Thanks to Aaron Kruger, history is a hot topic at Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His world history and current events classes often have waiting lists, especially AP World History. Kruger introduces primary source documents, has students embody historical figures for role-playing exercises, and emphasizes the writing skills that pupils need to advance successfully in high school and beyond. Kruger’s classes cover controversial topics that might lead to heated discussions, but his thoughtful lessons respect multiple perspectives. At the end of the year, students have no idea what personal opinions or political stances their teacher holds—a masterful pedagogical feat, especially given the country’s recent tendency towards polarization. Kruger’s students excel, especially in his AP class, where scores on the AP World History exam consistently surpass state and global pass rates.
Kruger has served as department chair, sat on the building leadership and collaborative decision-making teams, and reworked the district’s world history curriculum. He is methodical and measured, a quiet leader. Inspired by Rick Wormeli’s “Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessing & Grading in the Differentiated Classroom,” Kruger started a thoughtful conversation with his colleagues about the benefits of offering students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning—a dialogue that has created true change within the school and administration.
Kruger is determined to help students hone their critical thinking skills and grow, both in and out of the classroom. He involves students in the process of improving his practice, coupling research on new instructional strategies with feedback from the teens in his classes. Kruger has coached multiple sports, always focused on continuous improvement and skill acquisition rather than the scoreboard. A constant and comforting presence in the hallways, Kruger is always available to help students before and after school. Many cite him as their inspiration for achieving AP Capstone designation and going on to college after graduation.
Kruger earned a bachelor’s in secondary education from the University of Wyoming in 2004.
Press release: Cheyenne's Aaron Kruger Earns $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Helping History Students Excel
"I chose education because I experienced a lot of..." (read more)
