Frequently Asked Questions

Educator Specialists assist MCEE with planning, preparing, and delivering teacher professional development and student programs across the state. Key responsibilities include:

• • Attending Educator Specialists trainings

  • (Co-) Teaching workshops during the summer or school-year

  • Participating in the MCEE Annual Conference and EconFest

  • Actively supporting and recruiting participants for MCEE programs

No, Educator Specialists are not staff of the Minnesota Council on Economic Education. 

Educator Specialists are experienced teachers currently working in K-12 schools in Minnesota who are trained and contracted by MCEE to provide support to teacher professional development workshops and other programs. 

If you're interested in having an Educator Specialist lead a workshop at your school or district, please contact mcee@umn.edu and we will work with you to arrange an Educator Specialist or another MCEE speaker to present at your event. 

In general, Educator Specialists must:

• 1. Have completed at least two MCEE core courses;

  2. Have at least five years of classroom teaching experience in economics or personal finance in a K-12 setting, and;

  3. Have participated in at least five MCEE programs in as many years, with programs including conferences, student programs, curriculum projects, and workshops.

For more information about becoming an Educator Specialist, visit the Application page.

There are numerous personal and professional benefits to serving as an Educator Specialist.

• • Recognition: As leaders and key supporters of MCEE programs, Educator Specialists are recognized as presenters at major MCEE functions, have their work and biographies highlighted in annual publications, and are able to feature this prestigious service on their curricula vitae.

  • Professional Development: Educator Specialists receive specialized ongoing support and access to exclusive professional development training and retreats to help guide and inform their work as teachers and as trainers.

  • Compensation: Educator Specialists are financially compensated for teaching MCEE workshops and collaborating on curriculum projects with MCEE staff or affiliates.

  • Giving Back: Educator Specialists are able to support up-and-coming generations of teachers and give back to the field that they love by teaching MCEE teacher workshops and supporting student programs.