This dynamic one-day program connects K-12 educators, policymakers, and industry leaders around a shared mission: preparing Washington students for financial success.
With dedicated tracks for every attendee and collaborative sessions that bridge sectors, attendees will gain practical knowledge and classroom-ready strategies that will help shape the future of economic education in our state.
Don't miss this chance to connect, learn and lead in advising financial and economic literacy.
Teachers earn 6.5 clock hours with 4.5 STEM and 2.0 general hours.
GENERAL SESSION
Bordernomics in an Age of Uncertainty: The Future of US-Canada Trade
North America’s largest trading relationship is under visible strain. Drawing on deep policy insight, US-Canadian relations expert Dr. Christopher Sands will explore how these developments are reshaping trade, what risks and strategies lie ahead, and what it means for cross‑border economies like Washington State.
TRACK 1
Financial Education and Youth Gambling: A Policy Conversation with the State Treasurer and Rep. Stearns
Join Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and Representative Chris Stearns for a joint policy update on financial education, youth gambling, and other emerging legislative priorities. This session will offer insight into recent developments, current areas of focus, and opportunities to strengthen financial capability and support young people through public policy. The conversation will also explore how these efforts intersect with budget strategy and tribal equity, drawing on Rep. Stearns’ long-standing leadership on Native issues and youth protection.
TRACK 2
Bite-Size Economics: Hands-On Activities for Teaching Decision-Making, GDP & Productivity
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore three interactive activities that help students understand decision making, GDP, and marginal productivity in engaging ways. You’ll experience a sample demonstration of one activity and see how these activities can make complex concepts click for students. Each activity is classroom-ready, aligned with national standards, and designed to spark curiosity and discussion. Participants will receive a copy of all three resources to use with their students right away.
TRACK 1
K-12 Financial Literacy in Practice: Updates from the State Board of Education & Junior Achievement of Washington
In this session, the State Board will provide insights on the "Future Ready" graduation pathway and other policy shifts that support financial learning. Junior Achievement will offer a look at how financial literacy programs are reaching students in elementary, middle, and high schools, sharing on-the-ground trends and implementation lessons. Together, the session will explore how policy and practice are shaping the future of financial education across the K–12 system.
TRACK 2
Investing Essentials: What Should Students Know?
Investing is a key component of personal finance education, yet you may feel uncertain about how to teach it effectively. In this fast-paced, hands-on session, participants will gain an understanding of core investing concepts—such as risk vs. return, time and compound growth, and types of investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Through simple activities and ready-to-use classroom resources, teachers will leave with the knowledge and confidence to introduce investing to high school students in a way that is relevant, engaging, and age-appropriate.
LUNCH & GENERAL SESSION
What Works in Financial Education: Findings from Washington's Statewide Efficacy Study
This session will share key findings from a first-of-its-kind statewide study examining the impact of high school financial education in Washington. Led by researcher Adam Wright, the study tracked student outcomes across classrooms and explored how instructional practices, curriculum choices, and teacher preparation shape learning. Attendees will gain insight into which approaches are most effective, how student engagement was influenced, and how to apply the findings to strengthen their own financial education courses. The session will support educators in aligning practice with evidence and contribute to broader efforts to ensure equitable access to quality financial instruction.
TRACK 1
Why Financial Education Matters: Real Skills for Real Life
Personal finance education empowers students to make informed decisions about money, reduces financial stress, and supports stronger families and communities. In this interactive session, policymakers and industry partners will experience hands-on classroom activities and see how students gain critical life skills. Learn why financial literacy is more than just a class—it’s a foundation for opportunity, equity, and long-term economic well being.
TRACK 2
Beyond the Bet: Teaching the Economics of Gambling Risk, Rewards & Consequences
Beyond the Bet is a three-lesson curriculum unit designed to help high school students understand gambling through the lenses of personal finance and economics. Engaging activities and real-world connections make complex concepts like risk, incentives, and opportunity cost accessible and relevant. Each lesson stands alone and can be taught in any order, but together, they offer a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Each activity is classroom-ready, aligned with national standards, and designed to spark curiosity and discussion. Participants will receive a copy of all three resources to use with their students right away.
