Lessons that focus on paying for college can be a bore for students who have no interest in a traditional four-year college path. The time we have with our students is precious and should be used to help them uncover their own paths after graduation. The following three interactives are ideal differentiation resources teachers can use to bring lessons to life for every student. 

Lifestyle Calculator

Budgeting worksheets left my students less than inspired when I taught. Students had a tough time connecting the dollar amounts with a vision of the expenditure, particularly my special education students. The Ohio Lifestyle calculator is simple to use and makes those visual connections so students can get a better handle of the life they will live based on what they can anticipate earning. Although the interactive is Ohio specific, it can be used by anyone from any state. 

Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder

Simple, practical, and potentially a life-altering resource. You can simply enter your location, leaving the occupation keywords blank for an extensive local search, or narrow your search with keywords that identify a career interest. We thank educator Patricia Morris for sharing this with us earlier this week. 

Good Jobs Data
Since 2008, Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce has conducted research related to Jobs, Skills, and Equity to better inform students, parents, teachers, and policymakers about the changing relationship between education and careers. When clicking on the link students can select the state of their choice. After doing so, one of the first options to review is the state-specific document “Good Jobs that Pay Without a BA”, which is full of helpful information.

About the Author

Brian Page

Making a difference in the lives of students through financial capability is Brian’s greatest passion. He comes to NGPF after fifteen years of public school teaching where he was the ‘11 Ohio Department of Education recipient of a Milken National Educator Award, the CEE Forbes Award winner, and a Money Magazine/CNN "Money Hero". He served on the working group for President Obama's Advisory Council on Financial Capability. He has private school experience as a Trustee for the Cincinnati Country Day School and was a past Ohio Jump$tart President. Brian holds a BBA and M.Ed. When Brian isn’t working alongside his NGPF teammates he is likely spending time with his wife, three children, and dog; hiking, or watching Ohio State football.