This month, the NGPF community hit a major milestone: 19,320 educators collectively participated in 500,000—yes, half a million hours—of professional development with us. Of all the teachers helping achieve this effort, Shawn Brigham, a personal finance teacher at Naaman Forest High School in Garland, Texas, stood out for completing 700 hours of NGPF PD over the last five years. Learn more about Shawn and what drives his passion for personal finance.

What is one of your earliest money memories?

One of my earliest money memories is watching my parents pay cash for big purchases like cars. They’d always save up and avoid taking out loans unless it was for something major, like our mortgage. I vividly remember sitting with them when they negotiated with car salespeople, focusing on the total price, not the monthly payments. Seeing this taught me the value of saving and patience. They would pay in full and then make "fictitious car payments" back to their savings account to prepare for the next purchase. This lesson stuck with me, and it’s how I approach financial decisions today.

Describe your school and the size, location, and community where it is located. 

I teach for Garland ISD in Garland, Texas, which is part of the Dallas metroplex. Our community is diverse, with a large population of low-income and minority families. Many of my students will only get their financial literacy education from my classroom, which makes the work we do even more critical. There are seven high schools and we have about 52k students in the district. The focus on preparing them for life beyond high school is key.

How long have you been teaching? And how many of those years have you taught Personal Finance? 

I’ve been teaching for eight years, and seven of those years have been focused on personal finance education. My experience in both the classroom and the corporate finance world has helped me bring real-world applications to the lessons I teach.

What other classes do you teach? And what age are your students?

In addition to personal finance, I teach dual credit economics through our partnership with Dallas County Community College. My students are mostly juniors and seniors, around 16-18 years old. The dual credit class provides them with college-level experience while still in high school, which is invaluable.

What makes you passionate about personal finance education?

I’m passionate about personal finance education because I’ve seen firsthand the impact it can have on students' futures. Growing up, I was fortunate to learn solid financial habits from my parents, but not everyone has that experience. Teaching personal finance allows me to fill that gap, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. Financial literacy is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and empowering students to make informed decisions for their futures.

What do you like about NGPF PD? And what have been some of your favorite classes or topics?

NGPF PD is incredibly valuable because it provides practical, up-to-date resources that I can immediately use in my classroom. The interactive nature of the sessions keeps me engaged and helps me continuously improve as a teacher.

My favorite topics include behavioral economics and budgeting, because they resonate with students and offer real-life applications. I also enjoy sessions focused on integrating technology into financial education, which helps keep lessons relevant and engaging. My favorite PD sessions are the Thursday night Speaker Series where we get insight on different topics from financial professionals or authors.

With 700 hours of PD taken, how do you make time in your schedule to attend regularly?

It definitely takes some planning, but it’s something I make a priority because the NGPF resources are that valuable. I’ve completed all 11 of the 10-hour certification courses NGPF offers, which really helped me dive deep into different personal finance topics. I also make sure to attend the half-day Virtual Conferences NGPF hosts every April and August. They’re a great way to stay up to date on the latest teaching strategies and tools, and I appreciate that they’re scheduled on Saturdays, so I can fit them into my week.

I prioritize it because I know it directly benefits my students. I often attend live sessions after school or the On-Demand PD on weekends, and I find that the flexibility of NGPF’s offerings makes it easier to participate. The variety of sessions and formats allows me to squeeze in PD when I have time, and I always come away with new ideas and strategies.

What are your favorite topics to teach? And activities to use?

I love teaching about credit and debt because they are topics that students will face shortly after high school. One of the tools I use a lot in the classroom is the interactive financial video games created by NGPF. These games allow students to actively participate in decision-making scenarios, which makes the lessons more engaging and memorable. I like how the games help students think critically about their financial choices, and I often follow up with activities and discussion questions that encourage them to reflect on their decisions and the real-world implications. This interactive approach really helps students connect with the material in a meaningful way.

Can you provide an example of how a lesson taught in class helped a student and/or someone in their family make a better money decision?

One of my students shared that after learning about the dangers of high-interest loans in our class, he helped his mother avoid taking out a payday loan. Instead, they worked together to create a budget and find other ways to cover expenses without falling into a debt trap. That was a powerful moment for me, knowing that the lesson made a real difference in both his and his family’s life.

Do you hear from past students? If so, what do they say about having taken your class?

Yes, I often hear from past students. Many of them tell me that my class was one of the most practical courses they took in high school. They appreciate learning how to manage their money, build credit, and save for the future. Some students have even reached out years later to share how the lessons they learned helped them make smart financial decisions in college or when starting their first job.

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

Being part of the NGPF network has been a game-changer for me. Not only has it given me access to some of the best resources and tools to teach personal finance, but it’s also connected me with an amazing group of teachers across the country who share the same passion. On a personal level, it’s been great knowing I’m not alone in this mission.

Professionally, it’s helped me advocate for something bigger: NGPF’s Mission 2030. I’m working with other teachers in Texas to push for personal finance to become a required course for high school graduation in our state. It's not just about my classroom; it's about creating lasting change for students across Texas. It’s been exciting to be a part of something that’s growing, and I can see the difference it’s going to make for future generations.

What advice do you have for other personal finance teachers? 

My advice is to make the lessons as relatable as possible. Students are more likely to engage when they see how the concepts apply to their lives now and in the future. Use real-world examples and allow students to practice making financial decisions. Also, don’t be afraid to share your own experiences—students appreciate hearing how their teachers handle money. When I teach investments, I pull up my own Schwab account to use as an example. When teaching credit, I use my own Experian report to show what to look for. Students pay more attention when they see it is real and not something fictitious from a textbook.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of my personal finance journey has been seeing how lessons in the classroom can ripple out into the community. Many parents expressed a desire to learn the same skills their children were bringing home, so I started Money Mindset Makeover, a nonprofit that helps adults in underserved communities access the same financial literacy education I provide to students. My goal is to create a financially empowered community, starting with my students and extending to their families and beyond.

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.