Nasdaq awards Hawai'i teacher

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Education Writer

Lance Suzuki, a Maryknoll School economics teacher known for his dynamic teaching style and devotion to student achievement, has been named grand national winner of the Nasdaq National Teaching Awards.

Suzuki

Suzuki's winning economics lesson, "What Does $2 Trillion Buy?" focused on the political side of the economy and how the federal budget is developed and approved by Congress.

Suzuki, 33, has taught at Maryknoll's high school for five years. He is regarded by colleagues and students at the private Catholic institution as a highly skilled teacher with a hands-on style, who uses real-world examples to illustrate important points and theories.

"He makes difficult ideas accessible," said Brian Tabata, a senior in one of Suzuki's classes. "And he's always available to help anyone who needs it."

The award is designed to recognize high school and middle school teachers for their originality, creativity and effectiveness in furthering student understanding of financial markets, the capital formation process, principles of investing, personal finance, entrepreneurship and market economies, according to Nasdaq, the largest U.S. electronic stock market.

"I read the other finalists' presentations, and I thought they were all equally outstanding," Suzuki said. "To be recognized like this is unexpected and overwhelming."

Suzuki's winning lesson required students to assume roles as government officials to propose and defend budget requests. Students representing a presidential administration explained their priorities to another group representing Congress, which scrutinized the ideas.

"I think it gives the kids a greater appreciation of the way the world works," Suzuki said of the teaching method. "It also gives them a greater appreciation of how these decisions affect them and other people."

Angela Branyon, a teacher whose class played the role of Congress, said the exercise also boosted student confidence.

"Lance was there with them while they were creating the budget, helping them do the research," she said. "But when it came time to present it and argue before Congress, Lance stepped out and told the kids, 'You can do it. You've got the research; you've got the background.' "

Suzuki is very knowledgeable about economics, but is careful to present lessons in a way that makes students comfortable and is effective, Branyon said.

"Lance is very good at remembering that he needs to bring students to where he is, not just make assumptions that they understand what he's talking about," she said.

Maryknoll President Michael Baker said Suzuki stayed late to coach the school's math team the night before he left for New York.

"He's one of the most dedicated people I have ever run across in my life," Baker said. "He's an outstanding teacher. I've been in this business over 40 years, and I've never seen anyone more dedicated than Lance."

Suzuki holds a bachelor's degree in economics, math and government from Claremont McKenna College and a master's degree in international policy studies from Stanford University.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.