Community, Park Forest

District 163 Teacher Named Outstanding Economic Educator


Danielle Gladstone, Outstanding Economic Educator
District 163 teacher Danielle Gladstone was named Outstanding Economic Educator of the year by Econ Illinois.

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Danielle Gladstone, a fourth through sixth grade gifted English Language Arts teacher at Michelle Obama School of Leadership and the Arts, was named Outstanding Economic Educator of the year by Econ Illinois. Ms. Gladstone was one of three teachers in the state to receive the recognition during ceremonies at the Union League Club in Chicago.

Ms. Gladstone was cited for her “sustained history of commitment and contributions to economic education.” Over the past eight years, her students at Michelle Obama School and Mohawk School have participated in the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation’s Stock Market Game. Working in teams, the students have invested a hypothetical $100,000 000 in an on-line portfolio with some impressive results. The District 163 students have a record of ranking among the top in their stock market performance in the regional division. In fact, one team took first place among 604 schools in the regional division in 2011. The students posted a 16 percent return on their investment.

In addition to the recognition, Ms. Gladstone and her class were the subjects of an ad filmed by Econ Illinois at Michelle Obama School that will appear on the group’s website. It will serve as a professional development tool.

“The stock market game has been wonderful for my students,” said Ms. Gladstone. “They learn about companies, the role business plays in the economy, and how to analyze stocks. Their critical thinking skills are sharpened and they see the value in teamwork. It is a fast-paced and competitive game that has benefited all of my students.”

Source: SD 163


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