The Heartbeat of AP Economics at Collingwood

Ms.Karcz passionately explaining AP Economics concepts

As one sets foot in the lecture theatre on any Thursday FLEX, there will be a magnificent scene with forty or so students furiously writing past year’s FRQs.  No Snapchat, no computers, no distractions.  How does one complete such an impossible task?  The key is a Polish-accented, charismatic, and kind, economics teacher.  

For over three decades, Ms.Karcz has been a dedicated educator at Collingwood School, impacting generations of students. With her engaging teaching methods, and unwavering enthusiasm, her journey to teaching economics was anything but conventional.  Known for her strong Polish accent and dynamic teaching style, Ms. Karcz makes students think critically. Her students often start the course with little understanding of the subject but gain confidence over time—also one of her favorite aspects of teaching.  She often introduces controversial ideas to spark debate, challenging students to broaden their perspectives. She also motivates students with bonus assignments, demonstrating that there is always more to learn.

Born and raised in Poland, Ms.Karcz’s initial decision to study economics was largely influenced by her peers. After high school, she followed them into the field.  At the time, she knew little to nothing about economics, but she soon embarked on a five-year program that included a master’s degree.  During her studies, her specialty required practical training in a shipyard—an experience she candidly admits she "hated." But with the free university education in Poland, she persevered, earning her degree. Her academic journey also included a master’s degree in physical geography, a subject she equally enjoyed.

Interestingly, teaching economics was never part of her plan. However, she embraced the opportunity when Collingwood needed a teacher who could teach economics and geography.   That being said, Ms. Karcz’s influence at Collingwood extends far beyond the classroom. Her economics classes have inspired many students to pursue the subject at top universities.  Collingwood’s Economics Club, the longest-running club at Collingwood ----- originally began as a small initiative tied to an economics competition with Ms.Karcz being the only female teacher on site!  As the club grows into the success it is today, it brings the passion and curiosity of its students for economics along the way.  

When asked about her favorite aspect of teaching economics, Ms. Karcz quickly points to microeconomics. As an AP Microeconomics reader, she enjoys the analytical nature of the subject. However, she also recognizes the vital role macroeconomics plays in understanding the world, emphasizing the importance of making informed financial and policy decisions.  Unsurprisingly, Ms.Karcz immediately prefers graphs over equations, finding them to be a powerful visual tool for explaining economic concepts. 

For Ms. Karcz, in-person teaching is irreplaceable. While online classes may be convenient, she thrives in a classroom setting, where students' energy fuels her own. She believes that being around young people keeps her connected to new trends and perspectives, reinforcing her love for teaching.  

To help students succeed in AP Economics, Ms. Karcz offers four key pieces of advice:

1. Attend every class 

2. Stay as focused as you can……

3. Take your own notes – Relying on past notes won’t help as much as actively writing your own.  

4. Always review your notes!  

   
   

Whether she’s teaching students about Burkina Faso’s capital (Ouagadougou) or guiding them through complex economic theories, Ms. Karcz remains a key pillar of inspiration at Collingwood. Her passion for teaching, ability to challenge students, and dedication to their success ensure that her impact will be felt for years.

As a current AP Economics student, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Ms. Karcz’s exceptional teaching. Her ability to convey complex economic concepts is nothing short of phenomenal. The real-world scenarios she crafts not only deepen our understanding but also make learning engaging and memorable. Her dedication to ensuring that information is both shared and absorbed transforms the classroom into a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.  

Below is a 21-line poem by grade 10 student Frank Zhou regarding his experiences in AP Economics with Ms.Karcz.  

To econ or not to econ?

My intrusive thoughts clogged my CPU.

As I sat at the back of the class,

Daydreaming about home, dinner, and touching grass.

Ms. Karcz’s handwriting danced and twirled 

Like hieroglyphics across the whiteboard

The seconds were an eternity

As I faced the incessant onslaught of words, equations, and graphs

Before I came to my senses, she was towering over me

Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa

“Sunshine, what is the capital of Burkina Faso?”

“Oogabooga!! Ooh… Uhhh…”

SLAM! Her ruler unleashed onto my desk

A suspenseful silence succeeded.

For her disappointment is my kryptonite.

And her wrath will be my demise. 

“Ouagadougou, you munchkin!”

I wanted to disappear from the room, 

But my brain, already infested, protested:

The opportunity cost is too high!

Economics, the science of consumption, has consumed me.