State Treasurer Curtis Loftis Recognizes Brent Bernier of D.R. Hill Middle School as Educator of the Month

Mr. Brent Bernier of D.R. Hill Middle School, November Educator of the Month

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis has recognized Spartanburg County School District Five’s Brent Bernier of D.R. Hill Middle School as the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for November.

“Subjects such as math, science and history have long been central to the K-12 curriculum. To prepare our students for success in today’s world, it is critical that personal finance skills become a priority as well,” said Treasurer Loftis. “Mr. Bernier’s students are fortunate to have a teacher who develops engaging lessons to teach this vital information, and we are pleased to recognize him this month for his ongoing efforts.”

Bernier serves as the Career Exploration teacher at D.R. Hill, where he has taught for 23 years. Named D.R. Hill’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year, Bernier also received recognition as “District Five’s Finest” and as a Next Gen Personal Finance Distinguished Educator. Bernier holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Clemson University and a Master of Education from Converse College. He is also credentialed as a Global Career Development Facilitator.

“I can think of no subject matter taught in our schools that has more of a direct impact on our students’ lives than financial education,” says Bernier. “It is during our times diving into topics such as the pros and cons of renting versus having a mortgage, using credit cards, creating a budget, and investing in the stock market that my students become the most engaged in their education. The earlier we introduce our students to these concepts, the more they will retain as they move forward in their lives and the earlier they can put this knowledge to real use for themselves.”

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.

About Future Scholar
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.