South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis has recognized Lexington-Richland School District Five’s Dr. Analisa Smith of Dutch Fork Middle School as the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for April.
“As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month this April, we recognize the important contributions made by our Financial Literacy Master Teachers who work to prepare students for future success,” Treasurer Loftis said. “I appreciate the passion and commitment Dr. Analisa Smith has exhibited over the nearly 30 years she has served as an educator. By helping her students realize their goals and achieve their potential, she continues to make a positive impact that will benefit us all in the years ahead.”
Dr. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Columbia College, a master’s degree in special education from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in education administration from Nova Southeastern University. She has taught for 27 years and is certified in 13 fields of education. Dr. Smith currently serves as a seventh-grade science teacher at Dutch Fork Middle. She has authored two books and numerous articles.
“Many of my students are already experiencing challenges posed by financial issues that can easily become cyclic. By helping them understand the basic skills of financial literacy, we are preparing them for a better future by producing financially responsible citizens, which in turn aids our local neighborhoods and communities,” explained Dr. Smith. “Teaching my students how to make smart decisions and be more prepared for life and livelihood are important to me.”
The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program provides incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their schools and districts. Through the program, participating teachers have access to specialized training and financial literacy curriculum resources that better enable them to promote financial literacy education in K-12 schools.
Sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics, this statewide financial literacy initiative aims to increase teacher support and involvement in incorporating personal finance education into the curriculum.
Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, is administered through the State Treasurer’s Office. For more information, visit FutureScholar.com or follow @SCStateTreasurer on Facebook. Future Scholar is self-supported and does not receive taxpayer funding.
