Next Chapter Economics Book Club

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Provides a collaborative space that brings together K–12 educators, university students, faculty, staff, and community members to explore key texts in economic and financial education. Through guided discussion, reflection, and applied activities, participants will examine ideas from each book and translate them into practical strategies that can inform teaching, learning, and civic engagement.

Expectations

Registration: There is no fee to register; however, participants must register in advance to receive access to session links, materials, and updates.
Attendance: Participants are expected to attend and actively participate in all scheduled online sessions.
Preparation: Participants should read assigned sections of each book and review any accompanying resources prior to meetings.
Engagement: Active participation is expected through discussion, inquiry, collaborative activities, and respectful dialogue with fellow participants.
Professional Conduct: Participants should contribute thoughtfully, listen openly to diverse perspectives, and uphold a collegial, inclusive learning environment.
Application to Practice: Educators are encouraged to reflect on how ideas from the text can be applied to their instructional contexts and to share strategies, lesson ideas, or questions with the group.
Completion of Feedback: Participants may be asked to complete brief reflections or feedback surveys to support continuous improvement of the book club.

Goals

Create a collection of resources, insights, and layered media to pair with each book.
Engage in critical discussions and inquiry around contemporary issues in financial and economic education.
Build a community of educators and their advocates to support the teaching and learning of content found within Ohio’s
Learning Standards in Financial Literacy and the K–12 National Standards for Teaching Economics and Personal Finance.

SPRING 2026

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First 10 teachers receive a free copy of the book!

Poverty by America.png

Title: Poverty by America (2024, Penguin Random House Press)

Author: Matthew Desmond

Book Abstract: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond argues that poverty persists in the U.S. not from a lack of resources, but because the affluent benefit from systems that keep the poor down, such as exploiting low wages and overcharging for necessities like housing. The book, written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist, calls for a new approach, urging readers to become "poverty abolitionists" by recognizing their role and supporting policies that create shared prosperity, like strengthening the social safety net and increasing public investment.

Session 1: Thursday, February 12th, 5-6pm EST
Session 2: Thursday, March 5th, 5-6PM EST
Session 3: Thursday, April 2nd, 4:30-5:30PM EST
Session 4: Thursday, April 30th, 5-6pm EST