Empowering Educators: Michele Mar’s Journey with FTE

February 26, 2026

FTE’s commitment to excellence in economic education starts with its teachers – and each year, we have the chance to connect with hundreds of educators from around the U.S. and abroad.   

Michele Mar is one of those teachers – a dedicated FTE alumna extraordinaire who brings her love for economics to life in every classroom she enters. Michele teaches AP Macroeconomics, AP US History, and AP US Government and Politics at the School for Advanced Studies, a dual enrollment high school at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida.

Over her impressive 30-year career, she has ventured overseas to teach English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, taught ESL to adults in the U.S., and achieved a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, she is also currently pursuing her fifth master’s degree in writing (yes, you read that right – her fifth M.A. degree!) – a testament to her lifelong passion for learning.

A Lifelong Passion for Economics and Education

While Michele’s teaching career spans decades, her love for economics has been amplified through her involvement with the Foundation for Teaching Economics. For example, over the past 20 years, Michele has attended more than 20 FTE programs, including her most recent program, Environment & the Economy with Dr. Don Fell in scenic Stowe, Vermont last summer. 

“Economics is the most important class to teach because all students want to learn more about their own financial decisions and financial literacy,” Michele says. She believes the principles of economics—such as incentives, opportunity cost, and the economic way of thinking—apply not just in her AP Macroeconomics class, but also in AP US History and AP Government. Moreover, her students gain real-world understanding of critical topics like inflation, recession, and employment and how these concepts influence their personal spending and saving habits. “Economics is everything in our lives,” Michele emphasizes. 

Bringing the Classroom to Life 

Michele’s teaching philosophy is simple but powerful: make learning relevant, engaging, and practical. She loves using FTE’s online lessons to complement her curriculum. “The lessons are fun, entertaining, and easily accessible,” she shares. “Every day, I use the ‘economic way of thinking’ as it relates to the rule of law and property rights.” FTE’s resources allow her to take economic concepts from the textbook and bring them to life through real-world examples her students can connect with. 

Michele’s enthusiasm extends beyond her own classroom. Not only does she mentor fellow teachers in the Miami Dade County Public Schools, but she also shares FTE’s resources and lessons to improve outcomes for their students. Her colleagues recognize the value these programs bring. In turn, her students leave class ready to make better financial decisions.

A Network of Like-Minded Educators

One of Michele’s favorite aspects of FTE programs is the opportunity to connect with teachers who share her passion for economics. Over the years, she’s made friendships with colleagues across the country, reuniting year after year at different FTE programs. From Boston to San Francisco, Phoenix to Washington, D.C., Michele has traveled far and wide to learn and grow as an educator. In her words, “I get paid to learn, and you cannot go wrong [with that].” 

Michele’s long history as an FTE attendee has also given her the chance to get to know FTE’s many instructors. For instance, she’s formed lasting connections with inspiring educators like Don Fell, Ken Leonard, and Debbie Henney. “I’ve taken so many courses over the years that I try to keep in touch to get help with my teaching of Macro. I really appreciate all of the help!” 

The excellent professors and staff at FTE are a highlight for Michele. She values the hands-on learning approach, the engaging lessons, and the chance to collaborate with top-notch educators who make economics both fun and accessible. 

Why Teachers Should Try FTE Programs 

Michele encourages all teachers to experience FTE programs for themselves. “Please do them. They are fun, enjoyable, and you can learn so much while meeting new colleagues,” she says. For Michele, FTE is more than professional development – it’s an essential part of her teaching journey. “I am so addicted to the lessons and classes that I cannot imagine being a teacher without attending an FTE course every summer.” 

Michele’s passion for economics, her commitment to her students, and her love for learning exemplify what makes FTE teachers so impactful in the classroom. Teachers like Michele inspire the next generation of students to think critically, make informed decisions, and appreciate the role economics plays in their everyday lives. 

If fellow educators have questions or want to learn more about FTE programs, Michele is eager to help. As she says, “Economics is everything—and learning it can be fun!” Michele can be reached at mmar@dadeschools.net. 

Ready to follow in Michele’s footsteps? Explore FTE’s upcoming programs here: fte.org/upcomingprograms.