Melinda Burton

Melinda Burton Clarion-Limestone High School Strattonville, PA Clarion-Limestone School District Mike Drzewiecki, Principal Ted Pappas, Superintendent 2006 Graduate of the Governor’s Institute on Financial Education Amy Koring, Teacher Mentor Manheim Central School Distict

Melinda uses her busy teaching schedule—seven courses across five grade levels—to expose students to financial education early and often. Not only has she found ways to incorporate concepts such as limited resources, budgeting and “paying yourself first” into her classes, she has reached out to elementary students, who now learn about delayed gratification and spending choices by earning money to purchase products designed and marketed by her class of senior high school students. Melinda reports that among the satisfying aspects of this important work is the feedback she gets from parents who talk with her about the impact of class discussions on their children, particularly the lessons on car loans and credit cards.

“I have been both personally impressed and grateful for the effort she takes to reach those students who are more challenging to motivate. I have witnessed her take a creative, individualized approach to reach those young adults on their own level and help them evolve into responsible members of the work force.”