Describe your school and the size, location and community in which it is located.
JI Case High School is a large, diverse, and academically vibrant public high school located on the south side of Racine, Wisconsin. As one of three comprehensive high schools in the district, Case serves approximately 1,800 students and comes from a wide range of neighborhoods, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The school is located in a suburban-urban border community, surrounded by established residential areas, small local businesses and community partner organizations. Deeply connected to the broader Racine community, Case works closely with families, nonprofits and industry partners through programs such as DECA, VITA, the Academies of Racine and a variety of service-learning and leadership initiatives.
Case High School is known for its strong academic pathways, Division I athletics, extensive performing arts programs and more than 30 student-run clubs and activities. It offers students a wide range of opportunities to grow, lead and excel. The school prides itself on its diverse student body, community-oriented culture, and commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
How long have you been teaching? And how many of those years were you teaching personal finance?
I have been teaching for 11 years and Personal Finance has been a cornerstone of my work throughout my career. While my approach has evolved over time, I have consistently integrated personal finance into every class I teach. From budgeting and money management to tax preparation, I strive to introduce students to a wide range of real-world financial skills.
What makes you passionate about personal financial education?
Personal finance is one of the most powerful tools we can offer students. When we teach them how money works, how to budget, save, invest, and handle real-world responsibilities, we give them the confidence to make informed decisions long after they leave our classroom. Strong financial literacy not only prepares them for adulthood; it helps them build their independence, avoid pitfalls and set themselves up for long-term success.
What is one of your first money memories?
One of my earliest memories is watching my mother balance her checkbook at the dining room table. Every month she opened the mail, paid the bills and reconciled every line. My sisters and I knew that we had to keep the noise down during “checkbook time,” but we also knew that this usually meant a shopping trip later that day or the next.
How has participating in the NGPF Network helped you personally? Professional?
Being part of this network and having access to such a strong resource base has opened up countless opportunities for me. Whether it’s communicating ideas to other teachers, finding material to fill a gap or giving students extra practice, the support is truly invaluable.
I have been involved with NGPF for many years and it has been transformative on a personal level. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (when I was at home and unable to teach in person or connect with colleagues), NGPF created a space where I could learn, grow, and interact with others through virtual classes. I will always be grateful for that community and the opportunities it provided.
Can you tell us more about the program you started that helps students with tax returns?
Absolute! About nine years ago, I launched a student-run VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program in partnership with United Way of Racine County. What started as a small idea to bring more authentic learning into the classroom has grown into one of the most impactful experiences we offer.
Students complete IRS training, earn their certifications, and learn to prepare basic tax returns accurately and professionally. They work directly with customers – real community members who rely on this free service – supported by trained volunteers and myself.
For many students, it’s the first time they really see themselves as capable professionals, and it’s incredible to watch them gain that confidence.
In addition to technical skills, the program builds responsibility, communication and empathy. Students understand that their work has real consequences and real value, and they rise to that challenge year after year.
To date, we have completed more than 800 federal and state tax returns, including 320 last year alone. More than 230 students have earned IRS certification and collectively contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours.
By offering this service at no charge, our students have saved community members more than $150,000 in tax preparation costs.
It’s hands-on learning with a real impact on the community, and one of the things I’m most proud of.
Do you have any tips for other teachers who might want to do something similar?
For teachers looking to start something similar, my biggest tip is don’t be intimidated by the size of the program. Start small. Build strong partnerships. Your local United Way is a great place to start, and they often already run VITA programs. They can provide training, supervision, and resources so you don’t go it alone.
Also, make time to get students fully trained and certified before tax season begins. And finally, treat the experience like a professional workplace: clear expectations, strong communication and plenty of reflection.
Watching students grow in confidence and skills makes every part of the planning worthwhile.
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