Greetings!
Although only half-way through the academic year, I expect that all of us are looking forward to the holiday break and a chance to reboot. While we have hope that we’re moving toward a more “normal” way of working, learning, and interacting with each other, we recognize that everyone is weary. Teachers especially—the essential workers of K-12 education—need time and space to disconnect and recharge. They’ve been challenged professionally, socially, and intellectually in ways we are certain they had not experienced before. Still, they have proved to be resilient and resourceful, working tirelessly to adapt and reimagine what’s possible in education. Rest assured that we stand ready to continue to support our educators when school resumes in the new year, no matter what form instruction will take.
Next year, the CEEE will celebrate five decades of effectively navigating change while building a strong network of educational support that promotes collaboration and idea-sharing. In fact, change and innovation are deeply ingrained in our DNA. Back in 1971, the CEEE’s founding director, Professor Emeritus of Economics Jim O’Neill, quickly realized the need for having “specialists” in our network to support educators and model economic education programs. Soon after, Professor Bonnie Meszaros was hired as the first Field Consultant within the national economic education network and the rest, as they say, is history! What Jim and Bonnie built together has had an immeasurable effect on economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurship education around the world; we will always be grateful for their leadership, mentorship, and support. We sincerely look forward to building upon the solid foundation they established so that we can continue to prepare K-12 educators with the ultimate goal of seeing their students graduate as informed and productive citizens. The year 2021 will be very special at the CEEE.
Education is not only about the past and present, but it is also the key to the future. We have been humbled by this year’s crisis, forced to recognize our limitations and courageously test out new solutions. We are grateful for those who have stood with us in this work. Together, we are contributing to what will likely be a massive and fundamental change in how education is delivered.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Onward,