TRACK 1
Washington's Economic Horizon: Trends, Forecasts & Opportunities
Join Washington’s Chief Economist for a timely overview of the state’s economic outlook and revenue forecast. He’ll break down recent trends in consumer behavior, inflation, and employment that are shaping state revenues and budget priorities. Educators will gain insight into the real-world forces behind economic policy decisions and how to connect classroom content to current events in Washington’s economy.
TRACK 2
Trading in the Classroom: Using Market Experiments to Teach Supply and Demand
Everyone is affected by prices, but how are they determined? Building supply and demand models can be a dry subject for students. This session offers strategies to bring market forces to life by having students participate in market-like experiments with integrated data analysis, helping students make connections between theory and the real world. Resources include handouts, Excel programs for data collection, and follow-up activities.
TRACK 1
The I-Frame & the S-Frame: How Focusing on the Individual Has Led Public Policy Astray
Behavioral economics has deeply influenced how policymakers, businesses, and educators approach social challenges, with interventions often designed to help individuals make better choices. But has this emphasis on individual behavior led us astray? This session examines the limitations of this approach. He traces the history of Nudge and related work, and argues for moving beyond the "i-frame" (individual focus) toward the "s-frame" (systemic focus), with important lessons for public policy, innovation, and education.
TRACK 2
Next Gen Personal Finance: Tools for Teaching Cryptocurrency
Learn about five cryptocurrency resources you can implement immediately in the classroom from NGPF’s FREE curriculum. These resources help students explore whether crypto is just another risky asset class or something they should avoid altogether.
SEATTLE TECH WEEK PANEL
From Cash to Stablecoins: The Changing Landscape of Financial Education
Financial behavior today looks very different than it did a generation ago. This session will help you understand what’s changing, what’s coming, and how the next generation is experiencing and shaping the future of money.
The session will cover:
- Which financial tools build real understanding vs. just process transactions
- Key risks from misinformation and market volatility in digital finance
- How educators, fintech, and employers can collaborate to develop genuine financial capability
- How stablecoins and emerging tech are reshaping money use and understanding
- How digital innovation influences financial behavior across age groups
Pre-service teachers * In-service teachers * Professors * Government Officials * Policymakers * Financial Industry Leaders
The day includes general sessions as well as two deep-dive tracks for:
(1) K-12 educators, featuring educational sessions with 6.5 clock hours (4.5 STEM and 2.0 general) and ready-made lessons
(2) business, industry, and government leaders
All ticket fees include clock hours, educational sessions, breakfast, lunch and networking reception.
Students and Pre-service Educators - $25
In-service Educators - $50
All Others - $75
All registration fees go to the Washington Council for Economic and Financial Education, which funds professional development for K-12 educators focused on teaching economics and personal finance.
Limited scholarships are available to support teacher attendance at the Washington State Economics Symposium.
Available Scholarships:
• $50 scholarships for Seattle teachers - ONE REMAINING
• $250 scholarships for teachers in Wapato, Yakima, West Valley, Selah, Highland, East Valley, and Union Gap districts - THREE REMAINING
How It Works: Email rebecca@wacefe.org to apply. Scholarships are awarded first-come, first-served. Funds cover registration plus additional support for travel, lodging, childcare, meals, or other attendance needs.
The only requirement is event registration. Once you reach out, we'll handle the rest directly with a comp code and gift card for remaining funds.
Showcase your organization's commitment to building a financially literate Washington by sponsoring the 2025 Economics Symposium.
Your partnership provides critical resources while connecting you with educators, policymakers, and industry leaders dedicated to student financial success.
View sponsorship levels and benefits here. For more information, contact rebecca@wacefe.org.
