Mathematics Video

Teaching Economics (Taylor’s Version)

By Lauren Santucci — November 16, 2023 2:31
Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

In the last year alone, Taylor Swift has had an astounding impact on the United States economy (one estimate puts it at $5 billion) through her multi-city Eras tour, the subsequent movie, and the release of two new albums. And that was all before she put Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the pop culture map and brought her massive influence to the NFL.

This effect has been dubbed “Swiftonomics” and a high school economics teacher in Texas is incorporating it into her curriculum.

Kelsey Halfen, a teacher in Sugar Land, Texas, is a self-described ‘Swiftie.’ She pulls examples from Taylor Swift’s career to teach concepts like supply and demand and gross domestic product, or GDP. In October, she shared those lessons with other teachers through an online class on Econiful. Here, she discusses her ‘Swiftonomics’ lessons and describes the benefits to students in understanding economic concepts.

Lauren Santucci is a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Teaching Profession Video The PD Teachers Want on AI Use and Ethics
Schools and vendors have started to offer PD on the use of AI in the classroom. Here's what educators say that PD should include.
View of the back of a woman lecturer giving a presentation to Ba blurred out group of diverse adults
E+
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Building a Safe Space for Students
For many students, school is the one place where their needs are consistently met. One teacher explains how he ensures that’s the case.
3:55
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
Federal Video Linda McMahon: 5 Things to Know About Trump's Choice for Education Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate former pro-wrestling CEO Linda McMahon to lead the education department.
1 min read
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Teach Kindness Through Words and Actions
This 4th grade teacher creates lessons and projects around showing kindness.
2:49