Kathleen Cusack, MAEEE class of 2025, is an accomplished economics educator who has earned significant recognition in her field. She currently serves as a Curriculum Specialist for Econiful. She shared the opportunities that MAEEE has provided her with and how this experience shaped her career.
What exciting news or accomplishments have you been a part of?
Econiful’s Unit 3 (Macroeconomics) received a platinum award from the National Association of Economic Educators.
Why is this news valuable to your colleagues or educators considering the MAEE program?
This on-level high school macroeconomics unit contains 20 lessons, many of which are hands-on active learning lessons, that are available at no monetary-cost on the Econiful website (https://econiful.org/curriculum/unit-3-macroeconomics). Economic educators, looking to incorporate new lessons, can download these lessons and implement them with their students.
What did you learn through your MAEEE experience that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Learning what it is like to be a student, after being a teacher for years, was invaluable! It reframed the way I structure lessons and assessments. I highly recommend that all educators return to a student mindset on a regular basis – it allows you to reassess your delivery and pacing. MAEEE challenged me to deepen my content knowledge and refine my instructional strategies. Equally enriching were the opportunities to collaborate with passionate educators, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to elevate our work.
Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program.
One of the most rewarding moments of the summer was receiving praise from Dr. Bonnie Meszaros, a renowned leader in economic education. Her recognition of the quality and scope of our lessons was a powerful testament to the impact of our work.
What other opportunities has the MAEEE degree provided you?
The MAEEE program didn’t just open doors—it gave me the confidence and credibility to walk through them. Through the program, I built meaningful connections, and thanks to its strong reputation, others trusted that I would deliver. For example, I was invited to present at the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware’s fall professional learning day. The session was warmly received, with participants praising the practical demonstrations of Econiful’s lessons, the user-friendly materials, and their alignment with state standards.
The MAEEE graduate program helped me become…
. . . a more confident presenter and a more empathetic educator, especially when considering students’ experiences as learners.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to current MAEEE students or prospective applicants?
If you are not currently teaching AP econ, take the time to review algebra. Get your transfer credits done early so you can focus on MAEEE coursework.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Everyone at the center is incredibly helpful and kind. I am so appreciative of each and everyone of you who helped me throughout the program!