The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition has named Jen Desorcie as the 2020 Jump$tart Teacher of the Year. The award is given annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their effort to advance financial literacy of Vermont youth. The award includes $1,000 and an honorary plaque. Jump$tart Board Member Patricia Selsky of New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) surprised Jen with the announcement, via Zoom, on Wednesday, May 13.
Jen is the Business Education Curriculum Content Leader at Essex High School in Essex Junction, Vermont. A former banking industry member with personal knowledge of the importance of financial education, she has been teaching at Essex High School for six years.
“Jen’s passion and dedication to sharing financial education with her students are inspirational,” noted Selsky. “We are very proud to recognize her with this award.”
“I see financial literacy as an opportunity to help our youth develop plans and habits leading to success, security, and wellness,” Jen said. “I feel extremely fortunate to be in a position to share with our students the most valuable skills I can imagine.”
“Vermont educators are innovative leaders who go above and beyond to spark the imaginations of their students,” said Jump$tart Board member Dylan Giambatista. “Thanks to Jen Desorcie and her colleagues across the state for making hands-on, student-centered financial literacy education a priority.”
The National Jump$tart Coalition was founded in 1995 to improve financial education in America’s schools. The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the personal financial literacy skills of Vermont’s youth. The coalition is made up of local professionals volunteering their time and talent. Funding is provided by individuals and organizations that share the Coalition’s vision.