James Tierney

A full-time economics instructor at Penn State with a few side hustles.
Economics | Education | Entrepreneurship | Improv
Take a look around and feel free to connect.

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Getting a Label on the Right-Vertical Axis on FRED

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Dr. Colin Knapp (twitter) likes to come into my office and ask…

Inflation vs Deflation vs Disinflation

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One of the key economic indicators all macroeconomic classes…

That Time I Said 'Bong Water' in Class

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During the first week of most introductory economics classes,…

The Tooth Fairy and Unintended Consequences

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Here is one of my favorite cartoons to show first-time economics…

A First-Day Country Song

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Kim and I are heading on vacation starting tomorrow. I received…

Supply and Demand in The Ranch

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I already have a ton of supply and demand material for class.…

Some Easter Economics

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I've started doing improv again which has introduced me to great…

Examples of Time Inconsistency

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Time inconsistency, in behavioral economics, explains how economic…

Bison: A Supply & Demand Lesson

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Marketplace published a story last week on the changes happening…

Some nice words from collaborators and students

Nothing short of amazing! Great stories, fun visuals, and solid connections that had students talking for days after the conference ended. James delivers relevant, well-thought out, entertaining points which provided the best kickoff for our regional model UN conference.

Jason BorrieFaculty AdviserNCMUN

Professor Tierney was a delight to have class with. His witty instruction style makes students eager to pay attention in class, which aids in learning and retention.

Andrew UhringPenn State StudentTwitter Account

Professor Tierney was the most engaging professor I ever had and it was a pleasure to take his class. He encouraged all students to understand a subject completely before forming a personal opinion.

Jon S.Penn State Student

After having professor Tierney for both a lecture and online class I continue to be inspired by his ability to engage and relate with students. The impact he had my freshman year made me want to continue my Econ studies.

Davey DudrearPenn State Student

Professor Tierney’s background of real world experience and academic achievement led to even his more difficult class material being easier to digest while continuing to be engaging and insightful.

Riley ComptonPenn State Student

James made our Improv class feel quickly at ease. He consistently found ways to accentuate the positive, and inspire us to step outside our comfort zones.

Margaret Arnold HigginsImprov Student

James has been a pleasure to work with. He has all of the usual qualities you want in a contractor- great work product, great organizational skills, meets deadlines, professional, blah, blah, blah. But because he also has an entrepreneurial mindset, he is simultaneously suggesting ways to improve a product, connecting you to his network, and even brainstorming new products based on his deep understanding of the education sector and your position in that environment.

Mary Clare PeateInstructional Designer & Video Producer, MR UniveristyMR University

Here is a list of ways we can collaborate

Content Creation

Have a blog that needs more content? So do I. Let’s help each other out and write a few overlapping posts to reach new audiences.

Classroom Consulting

Want to change up your classroom? Revamp your syllabus? Let’s talk. I’d love to see what you’re doing and offer some tips.

Speaking

Looking for a speaker on education, entrepreneurship, or how improv theatre connects to everyday life? My favorite thing is to customize engaging presentations.

Podcast Guest

Do you have an education podcast or an entrepreneurship podcast? Book me. I like to talk.

Improv Workshops

Looking to do team-building in a fun and engaging way? My company, Happy Valley Improv, would love to chat about how we can help.

Idea Feedback

Have a new business idea? Me too. Well, usually I do. Let’s chat and see if we can make them realities.

Want to get in touch? Use the form below!

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