Andrea Stemper’s one of our NGPF Fellows who integrates personal finance into her economics classes (but not for long — she’s also advocating at her district to make personal finance its own elective course, which we’d LOVE to see happen). Adept at integrating financial capability into econ, Andrea’s written in with this suggestion for a lesson on job prospects and supply & demand:

When we think about our jobs, it is important to consider what might be in demand in the future.  My PFL class is embedded in Economics, so this provides an organic way to review the concept of supply and demand.  

I start with my class mantra- you can either Spend Less or Earn More!  This lesson focuses on earning more, which is an often neglected part of personal financial literacy.   

We start with an S and D graph of the wind turbine tech industry, which is the number one fastest growing job according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (growth rate 2014-2024).  My key points and next steps:

• Show EQ point.  
• Show increased demand (shift outward) and salary goes up!  
• Show decreased supply (inward shift) and salary goes up!  By now I’ve got this wind turbine tech making at least $30 an hour.  
• Draw mental line….what will be in demand?
• Show this slide show of the Best Jobs for the Future. And ask, “Which one appeals to you?”
• Show next slide show of the Worst Jobs for the Future. “Think twice before investing your human capital in this job!”

Then, we do a career inventory and review the MN Career Clusters.

The students’ assignment: Find a job that you would like based on demand and your interest.  Explain to another student.

I find this to be a fun, educational and non-threatening way to really spark discussion and serious thought.  

Thanks, Andrea, for this lesson outline for a creative way to merge economic concepts as well as personal finance lessons on the importance of Career choice.

If choosing a career is part of your core curriculum for next year, check out lesson 1 of our Careers unit, Career Basics.

About the Author

Jessica Endlich

When I started working at Next Gen Personal Finance, it's as though my undergraduate degree in finance, followed by ten years as an educator in an NYC public high school, suddenly all made sense.