Luke Starkey, MAEEE Class of 2023, teaches economics at Chesterton (Ind.) High School in the Duneland School Corporation, where he has launched both AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics as dual credit courses through Purdue University. Beyond the classroom, Starkey serves as an ambassador for Econiful and develops AP Economics lessons and activities for UWorld, a test preparation company. Drawing on his experiences from the Master of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators (MAEEE) program, he continues to empower students and fellow educators to see the value of economics in everyday life.
What is your job title and name of school, district, or organization?
Teacher at Chesterton High School, Duneland School Corporation.
What exciting news or accomplishments have you been a part of?
I have been able to start AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics, both of which are being offered as dual credit courses through Purdue University. I was also an ambassador for Econiful and have been creating lessons and activities for AP Economics for UWorld, a test prep company.
Why is this news valuable to your colleagues or educators considering the MAEEE program?
I have used the knowledge and connections from the MAEEE program to not only find opportunities to work outside my school, but to help teach others about the importance of economics. I have hosted numerous workshops about using economics in the classroom, with concepts ranging from diminishing marginal returns to sunk costs to comparative advantage. I think it’s really important that everyone, especially teachers, see how economics affects us every day.
What did you learn through your MAEEE experience that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
I learned what it meant to be a student again. It has been almost twenty years since I sat in a classroom and things have changed. I forgot the time and effort it takes to do the assignments, sit through lectures, study for tests, and take the tests.
Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
I have met so many amazing people through the program and listing them all is not possible, including the connections that I have made through dual credit and AP. I was lucky enough to come back to Newark this past summer and present a workshop to the current cohort. Without the connections made in MAEEE that would have never been possible.
What other opportunities has the MAEEE degree provided you?
I am now able to teach dual credit. In the state of Indiana teachers aren’t allowed to teach dual credit in a subject without a master’s degree. Indiana is also removing economics as a required class for graduation with the Class of 2028 so my degree will allow me to teach entrepreneurship and personal finance classes.
If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Dedicated. This program is a grind. It takes not just time and effort to learn the material, but the commitment needed to be away from home for weeks at a time is a testament to the work ethic and dedication that my classmates have. I am endlessly proud of each and every one of them and love seeing their successes.
Fill in this sentence: “The MAEEE graduate program helped me become…”
Confident. Up until graduating, I always felt like somewhat of an imposter when it came to teaching econ. Now that I have this degree? My confidence in my craft has never been higher.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to current MAEEE students or prospective applicants?
Stick with it. Is it tough? Yes. Is it overwhelming at times? Yes. But it’s all worth it when you’re done!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I was voted by my co-workers as my high school’s Staff Member of the Year last school year!