Championing Student Leadership and Business Excellence at Insight School of Washington

At Insight School of Washington, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students, and the dedicated educators who guide and inspire them every step of the way. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight high school teacher and Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter advisor Dara Schultz, whose passion for business education and student leadership is making waves across the virtual stage. 

This year, Insight School of Washington Middle School Level was recognized as an Outstanding Chapter in Business Professionals of America’s 2024–2025 Virtual Events. BPA experienced record-breaking registration numbers in all fifteen national virtual competitions. Rising above the competition required months of commitment, creativity, and collaboration, and Dara’s middle school and high school students rose to the challenge. 

Dara’s path to teaching wasn’t linear, but it was guided by passion, perseverance, and a desire to make a difference. After earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, she spent years in the finance industry. At Wells Fargo she served as an Operations Manager and Branch Manager. Following a sabbatical to homeschool her son, she and her family moved to the charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, Washington. 

It was during this time that Dara’s husband encouraged her to pursue teaching. She became a certified Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher, began working as a substitute teacher while completing her certification, and eventually joined the team at Insight School of Washington during the height of the pandemic. “What now?” turned into “Why not?” and Dara hasn’t looked back since. 

Initially involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and later SkillsUSA, Dara officially launched her BPA chapter in Fall of 2024. Though she considered joining a larger chapter, her students had other plans—they wanted to start one of their own. Dara embraced the challenge, especially when younger students expressed interest in joining, despite BPA traditionally being a high school program. 

From the start, she emphasized student-led initiatives. Dara helps the team prepare for competitions both locally and nationally when students qualify, not only in terms of presentations and certifications (including the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate certification) but also in fundraising and marketing their own journey. Students learn firsthand how to pitch fundraisers, promote their efforts through social media, and track profits a real-world lesson in business strategy and financial literacy. 

Beyond BPA, Dara teaches Business Accounting 1 & 2, Marketing 1 & 2, and Business Marketing. Her goal? To empower students with the tools they need for financial success beyond the classroom. “My vision has always been to teach personal finance,” Dara shares. “I want students to leave with the skills to succeed in life—how to manage money, market ideas, and understand the world of business.” 

As they prepare for the National Leadership Conference in May, Dara and her students are working closely with the school and district, who are cheering them on every step of the way. Fundraising is underway, logistics are being sorted, and the energy is high. When asked how the community can help, Dara simply says, “People are already asking, ‘How can we donate?’ And that’s exactly the kind of support that fuels our journey.” 

From banking to BPA, Dara Schultz continues to invest in the next generation—with character, heart, and commitment. We’re proud to have her as part of the Insight School of Washington family and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she and her students will make next. 

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