By Larry Eiden
In 1998, two major events occurred that possibly altered our school for years to come: Will Smith topped the charts with “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” and Karla Hitchcock walked through the purple gates of Pioneer for the first time.
Since then, we have a different view of rap master Will Smith, but still greatly appreciate Hitchcock’s enthusiasm for economics and the warm connections she has with her pupils. “I love her!” exclaimed Junior Sujay Kulkarni. “She has a great combination of passion for the subject and a genuine kindness towards her students.”
Karla Hitchcock graduated from Michigan State University and majored in history with a minor in economics.
Mrs. Hitchcock initially taught European history however transitioned into the field of economics when the state of Michigan required it for graduation. According to Mrs. Hitchcock, relearning the material was challenging yet worthwhile, “I enjoyed diving into it (economics),” she stated. Hitchcock further praised the benefits of studying economics, “Economics gives you a language to approach problems with.” She feels it is critical to give her students the tools they need to understand “why things in our society happen the way they do.”
It is evident Hitchcock’s excitement to teach has affected her student’s eagerness to explore the world of economics. Sam Cain, an eleventh grader, explained: “Hitchcock shows students a new way to look at the economy.” According to Kulkarni, “(Hitchcock) gives you an understanding beyond the charts and graphs.” and “shows us the impact,” of economics in daily life.
Hitchcock insists that the connection she builds with her students creates the perfect environment to learn. “You must have a relationship with the kids before they give a darn about what you say,” she said. The base of her relationship originates from her daily motto: “Be prepared and not just lesson wise.” She strives to determine each student’s ability and where they can progress from there. Hitchcock elaborated “be a student, that is, to find your beginner's mind. Be curious. Want to know. I can’t imagine anyone nearing the end of their life saying ‘I learned too much.’”
As a part of her curriculum, Mrs. Hitchcock assigns a project each semester. The project aids students to recognize economic principles in our society. According to Mrs. Hitchcock, these spark conversations in class and expose her students to a new point of view. Topics such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, the incarceration of citizens in America, Bitcoins, and immigration have stirred dialogue in the past classes. Not only do the projects allow the students to present current economic issues, but provide an opportunity to reflect on topics that are relevant to your peers.
The economy is always at the front of the news. Many leaders must form a solid base of knowledge in this area to properly define the issues that affect our society. Hitchcock explains an economics degree can open doors to many different careers and offers transferable skills ,analysis and systems organization for example. All students should keep their ears and eyes open for courses that connect to other areas. For example something like the Economics of Public Policy or Economics of Public Health.
Mrs. Hitchcock is also the teacher advisor for the economics club. The club is comprised of future, current, and former students who will compete in the National Econ Challenge and test their knowledge of the subject. According to Hitchcock, “I was very happy with how the teams have done in the National Econ Challenge in our first two years. I am hopeful that we will get teams in both divisions into the state championship again this year. I think we have as good a chance as anyone else this year. We have some experience now, and that should help. The club leadership has a great experience and good ideas for our preparation. I like our chances. ” The economics club meets Fridays after seventh hour.
Mrs. Hitchcock obviously has the instinct and knowledge to transform what some say is a bland and boring topic into a quest to better understand our community and nation. Hitchcock’s enthusiasm and kindness motivates her students to dig into issues. She states that it’s about the students, and Mrs. Hitchcock wants her students to know: “I love being their teacher, and they’re important to me.”
In 1998, two major events occurred that possibly altered our school for years to come: Will Smith topped the charts with “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” and Karla Hitchcock walked through the purple gates of Pioneer for the first time.
Since then, we have a different view of rap master Will Smith, but still greatly appreciate Hitchcock’s enthusiasm for economics and the warm connections she has with her pupils. “I love her!” exclaimed Junior Sujay Kulkarni. “She has a great combination of passion for the subject and a genuine kindness towards her students.”
Karla Hitchcock graduated from Michigan State University and majored in history with a minor in economics.
Mrs. Hitchcock initially taught European history however transitioned into the field of economics when the state of Michigan required it for graduation. According to Mrs. Hitchcock, relearning the material was challenging yet worthwhile, “I enjoyed diving into it (economics),” she stated. Hitchcock further praised the benefits of studying economics, “Economics gives you a language to approach problems with.” She feels it is critical to give her students the tools they need to understand “why things in our society happen the way they do.”
It is evident Hitchcock’s excitement to teach has affected her student’s eagerness to explore the world of economics. Sam Cain, an eleventh grader, explained: “Hitchcock shows students a new way to look at the economy.” According to Kulkarni, “(Hitchcock) gives you an understanding beyond the charts and graphs.” and “shows us the impact,” of economics in daily life.
Hitchcock insists that the connection she builds with her students creates the perfect environment to learn. “You must have a relationship with the kids before they give a darn about what you say,” she said. The base of her relationship originates from her daily motto: “Be prepared and not just lesson wise.” She strives to determine each student’s ability and where they can progress from there. Hitchcock elaborated “be a student, that is, to find your beginner's mind. Be curious. Want to know. I can’t imagine anyone nearing the end of their life saying ‘I learned too much.’”
As a part of her curriculum, Mrs. Hitchcock assigns a project each semester. The project aids students to recognize economic principles in our society. According to Mrs. Hitchcock, these spark conversations in class and expose her students to a new point of view. Topics such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, the incarceration of citizens in America, Bitcoins, and immigration have stirred dialogue in the past classes. Not only do the projects allow the students to present current economic issues, but provide an opportunity to reflect on topics that are relevant to your peers.
The economy is always at the front of the news. Many leaders must form a solid base of knowledge in this area to properly define the issues that affect our society. Hitchcock explains an economics degree can open doors to many different careers and offers transferable skills ,analysis and systems organization for example. All students should keep their ears and eyes open for courses that connect to other areas. For example something like the Economics of Public Policy or Economics of Public Health.
Mrs. Hitchcock is also the teacher advisor for the economics club. The club is comprised of future, current, and former students who will compete in the National Econ Challenge and test their knowledge of the subject. According to Hitchcock, “I was very happy with how the teams have done in the National Econ Challenge in our first two years. I am hopeful that we will get teams in both divisions into the state championship again this year. I think we have as good a chance as anyone else this year. We have some experience now, and that should help. The club leadership has a great experience and good ideas for our preparation. I like our chances. ” The economics club meets Fridays after seventh hour.
Mrs. Hitchcock obviously has the instinct and knowledge to transform what some say is a bland and boring topic into a quest to better understand our community and nation. Hitchcock’s enthusiasm and kindness motivates her students to dig into issues. She states that it’s about the students, and Mrs. Hitchcock wants her students to know: “I love being their teacher, and they’re important to me.”