At Thurston High School in Redford, Michigan, veteran business educator Erin Ferris combines her years of teaching experience with passion and openness to innovation (like integrating AI in the classroom) to ensure her students graduate with confidence and real-world skills. A recent panelist at our Teaching Smarter with AI conference session, learn more about Erin and her approach to teaching personal finance.

What makes you passionate about personal finance education?

I am passionate about personal finance education because it is something everyone has to know. It is life. It might not be “fun” all the time, it might not be “flashy” but it is something everyone uses for their entire life.

I want to expose my students to as much as a I can because you cannot always make more money and sometimes there is not enough at the end of a week. I want to prepare my students to know there are options and they can make the best choice for themselves at that moment.

I have taught a version of personal finance my entire career (going on 23 years!), but I have become more intentional about what I cover in my classes in the last 7 years. 

What is one of your earliest money memories?

Sitting at the kitchen table with my mom as she paid bills. I watched her write checks, record things in the ledger and mailing them. Money was never a secret in my house. I might not have always known the struggles she had, but she made sure I was included.

How has being part of the NGPF network helped you personally? Professionally?

NGPF has honestly changed me as a teacher. I have never taught a course where I had a content partner. I was always on my own.

NGPF gave me a true PLC: a group of people who could help me plan, help me find issues, and people who GOT ME! I have never felt more connected to a group of educators in my entire career.

When did you first start using AI in the classroom? And how did you gain confidence with it?

I did a PD with Tim when he first introduced ChatGPT. I signed up for my account that day and I have not looked back. I am not afraid of technology, so with AI I jumped in and tried it.

In the beginning, it did not always give me what I wanted it to, but I kept trying and I keep trying. It is learning a skill and not something that is mastered in a class. It is something you continue to experience.

What advice do you have for other personal finance teachers? 

You do not have to know every possible financial situation for every person, but the more real you can be, the more students connect. Be authentic and continue to point out real world connections.

Is there anything else about you, your school, or your personal finance journey you would like us to know?

My rule in my classroom is that students can ask me anything about personal finance. I do not share my real numbers but I do my best to tell them as openly as I can about my journey.

I have lived things and my financial journey was not always easy, so I want them to know they are not alone.

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.

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