rockies: Iowa Teachers Shine at Jump$tart NEC

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It has been four months since five of our dedicated Iowa educators returned from the 2025 Jump$tart National Educator Conference (NEC) in Boston, and the energy from that weekend is still fueling classrooms across our state.

A Special Partnership for Iowa Educators: This incredible opportunity was made possible through a vital partnership with National Jump$tart and local partners here in Iowa. We are excited to share that our partners at the Youth Development Fund were largely responsible for providing the funding needed for these five Iowa teachers. Their commitment to educator growth ensures that Iowa’s teachers don’t just have “resources,” but have access to the absolute best professional development in the country.

A Quick Flashback: What is the Jump$tart NEC?

The Jump$tart NEC is the nation’s premier event dedicated exclusively to PreK-12 financial literacy. This three-day experience provides teachers with 15 hours of professional development, hands-on “Monday-morning ready” classroom resources, and deep dives into modern topics like cryptocurrency and the digital economy. Thanks to generous underwriters and the support of the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, selected teachers attend on full scholarships that cover registration, lodging, and meals—creating a unique, “all-expenses-paid” opportunity to join a massive “extended educator family” committed to student success.

Insights from Our 2025 Attendees

The impact of the conference remains clear in the words of the teachers who represented Iowa in Boston:

“What an absolutely exhilarating time. This was my favorite of the Jump$tart conferences I’ve been to as each of my breakout sessions provided me with multiple curriculum takeaways, the speakers they brought in were incredibly strong and motivational, and the way they appreciated teachers was, as always, top-notch. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity!”

— Kevin Gartman – Montezuma Community School

“My experience at my first Jumpstart NEC was nothing short of amazing! I finally feel like I understand Cryptocurrency a little more… Being able to connect with other personal finance teachers, hear their stories and learn about the things they are doing is incredibly valuable. I feel like I gained this incredibly huge extended educator family from this weekend and I hope I can attend again in the future.”

— Elizabeth Brittain – Audubon High School

Other teachers from Iowa that were able to attend were:

  • Tracy Weber – Bellevue Middle/High School
  • Carissa Lewis – Ames Community School District
  • Linda Vanden Bosch – Clarinda Community Schools

Looking Ahead: Will You Join Us in Colorado?

If you missed out on the Boston trip, don’t worry—it’s already time to start looking toward the horizon! The 2026 Jump$tart National Educator Conference is heading to the mountains. Mark your calendars for November 6-8, 2026, at the spectacular Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

How can you get there? Scholarship Applications: National scholarship applications are expected to open on April 1, 2026. Click the button below to apply.

  • Iowa Support: Stay tuned to the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition for updates on how we plan to support our local teachers for the 2026 event.

Don’t miss your chance to recharge your passion and bring world-class financial resources back to your Iowa students. We hope to see you in the Rockies!

More About Scholarships

Member Minute, News/Accolades

March 2025 Partner Spotlight

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Kevin Gartman is the 8-12 Business Teacher at Montezuma Community School. He is also a DECA Advisor, Varsity Cross Country Coach, JH Girls Track Coach, and Lead Teacher (Curriculum Development).

Kevin began teaching Personal Finance as a business elective when he joined Montezuma nine years ago. As the sole business teacher, he had the flexibility to choose his courses. While the previous teacher taught Accounting, he found it less engaging and believed that if a teacher lacks enthusiasm for a subject, students will too. Passionate about financial literacy, he introduced Personal Finance instead.

Growing up without formal financial education, Kevin learned through experience—losing money in poorly diversified investments, struggling to understand insurance plans, and navigating credit on his own. These challenges fueled his desire to ensure students gain the financial knowledge he lacked.

Upon arriving in Montezuma, Kevin noticed a stark economic divide—some families lived comfortably at the lake, while others in town struggled to make ends meet. He is committed to equipping all students with financial skills, helping them break cycles of financial instability and achieve their goals. While families with financial knowledge often pass it down, those without it struggle to do so. He aims to bridge this gap, ensuring every student—regardless of background—leaves his class with the tools to make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.

Favorite Classroom Resources: Kevin has many favorite resources, which constantly evolve. Over time, he has explored various curricula, selecting the best elements from each to create his own customized packets and assignments. While he primarily utilizes NGPF content, he believes valuable resources can be found in many places.

Kevin first connected with Iowa Jump$tart through its challenges and national resources, which ultimately led him back to the state-level organization. He quickly discovered that the National Personal Finance Challenge, hosted by Iowa Jump$tart, is one of his students’ favorite learning experiences of the year—and one of his own. The opportunity to apply their semester-long knowledge, rather than simply reciting definitions, helps students develop real-world financial skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. He believes this hands-on experience is far more impactful than any slide deck and is grateful to Iowa Jump$tart for making it possible.

When Kevin is not teaching or coaching, he spends his time with his family. He and his wife, Kelli, have two boys, Coy and Clay, who keep them busy, and he enjoys watching them grow and learn each day. A passionate sports fan, he enjoys playing fantasy football, watching the NFL, college football, and college basketball, and keeping up with Iowa sports through various podcasts.