Impactful educator
Meszaros, CEEE associate director, wins prestigious economics education award
9:53 a.m., Oct. 27, 2014--Bonnie Meszaros, associate director of the Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (CEEE) at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, has been awarded the prestigious John C. Schramm Leadership Award.
The National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE) presented this honor to Meszaros at the 53rd annual Personal Finance and Economic Education Conference held Oct. 8-11 in Dallas, Texas.
Honors Stories
National Medal of Science
Warren Award
“I feel privileged to receive this award for my contributions to the field of economic education,” said Meszaros. “Recognition by my colleagues for work I enjoy doing and have a great passion for was truly an honor.”
Carlos Asarta, director of the CEEE, said that, “Bonnie is, without a doubt, the glue that keeps our center together.”
Throughout her career at the CEEE, Meszaros has provided training to teachers in grades K-12 to bring accessible economics and entrepreneurship education to their classrooms.
“Watching her conduct a program is like watching an artist develop her next masterpiece,” Asarta said. “Simply put, she is one of the best in our profession. She always delivers her lectures with a smile on her face and a contagious attitude. She is a tireless leader who deserves to be recognized for her many leadership contributions to our profession over a career that has spanned 40 years.”
Erin Boettcher, who teaches fourth grade at Wilbur Elementary School, attended one of Meszaros’ training courses in 2002. While completing her master of arts in economics and entrepreneurship for educators (MAEEE), Boettcher continued her relationship with Meszaros, working to help other teachers implement hands-on economic programs in their own classrooms.
“It really is an honor to provide professional development with Dr. Meszaros,” said Boettcher. “One of the coolest things about Dr. Meszaros is that she shares her passion for economic education with everyone. She works with students and teachers, she develops curriculum and works alongside other agencies.”
Meszaros certainly has contributed to a wide range of influential economic education materials. She served as project director and as a member of the writing team for the development of the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics and was one of the coauthors of the National Standards for Financial Literacy. She is also a past president of the NAEE.
“Dr. Meszaros has brought economics into classrooms across Delaware and the country,” Boettcher said. “Her reach is far and wide. Few people have the passion, drive and determination to follow through on all the things she has accomplished.”
Meszaros also serves as an adviser to many students, like Amanda Hughey, who is working toward her doctorate in economic education.
“Dr. Meszaros inspires me,” said Hughey. “She encourages me to think critically about my areas of interest and supports my growth personally and academically.”
Boettcher agreed with Hughey, saying, “I am a better, more effective teacher from working alongside Dr. Meszaros. She is driven, persistent and determined to spread the word of economic education from kindergarten through high school, and now I am, too.”
Article by Sunny Rosen