Tag: teacher

Member Minute, News/Accolades

August 2025 Partner Spotlight

iowajumpstart

Dan James, a dedicated high school math teacher at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, is making a powerful impact both in and out of the classroom. Teaching all of the school’s financial literacy courses as well as a geometry class, Dan has become a cornerstone of financial education for his students. His influence extends beyond academics—he also coaches the girls’ high school soccer team and leads the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle, building strong relationships and modeling leadership for the next generation.

Dan’s passion for teaching financial literacy stems from personal experience. Having learned some key financial lessons the hard way, he recognized the importance of equipping students with the knowledge to make smarter decisions early in life. What began 15 years ago as a small elective with only eight students has now grown into a graduation requirement at DCG—proof of Dan’s vision and the value students and families see in the course. His ability to connect curriculum to real-world situations has made a lasting difference in the lives of his students.

Favorite Classroom Resources: In his classroom, Dan makes great use of high-quality resources like Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) and the MIMIC personal finance simulation, helping students experience realistic scenarios that prepare them for life beyond high school. He is constantly seeking to improve and innovate, and credits organizations like Jump$tart for giving him opportunities to learn from other educators—both locally and at the national level. These connections have helped him bring fresh ideas and strategies back to his own school community.

Outside of his professional life, Dan enjoys traveling with his family and hunting during the fall and winter months. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the outdoors, Dan brings commitment, authenticity, and a desire to serve—qualities that make him a truly outstanding educator.

Member Minute, News/Accolades

March 2025 Partner Spotlight

iowajumpstart

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.