Five Convincing Reasons to Want Betsey Stevenson & Justin Wolfers Co-Teaching Your Econ Class

[MarisaBluestone]

Imagine this: Your economics class is buzzing with energy, your students are leaning in, and instead of tuning out during a discussion on elasticity or opportunity cost. They're actually laughing. Thinking. Debating. That’s the magic of having rock stars in the room. We’re not talking about stadium tours, we’re talking Betsey Stevenson & Justin Wolfers.

Stevenson & Wolfers aren’t just co-authors of one of the most engaging Principles of Economics textbooks out there, they’re also dynamic educators, celebrated researchers, and public voices who bring real-world insight, personality, and clarity to complex economic ideas.

And coming this Spring, they could be in your classroom. Helping you teach your economics students, live and in person. They’re offering to co-teach a class as part of a contest tied to the release of their Principles of Economics, 3rd Edition. And there’s a contest to make it happen.

Here’s why your students will never forget the day Stevenson & Wolfers visited your class:

1. Authentic, Inviting Teaching Style That Makes Economics Relatable

Stevenson and Wolfers intentionally move away from dry “widget economics,” instead grounding lessons in real-world decisions students face, like parking struggles, negotiating a raise or understanding rent pressures. Their approach helps students see that economic concepts apply to their everyday lives, increasing understanding and engagement.

2. Engagement-Driven, Student-Centered Content Design

Their textbook and accompanying digital tools (we’re talking Macmillan Learning’s Achieve platform) are purpose-built for paced teaching. This structure makes teaching more seamless and learning more immersive. And while we think you should adopt their book, you don’t need to in order to enter the contest.

3. Experts Who Bridge Theory, Policy, and Real‑World Impact

Both are prominent voices in economics with extensive research and policy backgrounds. Betsey Stevenson has experience as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and as a member of Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers. Justin Wolfers is well-respected for contributions to macro and applied microeconomics and economic commentary in outlets like “The Professor is In” every week on MSNBC and The New York Times. This means students can see economics as both rigorous and deeply connected to real-world issues.

4. A Joyful Teaching Philosophy

They don’t just teach economics, they celebrate it. Their tone is described as humanizing and inclusive, and they aim to make the field accessible to all students. They actively work to break down barriers, encouraging broader participation in a field that has historically lacked gender diversity.

5. Multimedia Tools That Reinforce Learning—Podcasts, Digital Platforms, and Beyond

Beyond the classroom, their “Think Like an Economist” podcast extends learning into everyday life, highlighting economic principles applied to career choices, personal decisions, and broader societal trends. This multimedia approach strengthens students’ grasp of core concepts while offering flexible learning moments outside the traditional lecture.

Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers are offering to co-teach a class and you can win that opportunity. Enter the contest and give your students an unforgettable experience learning from two of the most respected (and fun) economists working today.