Dr. Zachary Bartsch—Teaching with Purpose
Dr.Zachary Bartsch
Assistant Professor of Economics
In this month’s faculty spotlight, meet Dr. Zachary Bartsch—an assistant professor of economics here at AMU.
What led you to study economics, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
I’ve always been interested in decisions that have a moral component. Since the outcome of our behavior is one of the margins on which we judge ‘goodness’, knowing the intended and unintended consequences of our behavior is pivotal. Knowing how the social world works—rather than how we think it should work—helps us to make prudential decisions personally and about policy.
Could you share a bit about your teaching philosophy and how it shapes your approach in the classroom?
My teaching rests on three pillars. (1) I believe that logic is of paramount importance. Memorization is inadequate to achieve excellence, so students must engage with content and follow the logic where it leads. (2) Everyone needs frequent feedback. Sometimes students don’t know that they need help, so frequent opportunities for assignment feedback help students learn from their mistakes before it’s too late. (3) Students are adults and face tradeoffs. Importantly, I don’t know their circumstances, skills, and consequences as well as they do. I leave students largely free to economize on their efforts, recognizing that they have many goals.
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching at Ave Maria?
I attended a public grade school and a public university. I love that my students are well-read and concerned about right and proper behavior. They think about the fullness of life and can discuss it better than I could at their age. I love that my students are wiser than I was at their age. I often have my children on campus, and the students always exhibit kindness and generosity toward them. I couldn’t ask for better exposure for my children. My students are excellent people.
Outside of teaching, what are some of your passions or hobbies?
I enjoy reading and breathing economics. I’m a contributor to a blog, Economist Writing Every Day, where I write about a variety of economic topics every week. Having attended an engineering magnet school, I also enjoy learning about new ideas in math or physics. I also enjoy time spent fixing our car, golf cart, or items around the house. Of course, anytime that I can get my children involved is a huge bonus—my kids are pretty great!
