Erin Boettcher, MAEEE Class of 2013, teaches second grade at Newark Charter School, where she inspires both students and fellow educators to embrace economics from an early age. Each summer, Boettcher helps lead professional development sessions for teachers implementing the Mini Society program – a hands-on, experiential learning initiative that helps students understand key economic concepts through classroom simulations. Drawing on her experiences in the Master of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators (MAEEE) program, Boettcher continues to advocate for economic and financial literacy as a vital part of inclusive, engaging elementary education.
What is your job title and name of school, district, or organization?
Second Grade Teacher, Newark Charter School.
What exciting news or accomplishments have you been a part of?
I have worked alongside Bonnie Meszaros each summer providing professional development for teachers who would like to implement the Mini Society program in their classroom. Our goal is for each teacher to leave us feeling confident, prepared and supported in doing Mini Society in their classrooms.
Why is this news valuable to your colleagues or educators considering the MAEEE program?
Mini Society is hands-on, experiential learning at its best. It allows elementary teachers to not only become familiar with economic concepts and the procedure for running a Mini Society in their classrooms, but often draws them into the importance of economics for their students. Teachers leave with an appreciation of how economics in an elementary classroom is a strong example of inclusive and equitable teaching for all their students.
What did you learn through your MAEEE experience that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
The microeconomics and macroeconomics content was exceptional, but more importantly it showed the importance of all teachers bringing economics ideas into their classroom in a developmentally appropriate way. Most importantly, it showed what goodness can come when we network with each other to create the best learning environment for our students. The amount I learned from the other participants about their own cities, towns, states and classrooms was invaluable and could not happen anywhere else.
Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
I am extremely grateful for all the personal and professional connections with everyone at the CEEE. There is no group that is more supportive of teachers.
What other opportunities has the MAEEE degree provided you?
The MAEEE program has connected me with so many different professional groups and organizations – from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank to the opportunity to attend the MSCSS (Middle States Social Studies Conference), I have grown professionally in so many directions because of the opportunities provided through the MAEEE program.
If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Passionate – everyone had such unique circumstances and experiences … The opportunity to share your story and hear from others was incredible.
Fill in this sentence: “The MAEEE graduate program helped me become…”
an advocate for economic and financial literacy in every elementary school classroom.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to current MAEEE students or prospective applicants?
Listen, learn, share and connect – your future self will look back and be so grateful you did.