Mark Cotter's lessons on U.S. history usually involve some research, some projects, and plenty of yucks and storytelling.

"We always know that people learn from stories," said Sharon Engel, principal at Eisenhower Elementary School in Coon Rapids, where Cotter teaches fifth-grade science and social studies. "Mark gets that. Plus, he brings humor to the classroom. He understands how to use humor without it getting away from him. Beyond that, he has a passion for kids. He invites them in rather than shutting them out."

That reputation goes beyond the confines of Eisenhower Elementary. Cotter was named Minnesota History Teacher of the Year recently, winning a $1,000 prize and some social studies books to be used by the school. He's now in the running for the National History Teacher of the Year award, expected to be selected sometime in November.

Cotter, 34, said he hadn't heard of the award, sponsored by the New York City-based Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, until he was approached about being nominated for it by a school instructional coach. What followed was a lot of work. Nominees for the award must submit one-page statements of their philosophies of teaching U.S. history, a sample lesson plan, a sample of an extended student project, and a video that demonstrates teaching practices.

"It took a lot of time, and I got a lot of help from my colleagues," said Cotter, who also serves as assistant hockey coach for Andover High School.

Cotter said he does some talking about history in his classroom, but prefers his students take matters in their own hands.

"I do a lot of research and projects where kids can get involved and do something they like," Cotter said. "It's kind of chaotic here once in awhile."

For instance, at the beginning of the year, Cotter's students took a number of individual approaches to their studies of American Indians. Some kids made Indian dwellings. Others created books about specific tribes. Others made American Indian fry bread. And some drew pictures.

Last year, Cotter's class wrote a thesis centered on the Battle of Gettysburg and designed newspapers to augment their studies of European explorers and the American Revolution.

As for his $1,000 prize, Cotter has some distinctly non-educational plans for it: He and his wife have settled on a spring break trip to Mexico.

Norman Draper • 612-673-4547