Colorado Council on Economic Educations
Certificate in Economic Education
In cooperation with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Colorado K-12 teachers can earn a Certificate in Secondary or Elementary Economic Education by taking credit classes from CCEE. This 12-credit hour program includes the 3-credit course, Economics for Educators, a survey of macroeconomic and microeconomic topics, 3 credits in elementary or secondary methods, and 6 credits of elective economics classes that will enhance teachers understanding of economic theory and classroom applications.

Teachers receive a transcript entry from CU at Colorado Springs that shows attainment of the certificate and designate educators as expert teachers of economics. Teachers will also receive a signed certificate of completion. 

Certificate in Elementary Economic Education

Hours    Course Requirements
   3       Economics 501:  Economics for Educators
   3       Elementary Methods Classes:
                  Economics 603-1:  Small Sense and
                  Economics 603-2:  Mini Society
   6       Economics 631:  Elective graduate courses

Certificate in Secondary Economic Education

Hours    Course Requirements
   3       Economics 501:  Economics for Educators
   3       Economics 604:  Methods for Teaching Secondary Economics
   6       Economics 631:  Elective graduate courses

Dual Certificate in Elementary and Secondary Economic Education

Teachers can earn a Dual Certificate by taking both Economics 603-1 and 603-2 plus Economics 604, in addition to Economics 501 and 6-credit hours of electives (Economics 631). The Dual Certificate requires a total of fifteen (15) credit hours.

 Course Descriptions

Economics 501:  Economics for Educators
Explorations into the functioning of a market economy and the role of government. Includes microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, particularly those of relevance for K-12 economics educators. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree.  

Economics 603-1:  Methods for Teaching Elementary Economics (Small Sense)
Draws on student literature and activity-based economics to provide teachers with methods and materials for elementary economic instruction. Learn lessons designed to address the Colorado Model Content Standards in Economics. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree.

Economics 603-2:  Methods for Teaching Elementary Economics (Mini Society)
Focused on activity-based economics materials and methods for the upper elementary-level teacher. Teachers learn to develop and run their own classroom simulation economy. Lessons are designed to address the Colorado Model Content Standards in Economics. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree.

Economics 604:  Methods for Teaching Secondary Economics
Focused on activity-based economics materials and methods for the secondary-level teachers. Teachers experience and discuss both microeconomic and macroeconomic lessons that are designed to address the Colorado Model Content Standards in Economics. Credit will be granted for teachers who have successfully completed Economics 631 classes Economics for Beginners in June 2003; Its Not Your Fathers Economics in June 2002; or The Top 10 List in June 2001 or Fall 2000. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree.

Economics 631:  Various Economic Topics
The seminar will explore a variety of topics applicable to the understanding and teaching of economics. The emphasis will be on themes, topics and strategies most appropriate to motivate students interest in economics.  Classes frequently integrate economics with other disciplines, e.g. history. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree. 

Grading Options

Economics 501, 603 and 604 will be taken for letter grades. Economics 631 will be taken as Pass/Fail courses.

Transfer Credit for Economic 631

Elective credit will be granted for Economics 631 credits previously completed through CCEE/UCCS Extended Studies since 1996.  No class will be allowed to earn dual credits.  Economics 631 credits that have the same subject title will earn credit only once.  Only two (2) graduate credits in economic education granted through other universities (in conjunction with other Councils or Centers of Economic Education or the Foundation for Teaching Economics) may transfer.