MARQUETTE, Mich.—By presenting a two-day workshop in Japan for K-12 teachers from all over the country and promoting the newly revised textbook she co-authored, Common Sense Economics, Northern Michigan University Professor Tawni Ferrarini is putting the NMU Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship on the global map.

Ferrarini was in Japan representing the center, which she co-directs, and the national Council for Economic Education. She delivered the workshop with the help of two translators. Thirty teachers attended. Each received Upper Peninsula mementos.

“I gave them packets of iron ore pellets donated by Cliffs Natural Resources,” said Ferrarini, who is also the NMU Sam M. Cohodas Professor at NMU. “Rock candy subsidized by Donckers and a copper coin I purchased with a stamp of the U.P. map as a gift from the CEEE also found their way into the hands of these Japanese teachers.  Raw resources are highly valued in Japan, so I thought this combination of gifts would be symbolic of the mutually beneficial relationship between the U.P. and Japan.

“This helps to put Northern’s CEEE on the global map. We’ve made a regional impact and received state and national recognition. Now we’re tapping international venues. I plan to continue work with the CEE-Japan and will likely return for future workshops.”

Ferrarini is also promoting the textbook, which is subtitled What Everyone Should Know about Wealth and Prosperity. She was invited to be the fourth author of the second edition published last fall and maintains an accompanying website with information on the book, instructional and learning tools, supplementary materials and links to pop culture economics references and other resources designed to make economics fun.

“The book is written from a basic level so it is readable and easy to understand,” she said. “It is divided into four parts that address the key elements of economics, seven fundamentals for economic growth, the role of government and practical personal finance. It really gets down to the nitty gritty of how the economy works and how people can make sound economic choices and financial decisions—both personally and politically. Every decision is an economic one and the choices we make impact ourselves, others and society. This shows how economics relates to every aspect of life.”

For more information, visit www.commonsenseeconomics.com.