Deanna Heikkinen
Deanna Heikkinen is a long-time American educator and homeschool advocate whose profound passion for a liberty-minded, classical approach to education has guided her career. With a doctorate degree in education, and masters degrees in both history and anthropology, Deanna has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience with pedagogy and curriculum. Furthermore, her educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of classical education, emphasizing the importance of primary sources, classic literature, and the Great Books. Her approach is not just about imparting knowledge but nurturing free-thinking individuals who appreciate the intellectual heritage of humanity.
Deanna is author of the 2024 book, "The Story of Money: From Shells to Satoshi," which takes an historical and anthropological approach to looking at how money was invented and reinvented money and banking over time. Deanna first learned about Bitcoin in 2011 and has slowly fallen down the rabbit hole. Deanna and her husband, Joel, who also co-authored her book, moved to El Salvador in 2023 to live on a Bitcoin standard. In addition to writing, she has started a classical education tutoring company, Lyceum Tutoring. She also co-hosts the Bitcoin Daily Show's Wednesday 101 Space on X.
Session
Teaching children about money and Bitcoin is essential, and families play a crucial role in this education. This workshop explores how parents can use the Roman Trivium—a classical education model comprising grammar, logic, and rhetoric—to introduce and teach these complex topics effectively. By breaking down the history and function of money and the principles of Bitcoin into age-appropriate stages, families can empower their children with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape. Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating these lessons into everyday learning, fostering a generation of financially literate and Bitcoin-savvy individuals.