Program Content and Topics

Economics Instruction 

Students participate in simulations that provide hands-on learning experiences and demonstrate how economic theories work in real situations. Skilled economics instructors lead students through challenging social issues and help them build strong critical thinking skills. Students also examine current national and international topics, encouraging thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding of how economic principles apply to the world around them. 

10 Topics taught in the context of 5 Economic Reasoning Propositions (ERPs): 

  • Economic Growth and Scarcity 
  • Opportunity Cost 
  • Open Markets 
  • Markets in Action 
  • Labor Markets 
  • Incentives, Innovation and the Role of Institutions 
  • Property Rights 
  • Government 
  • Money & Inflation
  • International Markets 

Leadership Instruction 

Leadership Topics are taught in the context of the Leadership Pyramid Matrix used in university leadership courses. FTE’s goal is to improve participants ability to work and lead teams and to connect responsible leadership and the economic way of thinking.

Elements of the Leadership Pyramid Matrix presented:  

  • Personal Leadership Domain: Preparing and projecting who you are 
  • Relational Leadership  Domain: Demonstrating concern and understanding 
  • Contextual Leadership Domain: Clarifying who we are and how we work together

 

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Foundation for Teaching Economics Opens Student Application for Summer 2026 

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