Gayle Whitlock, a teacher in Lexington Richland School District Five’s FIVE Virtual Program, has been named the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for December by South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
“The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program equips educators with the tools to empower students to make informed financial decisions,” said Treasurer Loftis. “Gayle Whitlock is a prime example of a teacher who inspires her students with invaluable lessons they’ll use throughout their lives.”
Whitlock holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. She is a National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist and a certified special education teacher in South Carolina.
Beginning her teaching career in 2007 as an advanced training instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Whitlock transitioned to District Five in 2012. There, she has served as a middle school special education teacher and now works with high school students through the district’s innovative FIVE Virtual Program. Whitlock also holds the distinction of being FIVE’s current Teacher of the Year.
“Financial literacy is an essential life skill for all students,” Whitlock said. “I enjoy teaching these skills—such as balancing checkbooks, budgeting, and calculating percentages—to help prepare students for their future. I am also thankful to share these lessons with my fellow educators to expand financial literacy knowledge across the board.”
The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics, provides specialized training and curriculum resources to K-12 teachers. The initiative encourages educators to incorporate personal finance education into their classrooms and share their expertise with colleagues.
For more information about Future Scholar, visit FutureScholar.com or follow @SCStateTreasurer on Facebook.
