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 was a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Artificial Intelligence Video What AI Use Guidelines Should Look Like for Schools
Many teachers say they are not getting good guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
1 min read
Classroom Technology Video What AI Use Guidelines Should Look Like for Schools
Many teachers say they are not getting good guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
2:26
Education Funding Video Tornado Threats Are a Constant. But Funding for a Safe Room Is Lagging
A school district has waited four years and counting to begin work on a tornado shelter funded with federal dollars.
1 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Video How a "Reverse Career Fair" Can Launch High Schoolers Into the Real World
It flips the traditional model and allows students to set up booths to display their talents to employers.
1 min read
20260507 ReverseCareerFair EdWeek R5B 5725
Dustin Chambers for Education Week