We’re excited to announce the winners of the 2026 PersonalFinanceLab Financial Literacy Challenge Teacher Giveaway!
This year, students from across North America nominated the educators who have made a meaningful impact on their financial literacy journey. We received over 1,600 nominations, each sharing thoughtful stories about teachers who are making a real difference in the classroom
After reviewing all the nominations, we’re thrilled to recognize three outstanding teachers, each of whom will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card as a small token of our appreciation.
2026 Teacher Award Winners
Jason Ware
Lambert High School, Georgia
“Mr. Ware was a profoundly deep individual to my Financial Literacy comprehension skills. As a result of Mr. Ware, I was able to expand my borders of knowledge within Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.”
Jason Ware’s impact clearly extends beyond the classroom, helping students build a deeper and more confident understanding of core economic principles.
Heather Hastie
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Ontario
“I am nominating my teacher because they have gone far beyond simply teaching financial concepts—they have fundamentally changed the way I think about money and decision-making. Before taking their class, financial literacy felt abstract and even intimidating. Budgeting, saving, investing, and credit were just terms I had heard but never fully understood or applied. My teacher made these ideas practical, relevant, and empowering.”
Heather Hastie’s ability to transform financial literacy from intimidating to empowering is exactly what this challenge is all about.
Leesa Hudak
Bow High School
“I am nominating my teacher because she has had a major impact on how I understand financial literacy and how I approach learning in general. She is a tough teacher who sets high expectations, pushing students to think deeper and truly understand the material.
What makes her stand out is how she connects financial literacy to the real world—especially through lessons on the stock market and investing—making everything relevant and engaging. Because of her teaching, I now have a much stronger understanding of investing and financial responsibility.”
Leesa Hudak exemplifies the kind of educator who challenges students while equipping them with lifelong skills. You can read more about her teaching approach in our previous profile here.
Thank You to All Participating Teachers
We want to extend a sincere thank you to every teacher who was nominated. The passion, dedication, and real-world impact reflected in these submissions made it clear that financial literacy education is thriving in classrooms everywhere.
To all educators using PersonalFinanceLab—thank you for the work you do every day to prepare students for their financial futures. Your influence goes far beyond the curriculum.
Stay tuned for more opportunities, highlights, and educator stories from the PersonalFinanceLab community!