Dr. Lynn MacDonald has received two curriculum awards from the National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE).
MacDonald, who is an associate professor of economics at St. Cloud State University and co-director of the SCSU Center for Economic Education (CEE), recently accepted the awards for excellence at the NAEE’s national conference in Kansas City.
“Minimum Wage: A Minnesota Case Study,” was authored by MacDonald and Kelly Lipinski, a high school social studies teacher at St. Francis High School. The comprehensive lesson package for students in grades 9-12 earned a Platinum Award of Excellence, the highest distinction available from NAEE.
The lesson was a collaboration between the SCSU CEE, Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) and the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute at the University of Minnesota. It explores the real-world impact of minimum wage, including a local Twin Cities case study of the $15 minimum wage policy.
The SCSU CEE and MCEE also partnered with the Minnesota Center for Diversity in Economics to produce “Intergenerational Mobility: Where is the American Dream?”
Co‑authored by MacDonald and Megan Halbleib, a social studies teacher at Shakopee High School, the curriculum explores what helps — and hinders — young people’s chances of moving up the economic ladder. It was awarded the Gold Award of Excellence from NAEE.
“We are thrilled that our curriculum has been recognized by NAEE, and we’re excited to share these ready-to-use lessons with high school and college educators,” MacDonald said. “These materials help teachers introduce students to economic research that shapes policy, giving students a chance to explore issues they care deeply about while discovering what they can accomplish with the tools and skills of economics.”
Get involved by attending a future SCSU CEE event, or by making a donation to help strengthen efforts to expand economic and financial literacy across the greater St. Cloud community.
