Educator Spotlight: Stephanie Kramer Inspires Students Through Real-World Investing

Image caption: Springville High School students, led by educator Stephanie Kramer, strategize and react to live market updates during the JA Stock Market Challenge®, applying classroom lessons in a fast-paced, real-world investing simulation.

For Stephanie Kramer, Business and Computer Science Teacher at Springville High School, helping students build confidence is at the heart of everything she does. Through her business courses and leadership of Business Professionals of America, she prepares students for competitive events in finance, technology, leadership, and workplace skills. From managing curriculum and certifications to coaching students for conferences and competitions, Stephanie’s role goes far beyond the classroom. What she finds most rewarding is watching students grow into confident young professionals—seeing them present, lead, and realize they are capable of succeeding at a high level.

That same commitment to real-world readiness is why Stephanie has brought her students to the JA Stock Market Challenge® every year for the past five years.

She first discovered the event through a marketing email and immediately saw its value. The opportunity to expose students to investing in a hands-on, competitive environment was exactly what she wanted for her classroom. For many of her students, the event opens their eyes to possibilities beyond their small-school experience, helping them see how the business concepts they learn apply in real life.

When her students arrive at the Challenge, they quickly realize this is no ordinary simulation. The fast-paced trading floor, live news updates, and real-time decision-making create an environment where students are fully immersed. Stephanie watched as her students became completely engaged—strategizing, collaborating, and reacting instantly as the market shifted.

One of her favorite moments is seeing how students respond to breaking news during the competition. Each announcement sparks immediate reactions, rapid conversations, and quick trading decisions. Students connect real-world events to market impact in real time, experiencing both the excitement and responsibility that comes with investing. It’s an experience that transforms abstract classroom concepts like risk and strategy into something tangible and meaningful.

Stephanie encourages her students with a simple mantra: “FIO—Figure It Out.” The JA Stock Market Challenge® provides the perfect environment for students to do just that. Even in an unfamiliar, high-energy setting, her students rise to the challenge, thinking critically and working together to make informed decisions.

Experiences like this play an important role in preparing students for their futures. By participating in the JA Stock Market Challenge®, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence—skills that help them become career- and college-ready. Stephanie sees firsthand how opportunities like this contribute to her mission of creating lifelong learners who are ready to take on whatever comes next.

She strongly encourages other educators and professionals to get involved.

“It’s nice to get out of the routine of everyday life and have the opportunity to do something challenging in a different way,” Stephanie says.

Through her leadership and commitment, Stephanie Kramer is helping her students not only learn about investing—but believe in their ability to succeed.

Image caption: Stephanie Kramer, Business and Computer Science Teacher at Springville High School

Stephanie encourages her students with a simple mantra: “FIO—Figure It Out.” The JA Stock Market Challenge® provides the perfect environment for students to do just that. Even in an unfamiliar, high-energy setting, her students rise to the challenge, thinking critically and working together to make informed decisions.

Experiences like this play an important role in preparing students for their futures. By participating in the JA Stock Market Challenge®, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence—skills that help them become career- and college-ready. Stephanie sees firsthand how opportunities like this contribute to her mission of creating lifelong learners who are ready to take on whatever comes next.

She strongly encourages other educators and professionals to get involved.

“It’s nice to get out of the routine of everyday life and have the opportunity to do something challenging in a different way,” Stephanie says.

Through her leadership and commitment, Stephanie Kramer is helping her students not only learn about investing—but believe in their ability to succeed.