History definitely repeats itself in Drew Moneke’s social studies courses at West Salem High School in Salem, OR. A regular occurrence is a simulation or reproduction of the historical events the class is discussing, where students can relive as well as review the material in question. For examples, Moneke serves tea and English biscuits to students for his instruction on the Boston Tea Party, and dresses in World War I army gear while teaching a lesson on trench warfare. This blend of history with the histrionic has created a dramatic improvement in AP student test scores, which reached the highest success rate on record at West Salem High, with 80 percent of students passing their AP history exams.
With so many students under his tutelage—he teaches more students than any other teacher, 135 students in four classes—Moneke always has a creative way of keeping students’ attention. He often takes students outside for class or into a new space, such as a hallway or auditorium, for a change of pace. During the winter holidays, Moneke plays music in class, changing the lyrics of carols and jingles to historical facts his student need to remember. Moneke also shares his expertise in dramatics as the coach of West Salem High’s award-winning mock trial program. Recently, he presented at the Oregon Council for Social Studies (OCSS) on how to set up mock trial programs; this way, other teachers can repeat Moneke’s success
2013 Lowell Milken Center Fellow
1998 Pacific Lutheran University, B.S.
