Walnut’s Teichmeier Named Nebraska Economic Educator of the Year

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Money and finance. On the surface, you wouldn’t think these are thrilling topics for middle schoolers. 

However, one teacher at Walnut Middle School has found ways to make learning about these important subjects relevant, relatable, and fun for his students. And now, he’s being recognized for it.

Blake Teichmeier, financial literacy teacher at Walnut, has been named the 2025-2026 Mary Lynn Reiser Economic Educator of the Year award from the Nebraska Council on Economic Education (NCEE).

According to the NCEE, the award honors educators who embody excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to economic education, values Mary Lynn championed throughout her career as the Director of the Omaha Center for Economic Education.

 

“Winning this award is such an honor because there are so many incredible finance educators in Nebraska. I work with many of them in GIPS and have met others at Nebraska Council for Economic Education events. We truly have one of the best financial education communities in the country,” Teichmeier said. 

Teichmeier’s passion for financial literacy both in his classroom and beyond sets him apart. He has facilitated a financial literacy concert at Walnut and creates interactive learning opportunities in his classroom with financial scenarios. He has also led webinars about teaching personal finance through a social-emotional learning lens and has shared his expertise at national economic and financial literacy conferences. 

Teichmeier has expanded his passion even further, as he has published four books about financial literacy and founded GreatCents.org, a platform dedicated to making financial literacy available to all, particularly middle school students. His Great Cents project reflects his leadership in the field, and earned him Grand Island’s Big Idea award in 2025.

“This award represents a culmination of years of hard work and relationship-building both in and out of school,” Teichmeier shared. “My hope is that the work I have started with my website, GreatCents.org, will continue to grow and impact students everywhere, helping them build a strong and confident financial future,” he added.

Walnut Middle School Principal Rod Foley said Teichmeier has made an impact on the school. 

“His passion for teaching Financial Literacy creates real-world connections that inspire students to think critically about the world around them,” Foley explained, “Mr. Teichmeier has made a lasting impact on our building, helping students develop the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed financial and economic decisions.”

The sentiment is mutual for Teichmeier, who said teaching at Walnut is a gift.

“I have had the opportunity to teach thousands of students who are now working real jobs here in Grand Island. I see them all the time, and they make me so proud,” Teichmeier said.

His hope is that his students continue to use the lessons learned in his class, such as budgeting, responsibly paying bills, avoiding scams, and loving the life you get to live. 

“I truly love my job and the kids I get to work with every day, they are the best!,” Teichmeier said.

Congratulations on this honor, Mr. Teichmeier!