State Treasurer Curtis Loftis has honored Irmo High's Sarah Ostergaard.

She was named the SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for December.

“Ms. Ostergaard’s credentials exemplify her outstanding experience in real world money matters, but it’s her passion for teaching personal finance that’s so impactful,” Loftis said..

“The Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program is both unique and effective.

"It not only helps Ms. Ostergaard use her expertise to expand her students’ knowledge, it also benefits her fellow educators as well.”

Ostergaard said. “Our students are the reason for all we do.

"They inspire us to be the best teachers we can be because they deserve it.

"This year presents many challenges for everyone in our community, and I very much appreciate the support of Treasurer Loftis, the SC Economics organization, and my talented colleagues at Irmo High.”

“Financial literacy is an important component of the economics course every student takes to graduate.”

Ostergaard teaches Economics and U.S. Government at Irmo High School International School for the Arts.

She earned a JD from the University of Virginia and a BA in Economics and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College.

She enjoys bringing real world experiences into the classroom.

The SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program provides incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their schools and districts.

The program is sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan,.