Wausa Scores Seventh In Nation For Financial Literacy

Wausa's Dawn Friedrich won NSBEA National Business Teacher of the Year (courtesy photo)

It seems to be getting better and better for Wausa Public School’s Business Education teacher, Dawn Friedrich. Also in charge of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Friedrich will send twelve students to FBLA Nationals this year in Baltimore, Maryland on June 28.

Every year Nationals is moved to a different section of the United States. Friedrich has had students compete in Atlanta, San Antonio, Chicago, Nashville, Orlando and Anaheim. With the twelve students going this year, Friedrich has now lead 50 students to the national level.

For students to qualify for nationals, they must place in the top 3 at The State Leadership Conference held in Omaha. Friedrich brings students there every year at the beginning of April.

“A student can only compete in one event at nationals but in five events at state,” Friedrich said. “Because of this, sometimes a student may be moved up a place if someone above them in the rankings chooses a different event to participate in.”

The students  can partake in many different challenges. Some are individual events such as tests in subjects like Accounting, Personal Finance, or Spreadsheet Applications. Others are team events, where teams will give a presentation in front of judges or submit graphic design projects or digital video projects.

Other events include public speaking, impromptu speaking as well as role play events like Client Service or Sports Management. All of which build very important skill sets for these young adults.

Wausa as a school has also been ranked seventh nationwide for Financial Literacy. They also placed fourth in the small school category nationwide. Students partook in the W!se Financial Literacy Test and passed with flying colors.

The W!se test is a 50 question timed test. To prepare her class, Friedrich had her students complete a comprehensive study guide and review for about 5 class periods.

“Financial Literacy is necessary for all people to learn,” stated Friedrich. “Students will need to know how to budget their money while they are in college as well as after college when they are finally out working in their desired career.  If they don't know how to manage their money, they will never experience financial security.”

This huge milestone can only be contributed to great teaching. “I think having passion for what you do and building professional relationships with the students and fellow educators is critical.” Friedrich has a great relationship with her students, which doesn’t only make the teaching more enjoyable but can also help students learn.

Friedrich says she likes teaching classes with around 12-16 students, that way she can really give each student the attention they deserve. “As a teacher, I let the students know that they can set up an appointment to come in for help or watch tutorials on how to finish an assignment.”

Being a great teacher doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Teachers who get involved and always have a hunger to keep learning themselves make the best educators.

Friedrich is involved as a Board Member for Nebraska FBLA as well as many other professional organizations. She expressed how vital it is to be involved in such organizations in order to keep up with current trends in her profession. It also helps her stay connected to other teachers and field specialists.

As if her students accomplishments hadn’t humbled her enough, Friedrich was also awarded with the NSBEA National Business Teacher of the Year Award. She had a hard time describing how she felt upon receiving the award. “I'm just doing my job and taking a lot of pride in what I do.” ​