Studying Economics: What we Know about Persistence and Active Learning (Tuesday, May 05, 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Studying Economics: What we Know about Persistence and Active Learning

SESSION DESCRIPTION

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Tisha Emerson as she shares key findings from economic education research on student persistence in economics at the postsecondary level. This session will explore how instructional strategies—particularly active learning approaches such as classroom experiments and cooperative learning—can significantly enhance student achievement and deepen interest in economics.

Designed for both high school and college-level economics educators, this session offers valuable insights into how early classroom experiences shape students’ decisions to continue studying economics beyond high school. Participants will gain practical, research-based strategies to increase engagement, strengthen conceptual understanding, and build a more diverse and sustained pipeline of students pursuing economics.

PRESENTER

Dr. Tisha Emerson is a nationally recognized leader in economic education. She is the Paul Distinguished Professor of Economics and Department Chair in the Economics Department at East Carolina University. Dr. Emerson also currently serves as the Chair of the American Economic Association's Committee on Economic Education.

Dr. Emerson’s research focuses on economic education, with an emphasis on student learning, persistence in the study of economics, and the impact of active learning strategies such as classroom experiments and cooperative learning. Her work has been widely published in leading journals and has informed best practices for both secondary and postsecondary economics instruction.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Emerson regularly collaborates with educators across the country to translate research into practical classroom strategies. Her work is especially valuable for high school and college instructors seeking to increase student engagement, improve achievement, and inspire more students to pursue economics beyond the introductory level.

2026 NAEE Teacher of the Year (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The NAEE Teacher of the Year Award is designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of dynamic classroom teachers who are advancing economic literacy. This award celebrates educators who use innovative methods to enhance student understanding of economic concepts, create impactful projects and activities, and contribute to the broader educational community through professional development and collaboration. The award highlights teachers who make economic principles accessible and relevant, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes. Up to two teachers will be honored each year, one at the K-5 level and one at the Grade 6-12 level. Each winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Evaluation Criteria

The nomination fee is $50 and must be submitted by June 30. Once the nomination fee has been paid you will receive a link to complete the nomination form.

Nominators must be members of NAEE. There is no membership requirement for nominees. Nominations are valid only for the year in which they are submitted.

National Association of Economic Educators upcoming events

Studying Economics: What we Know about Persistence and Active Learning (Tuesday, May 05, 2026)

2026 NAEE Teacher of the Year (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)