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Recognizing Outstanding Educators
Recognizing Outstanding Educators
Do you have a passion for economic or financial education? Do you have a unique or exemplary approach to teaching economics or personal finance? Or do you know someone who does? The Minnesota Council on Economic Education’s (MCEE) teaching award program is a unique opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and dedication to economics and personal finance education.
Each year MCEE honors Minnesota educators who effectively teach economic and/or personal finance principles using innovative, culturally responsive, and creative teaching practices. The awards honor teachers who incorporate exemplary teaching techniques that improve the economic and personal finance understanding of their students, both in and out of the classroom. Teaching award honorees are recognized in one of the categories below and each honoree receives $1,000, a plaque, and a certificate.
MCEE Elementary Educator of the Year (Grades K-5)
MCEE Middle School Educator of the Year (Grades 6-8)
MCEE High School Educator of the Year (Grades 9-12)
Eligibility:
Experience effectively teaching economic and/or personal finance concepts using innovative, culturally responsive, and creative teaching practices in a K-12 setting.
MN licensed K-12 classroom teacher in a public, charter, or private school.
To spotlight new exemplary educators each year, past Teacher of the Year recipients are not eligible for repeat consideration.
MCEE Educators of the Year | 2026
MCEE Educators of the Year | 2026
Jodi Pr | Gr. K-5 | Falcon Ridge Elementary School, New Prague Area Schools
Jodi Pr | Gr. K-5 | Falcon Ridge Elementary School, New Prague Area Schools
Jodi Prchl is the recipient of the K-5th Grade Educator of the Year award. Jodi has spent more than three decades helping students discover that economics and personal finance aren't just subjects in school - they're part of everyday life.
Her classroom is filled with hands-on learning experiences. Students earn and manage "Prchal Pennies," practice saving and spending decisions, participate in classroom auctions, and even become entrepreneurs through projects such as her popular button-making business.
What stands out most about Jodi is her enthusiasm. Through her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to students, Jodi has inspired generations of learners and demonstrated the very best of elementary economic education.
Dean B. Simmons | Gr. 9-12 | St. Thomas Academy
Dean B. Simmons | Gr. 9-12 | St. Thomas Academy
Dean Simmons is the recipient of the 9th -12th Grade Educator of the Year award. Dean Simmons has spent nearly three decades helping students understand not only economics and personal finance, but how these topics shape the world around them. His passion for the subject is evident to anyone who has spent even a few minutes in his classroom.
Dean’s teaching stands out for its focus on authentic learning. He founded the Cadet Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio using real dollars to teach investing, risk, and decision-making. What began with $17,000 has grown to over $140,000 and now supports financial aid at Saint Thomas Academy—an enduring example of classroom impact.
For years, Dean has brought students to the MCEE Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge, where his teams consistently excel at the state level and multiple times to the national stage. His principal praises his energy, creativity and extraordinary ability to connect with students and motivate them to learn. These qualities, along with his leadership and dedication to economics education, make him truly deserving of this honor.
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