MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Cindy Fitzthum

Cindy Fitzthum, MAEEE class of 2011, is a passionate educator who has made significant strides in economic education due to the confidence in her knowledge and pedagogy that CEEE’s MAEEE program has provided. She currently serves as director of St. Cloud University’s Center for Economic Education and the Institute for the Integration of Content and Pedagogy; and is an affiliated faculty member and director of undergraduate programs. 

Fitzthum is a leader in economic education who has made significant contributions to curriculum development and professional development within Minnesota. She is also an advocate for innovative financial literacy education, presenting webinars and working with educators across the nation. Fitzthum shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. 

What exciting news or accomplishments have you been a part of?
I was the team lead for the MCEE K-5 Curriculum Work, where we created and piloted an entire K-5 math and economics curriculum in Minnesota. In March 2024, the project received the NAEE Curriculum Platinum Award of Excellence from the National Association of Economic Educators. Additionally, in 2022 I started researching the economic effects of Taylor Swift’s 2022 ticket fiasco and created professional development webinars on the topic. I’ve also been invited to facilitate a national Personal Finance Webinar series in 2024.

Why is this news valuable to your colleagues or educators considering the MAEEE program?
This shows what doors can open after you complete your MAEEE degree. 

What did you learn through your MAEEE experience that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Being part of a vast network of economically literate people was the most amazing part of the program. I gained insight into curriculum development and how to engage students in economics in creative, practical ways that I wouldn’t have encountered elsewhere. 

Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program.
Bonnie Meszaros holds a special place in my heart—her expertise with curriculum writing is second to none. She is amazing, and I learned so much from working with her. 

What other opportunities have the MAEEE degree provided you?
The program allowed me to co-author the “Economics of War” curriculum with a fellow MAEEE student. This partnership led to a nationwide tour where we delivered professional development workshops across the United States. 

What piece(s) of advice would you give to current MAEEE students or prospective applicants?
Jump in and be ready to get engaged! 

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