St. Regis High School teacher Jeff Stanek was recently named the Gilder Lehrman Institute Montana History Teacher of the Year. 

Each year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute searches for the finest history teachers in the United States to acknowledge the important work they do. Since 2004, over 1,000 outstanding elementary, middle and high school teachers have been recognized.

Stanek was awarded $1,000, a plaque and was able to select a variety of educational resources to support his teaching and work in the classroom. 

“He is a great teacher because he makes learning fun," Principal Shaun Ball said. "History comes to life when he teaches; he wears tinfoil hats, colonial wigs, and bangs his gavel loudly to engage kids.”  

Stanek is wrapping up his eighth year of teaching at St. Regis High School. He is known for using unique teaching methods and learning strategies to reinforce lessons for students. 

“He even imposes a pencil tax on some of them," Ball said. "It’s become pretty serious at times; in fact, I’ve had four or five parents over the years upset with me because I’ve allowed such tyrannical behavior from a teacher. They were upset because we were taking their pencils away on a daily basis, but don’t worry, all of the students got their pencils back at the end of the project. These are just a few of the things he does to make learning fun."

Each state assembled a committee of history teachers, professors, and other education professionals to review the nominated teachers in their state. Each state winner was then awarded $1,000 and became a nominee in the national contest. The national panel of eminent historians, former winners, and master teachers selects one national winner for the $10,000 award.

    Jeff Stanek, his wife Cassie, and their boys Ivan and Ezekiel enjoyed a celebratory dinner out at Quinn's in honor of his recent History Teacher award. (Photo courtesy St. Regis School)