Debbie Henney

Debbie Henney is a nationally recognized economic educator, curriculum designer, and program director with more than two decades of experience enhancing economic literacy for students and teachers. She has taught thousands of students and trained thousands of teachers through dynamic, active-learning programs delivered in both live and virtual formats. Known for her expertise in curriculum design and instructional innovation, she has led numerous national projects that integrate technology, simulations, and real-world applications into economics education. 

Debbie is an economics instructor for Mesa Community College, where she also directs the Honors Program and the Center for Economic Education.  As Curriculum Director for the Foundation for Teaching Economics, Debbie mentors new professors and teachers, develops and maintains major curriculum initiatives, and designs virtual learning platforms. She has authored or co-authored a wide array of influential curriculum units and lessons covering topics such as environmental economics, entrepreneurship, economic history, and public policy. 

Debbie’s professional leadership includes service on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Economic Educators and long-term involvement with the Arizona Council on Economic Education and the Arizona Council for the Social Studies. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Bessie B. Moore Service Award, curriculum awards, and multiple state-level honors for service and leadership. 

She holds degrees from Mesa Community College, Ottawa University, and Northern Arizona University, along with additional graduate coursework in economics from Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Loyola Marymount University. 

Debbie remains committed to empowering educators and advancing high-quality economics instruction through innovative curriculum, mentoring, and national program leadership.