Call for Entries: 2009 Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Awards

Nominations are now being invited for the 2009 Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award.

Sponsored by the not-for-profit Investor Education Fund, developers of the investorED.ca website, the Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award acknowledges the achievements of Canadian high school teachers who are committed to promoting financial literacy in the classroom and the community.

"There are many dedicated educators and guidance counselors that go the extra mile everyday to ensure that students are prepared for their financial future," says Tom Hamza, president of Investor Education Fund. "Reaching out to these educators across the country will allow us to highlight best-in-class teaching so that others can benefit from their inspired examples."

Principals, vice principals, administrators, teachers, parents, and students are invited to nominate deserving candidates whose leadership has made a significant impact in the classroom and on the lives of their students.

Submissions for the 2009 Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award will be evaluated by a panel of financial and industry experts including Globe and Mail columnist and author, Rob Carrick; National Post columnist and author, Jonathan Chevreau; and Toronto Star columnist and lecturer, Ellen Roseman. Criteria include creativity and innovation; classroom presence; and impact on students and the community.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a cash award, a plaque, public recognition, and the opportunity to contribute to new financial literacy programs developed by Investor Education Fund. Awards of Merit will also be recognized.

The final deadline for nominations to the 2009 Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award is April 17, 2009. Early Bird nominees entered by March 31 are eligible to win a gift card for school supplies.

Says Hamza, "The need to increase the financial literacy of our youth is critical. From coast to coast students are struggling to come to terms with the burden of university and college tuition fees, and debt management. Financial literacy training in schools helps youth avoid the pitfalls associated with poor planning and ensures a more secure financial future."

Entry forms and additional information for the 2009 Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award are available at: http://www.investored.ca/en/TeachersResources/Pages/teacherrecognition.aspx

In addition to the Outstanding Educator Award, Investor Education Fund partners with other organizations to offer a broad range of financial literacy programs for students and teachers including:

- Teacher training workshops using Taking Stock resources created by OISE at the University of Toronto

- Faculty of Education seminars in partnership with the University of Western Ontario that help teachers in schools and in training to better understand financial literacy teaching

- Sponsorship of the Funny Money assemblies, which are an innovative and award-winning series of high school lectures that use comedy to teach key financial concepts

- School financial competitions for students in Grade 12 and in Grade 9-10

More information about these and other programs is available on the Investor Education Fund website at investorED.ca which also offers a number of online tools available to help investors plan for their future.