Benjamin Edwards Wins “Simmons Award” for Excellence in Economics Instruction
High school teacher Ben Edwards was commended for receiving the Richard P. and Dorothy Simmons Award for Excellence in the Study of Economics. Ben earned this award through his sponsorship and coaching of students participating in the Economics Challenge sponsored by EconomicsPennsylvania, and was honored at the 2015 Adam Smith Distinguished Leadership Award Luncheon on May 19.
The mission of EconomicsPennsylvania is to ensure that every young person in Pennsylvania understands essential economic and financial literacy concepts, benefits by using economic ways of thinking and problem solving skills, and has a continuous understanding of the nature and structure of the global economy and its relationship to individual liberty and freedom.
The EconomicsPennsylvania-sponsored Economics Challenge begins with teams of approximately four students representing their high schools by competing in either an online or onsite competition to test their economics knowledge.
The Adam Smith division is for students enrolled in a two-semester economics, consumer economics, or personal finance economics, advanced placement, honors or international business course. This division focuses on the theoretical aspects of economics including problem solving.
The teams compete against each other answering rigorous questions on microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and current economic events.
Students participating in the Economics Challenge benefit in numerous ways:
- Better understanding of economic concepts and an appreciation for policy issues
- Motivation for independent study and stimulation of interest in economics and other social studies
curriculum - Enhancement of debates, discussions and analytical skills.
Pictured:
Coach/sponsor Mr. Benjamin Edwards (center) stands with 2015 Economics Challenge students (left to right) Katie White, Abby Drucis, Brooks Wilding, and Doug Hapeman.
