Payslip, capital market, and interest: Ministry of Education introduces mandatory Financial Education
Hundreds of teachers have already been trained to teach the new subject, which will provide 9th-10th grade students with practical tools for financial management, investments, and employee rights.
The path to financial literacy begins in schools. The Ministry of Education is unveiling today, Sunday, the curriculum for a new mandatory subject. According to the ministry, 550 teachers have been trained so far, and approximately 750 additional teachers are expected to join the training at the beginning of September.
In October, about 1,300 teachers will undergo an advanced training course, completing a 60-hour program for 9th-grade instructors. By the beginning of 2027, additional training will open for 10th-grade teachers, allowing interested educators to complete a cumulative 120 hours of professional training. The goal of the program is to strengthen the financial literacy of Israel's students and develop the social, mental, and economic resilience of graduates, enabling them to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives.
What will students learn?
The curriculum is built on a spiral structure, combining economic knowledge, behavioral psychology, and life skills. The program focuses on providing practical tools for wise financial conduct, connecting the students' world to real-life situations through four central content axes:
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Smart consumption and financial decision-making
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The world of money and banking
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The labor market in a changing world
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Investments: between opportunity and risk
In the "Conscious consumption and financial decision-making" chapter, students will learn to recognize factors influencing economic choices, distinguish between needs and wants, and understand the impact of marketing and social pressure. In the 10th grade, the focus will expand to setting personal goals, budget planning, and making decisions tailored to short- and long-term objectives.
In the "World of money and banking" chapter, 9th-grade students will become familiar with basic concepts, payment methods, and the impact of economic processes like inflation and the cost of living. In the 10th grade, studies will expand to include interaction with the banking system, such as managing a bank account, understanding credit products, and the role of the central bank.
In the "Labor market in a changing world" chapter, 9th-grade students will learn about the rights of working youth and the basics of entering the workforce. In the 10th grade, the curriculum will cover labor market changes in the technological era, future professions, and essential skills, as well as reading and understanding a payslip (tlush sachar) and its various components.
In the "Investments - between opportunity and risk" chapter, 9th-grade students will be introduced to concepts such as interest, compound interest, and savings types, including insurance. In the 10th grade, the focus will shift to investment channels, including the capital market, real estate, and foreign currency, alongside understanding the relationship between risk and return.
Minister of Education Yoav Kisch, who initiated the program, stated:
"This is an important and welcome step in preparing the next generation for the challenges of the outside world. I have always believed that the education system should provide knowledge and skills that allow young people to successfully handle life's challenges. I am proud to lead this revolution and provide every student in Israel with a practical financial toolkit that will serve them for their entire lives."
