From July 15th to 17th, middle and high school educators from around the nation gathered at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 2025 VE National Teachers’ Conference. Hosted in partnership with the Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, this year’s NTC was packed with collaboration, celebration, and community-building, all designed to strengthen the VE and VE-JV experience for students and teachers alike.
Several key takeaways surfaced throughout the three days of conversation and learning.
Shared Stories Strengthen Community
Throughout the week, the spotlight was shared with VE’s incredible facilitators during “VE ED Talks,” a spin on the popular TED Talks format. These short, heartfelt stories of inspiration, growth, and perseverance reflected the power of VE as both an educational program and a professional community. Attendees were able to see themselves and their students reflected in the stories shared by their peers, reinforcing the powerful ties that bind us as educators on a shared mission.
Veteran VE and VE-JV facilitators also led the learning across a variety of sessions for new and returning facilitators alike. Drawing from decades of combined classroom implementation, these teacher leaders fostered a culture of mutual learning, freely exchanging insights, challenges, and solutions to strengthen the VE community. One participant summarized it best when she said “I have gotten so many fresh ideas from other VE teachers from across the nation…”
Special thanks to the following educators for their leadership: Centennial High School’s Jaci Elliott; Blackman High School’s Marilyn Roberts; Swansea High School’s Dorinda Riley; Huntington Beach High School’s Gina Ritter; South Granville High School’s Soheila Lippard; Syosset High School’s Patrick Rosa; West High School’s TJ Rosas; Barrington Middle School’s Brandon Waraksa; Cooper City High School’s Regina Ferreira, Dr. Kiran C Patel High School’s Chris Jackson; and NSITE High School’s Billy D. Logwood, Jr.
Strategic Partnerships Elevate Real-World Learning
A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of VEI’s renewed partnership with the SIFMA Foundation, bringing the Stock Market Game to middle and high school VE programs. Facilitators previewed the experience through InvestQuest, a dynamic simulation offering a glimpse into the upcoming competition. With VEI-specific access, students will compete nationally, deepening their understanding of investing, market trends, and long-term decision-making. John Martin, Vice President of Education at SIFMA, shared insights into the power of simulation-based learning to build financial literacy.
That commitment to real-world learning extended through VEI’s growing partnership with Nova Southeastern University. The Dean’s Dinner, hosted by Dean Andrew Rosman and Rick Russi, Director of the Property Management Program, spotlighted VE’s expanding work in commercial real estate education. As the partnership evolves, students will gain opportunities to explore both commercial and residential real estate, reinforcing entrepreneurship through applied, industry-specific learning experiences.
The conference also featured remarks from Dr. Jamie Benedict, Florida High School DECA Executive Director, highlighting shared commitments to student leadership, competition, and career readiness.
Deep Learning Should be Deep Fun
This year’s conference underscored a powerful truth: when professional development is both purposeful and playful, the learning sticks, and that energy carries into the classroom.
New VE facilitators took part in a focused track that offered a clear path into the program, exploring curriculum, navigating the Teachers’ Lounge, developing implementation plans, and gaining clarity on events and competitions. The result? Confidence, connection, and a shared excitement for the year ahead.
Veteran facilitators engaged in sessions that pushed their practice forward, diving into program updates, strategic planning, QuickBooks, and expanded financial literacy opportunities like the Stock Market Game.
Adding to the sense of community and joy, the week was filled with games, challenges, and frivolity hosted by Wendy, Will, and Wells. They reminded us all that fun isn’t extra; it’s essential.
When educators are supported, inspired, and enjoying themselves, they bring that same energy to their students.
A Community That Invests in One Another
The 2025 National Teachers Conference wasn’t just about workshops and schedules. It was about belonging. In every session and every story shared, one thing was clear: VE is more than a program. It’s a community of educators committed to helping students thrive.
As we look ahead to the school year, we carry forward new tools, deeper connections, and a shared purpose of continuing to build authentic, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.