Excellence in Teaching Economics & Financial Literacy
Secondary Teachers Award Program

EconomicsWisconsin is pleased to announce the 2003 Wisconsin Teaching Awards Program in Economic Education. This program recognizes the innovative teaching practices of Wisconsin secondary teachers (grades 7-12) who make economics a vital part of their school curriculum. The purpose of the program is to recognize excellent teachers who are innovative in teaching concepts which improve and stimulate economic and financial literacy. While the award recognizes excellence in teaching economics and financial literacy, the type of class may vary from economics, to math, to history, or other subjections.

The secondary competition is sponsored by Robert W. Baird & Co., the Milwaukee based brokerage and investment banking company. The program symbolizes Baird's interest in Wisconsin's economic health and its commitment to enhance economic education in the state. 

Who is eligible?   Back
Only classroom teachers may enter the 2003 competition. Only programs carried out between June 1, 2002 and June 1, 2003 are eligible for judging. Winners of Wisconsin Council on Economic Education awards since 2000 are not eligible to enter in 2003. 

What are the purposes of the awards program?   Back
The objectives of the teaching awards program are to: 

• Increase student economic understanding.
• Stimulate improvement in economic education teaching approaches.
• Encourage replication of successful teaching practices.
• Provide recognition of outstanding economic education teaching approaches.
• Encourage teachers to develop descriptions of successful teaching practices.

What are the judging criteria?     Back
Successful programs: 

• Encourage students to use economic reasoning to understand how our economy works.
• Are innovative and exciting in approach.
• Fit the context of the school curriculum.
• Are appropriate to students.
• Included appropriate evaluation to provide evidence of success.
• Are accurately and completely described.
• Are easily adaptable for use by other teachers.

What will the winners receive?     Back
We are pleased to announce that, through the sponsorship of Robert W. Baird & Co., cash awards will be awarded to the winners. Winning teachers will also receive and engraved crystal apple and will be honored at the annual Baird Governor's Forum, where Wisconsin Governor  will present certificates and the following cash awards: 

What should an entry include?     Back

• Entry name

• Goals and Objectives of your course, unit or project

• Description of teaching approaches

• Description of why our techniques are important

• Specification of the grade level involved and type of class

• Description of why your techniques are successful and specifically, how you define your success

Abstract: Include a one or two paragraph description of the program typed on a separate page. 
Grade Level: Indicate clearly the specific grade level(s) involved. This program is for teachers of grades 7-12. 
Rationale: Include a statement of why this project is important. 
 

Procedures and Content     Back
Describe the procedures used in your activity. What materials did you use? Provide a step-by-step description of the activity. How much time was required? Be sure to emphasize how your activity was designed to help your students master the economic concepts listed above under goals and objectives. 

Evaluation      Back
Describe how you assessed student mastery of the economic concepts addressed in your activity. Summarize the evidence you have that students have achieved the objectives of your lesson. 

Additional Information     Back
Please be sure to include the name(s) of the entrant(s) exactly as it would appear on a certificate. Also provide the name of the school principal, superintendent and your home telephone number. 

Copies     Back
Please send three (3) copies of your project. 

National Competition      Back
The National Council on Economic Education, which is the national affiliate of the Wisconsin Council on Economic Education, and NASDAQ also conduct a teaching awards program at the national level.   The Wisconsin secondary awards program is not part of this national competition, however, you may obtain an entry form from  EconomicsWisconsin. Teachers must enter this competition separately.

Deadline     Back
Entry deadline: June 1, 2003 

Mail three (3) complete applications to: 

EconomicsWisconsin
Wisconsin Council on Economic Education
161 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3143
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 221-9400
Fax (414) 221-9790
wicnclee@ameritech.net

Previous Winners     Back