St. Francis High School social studies teacher Kelly Lipinski has been named the Grade 9-12 Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) for outstanding achievements and innovation in economic and personal finance teaching.
Lipinski is in his 23rd year as a social studies teacher at SFHS, where he teaches economics (high school and college level) and geography. He also serves as a wrestling and softball coach and served as the SFHS Social Studies Department lead for nine years.
“I love how economics helps students make sense of the world they live in,” Lipinski said. “A lot of economics boils down to decision making and I find my students are making decisions that will set the trajectory of the rest of their lives. I’m hoping I’m helping to steer them in a positive direction.”
After being introduced to MCEE by a colleague and attending the “Teaching High School Economics” summer workshop, Lipinski became “hooked” on MCEE resources and professional development opportunities. He now serves as an MCEE Educator Specialist, assisting with curricular projects, delivering webinars, and bringing students to the Econ Challenge.
“I love the content and how kids latch onto it,” Lipinski said. “I strongly believe that teachers have to keep students' attention by keeping them involved through active engagement. That’s why I pack as many interactive lessons into my classes as possible. The training that I have received through MCEE has allowed me to do that. I am still using lessons that were presented to me from two decades ago and I have also updated and implemented new ones.”
A former student of Lipinski’s shared the following in a letter of support: “Mr. Lipinski’s Economics class gifted me more than an understanding of the world of economics, it gave me a purpose. Every lesson had me engaged, every activity enriched my understanding, and every day was an adventure. His lessons were concise and interesting. He used real-world examples that were relatable to us as high schoolers to draw us into the teaching. I am a firm believer that my understanding of the field of economics would not be the same if it wasn’t for his teaching style. He has developed a program that is up to date, ever evolving, and truly engaging.”
More about the awards: MCEE awards teachers across Minnesota to show our appreciation for the hard work and effort that went into another unique year. MCEE’s annual teaching awards highlighted teachers who excelled at teaching economic and personal finance principles using innovative, culturally responsive, and creative teaching principles. This year’s recipient exemplifies dedication and enthusiasm to improving the economic understanding of their students, both in and out of the classroom. These honorees received $1,000, a plaque, and a certificate certifying the achievement.