Mr. Bruce Rottman, Providence Hall humanities, government, and economics teacher, has been selected to participate in the “Perspectives From and On the Federal Reserve System” conference, co-hosted by the Professional Teachers of America, The Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (VA). The conference will be held April 26-28 in Washington, D.C.
In preparation for the conference’s text-based Socratic discussions, where he will serve as a discussion facilitator, Mr. Rottman is reading a variety of works on the history and basis of the Federal reserve monetary system, dating from an 1873 British book describing the Lombard Street money market to an article on the Dodd-Frank Act in a recent edition of The Economist magazine.
Calling himself “a certified Fed skeptic,” Mr. Rottman believes that the Fed, led by an unelected appointee, “has become the fourth branch of government, and perhaps the most important one of all.”
Given his wariness of the Federal Reserve system, why would he choose to accept the invitation to attend this seminar? “I want to meet Chairman Ben Bernanke,” he said. “He is one of the most influential people in the world today.” Mr. Rottman is looking forward to a Q&A session with Chairman Bernanke.
“I look forward to telling my students stories when I return from Washington,” said Rottman. “I like to find a way to bring important people up close and personal for my students, particularly when covering an abstract concept such as monetary policy. In fact, I wish I could bring my students with me.”
Bruce Rottman
