CFEI® Tour – A Preview of the Course Before You Enroll
Through the CFEI® program, we’re raising the bar in financial education. This initiative brings together a community of dedicated instructors who share one vision: equip people of all ages with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make sound financial decisions. As a CFEI®, you transform financial information into real empowerment – helping learners take measurable steps toward financial well-being.
Our mission is to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to meet their needs, achieve their goals, and build lasting financial security. To do this, we rely on highly-qualified educators like you. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®), you play a vital role in transforming financial education from simple information into true empowerment – helping individuals and communities take meaningful action toward financial wellness.
Teachers Most Critical Element in Student Achievement
Teachers are the single most important influence on student success. Effective educators help learners achieve better outcomes. Numerous studies have shown that students of highly-qualified educators accomplish more positive outcomes than those taught by less-qualified instructors. For example, students of qualified financial educators may expect higher lifetime earnings and greater security upon retirement,[1] as well as improved mental and physical health and wellbeing.[2]
The effects of educator qualifications on student achievements are realized in various ways. Although few studies have examined the specific effectiveness of financial educators, much parallel evidence can be found in research in the general education sector indicating that better-qualified teachers produce better-qualified graduates across a wide range of academic disciplines.[3,4] Extending those results to include financial literacy education seems a logical conclusion.
Risk of Underqualified Instructors
Underqualified financial educators can cause significant harm when teaching personal finance. Unlike other subjects that do not have a direct impact on people’s well-being, the topic of money does. Something as simple as giving incorrect information or turning a student off learning can cause major problems that affect many areas of their lives.
The effects of poor teaching can continue to affect students’ lives for many years after instruction ends.[5] Underqualified teachers reduce overall student achievement levels and tend to be paired with at-risk students – thus exacerbating the risk of future economic problems.[6] Most financial literacy instructors today lack the training and knowledge about personal finance topics they need to teach the subject effectively. This lack puts students at risk.[7]
