Staff Spotlight – Dr. Jamie Wagner

Here at FTE we LOVE economics and the professors that work our summer Economics for Leaders programs are no exception.

This week we spotlight Dr. Jamie Wagner, a professor at our summer programs, a member in the Economics Department at the University of Nebraska and a director at the Center for Economic Education.

Jamie works with nearly every age and every education group. When asked what she loves about the job she says its so fun meeting different people at different points of their education, “I get to play games and do coloring activities to teach economic lessons for elementary students all the way up to really difficult and complicated conversations with college students and teachers (and everywhere in between).”

One of her favorite of these activities to teach is the lesson of supply and demand using a market simulation. Jamie demonstrates economics concepts through interactive activities including simulations, discussions, and games. She likes the supply and demand lesson because “The class gets so loud from students playing the game and trying to buy or sell computer chips.  The students are engaged in the lesson and trying to make the most profit.”

Jamie believes economics is important because it is understanding how to make choices.

“Economics is seen as really complex and something that only people who deal with stocks and bonds use but every day you make a choice and without knowing you use economics.  Studying economics gives you the tools to see costs associated with choices which can improve many areas of your life.” 

Another favorite part of the job? “I also really enjoy making a difficult topic like economics in to something that is more understandable.  It is really rewarding to see students get a concept or lesson from one of my lectures or games.”

Applications for our 2018 Economics for Leaders programs are now open to teachers AND students! CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can work with our great professors like Jamie this summer!