Author

Laurence Christopher taught high school economics and government at Hastings High School for over 25 years.   Mr. Christopher had taught all levels of economics and government from applied courses to Advanced Placement Micro and Marcoeconomics as well as Advanced Placement American Government.  Over 90% of his A.P. American Government students, who attempted the College Board, earned college credit. Further, 88% of his A.P. economic students, who attempted the College Board, earned college credit.

Mr. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Science degree (Summa Cum Laude) in economics, political science and sociology from Western Michigan University in 1980.  Mr. Christopher earned a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Western Michigan University in 2004 and is highly skilled in using the latest technology to deliver instruction. He has graduate studies at the University of Michigan and Stockholm University in political science, economics and social science. 

Mr. Christopher was the Social Studies Department Coordinator at Hastings High School from 1991-2010.  Under his leadership the high school has achieved an increase in the number of students meeting state expectations for the social studies benchmarks from 33% to 86% (class of 2010). 

Mr. Christopher wrote High School Economics and High School Government and developed the corresponding teaching materials around his 25 years of experience teaching economics and government to high school students. Mr. Christopher has been highly innovative in his teaching methods including the early use of PowerPoints as well as the more traditional lectures, simulations, worksheets, study guides, quizzes and tests. His materials also include integration of the popular "clicker" or student response remotes that are very successful in engaging students in the learning process.  Unlike traditional economics and government textbooks, High School Economics and High School Government were prepared solely for high school students taking basic high school economics and government courses.  

Mr. Christopher started Christopher Productions, LLC in 2007 and in its first year (2008) sold his textbook to ten high schools throughout the United States. There are currently 30 high schools in 13 states using High School Economics. He also created the PowerPoint presentations for the recently published Personal Finance textbook published by EMC Publishing. 

Mr. Christopher retired from teaching in June 2010 to concentrate solely on his publishing business. He has two daughters and lives in Portage, Michigan.  He has traveled to all 50 states and ten Canadian Provinces with his daughters over the past 15 years.  To see a map chronicling their travels please go to the Christopher Map