Social Studies


Social Studies Department Staff

Tobias Partridge - Toby Partridge teaches US History, AP Psychology, and Sociology. He began his teaching career in Würzburg, Germany. Shortly after returning to the US, he taught for three years at his alma mater, Pine Creek High School, in Colorado Springs. Mr. Partridge took a hiatus from education to teach technology skills and photography in the private sector. He fell in love with Manitou after moving here about four years ago and jumped at the chance to teach in this incredible historic community. In typical Manitoid fashion, he enjoys hiking, climbing the Incline, and spending time in his 100+ year-old cabin (which, he likes to point out, is smaller than his classroom). Mr. Partridge is passionate about exploring the intersection between STEM subjects and the humanities. He loves sparking thoughtful conversation and debate, and encouraging his students to think critically and ask questions.


Sam Duff  - Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Sam has spent most of his life in his home state. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 2021, followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2023. Outside of teaching, Sam stays active by coaching soccer and basketball at various levels within the district. His favorite pastimes include playing and watching sports, playing chess, cooking, running, hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family. Sam also enjoys walking his two dogs, Sassy and Brady, around the neighborhood.


Lawrence Housely -  Lawrence Housley has been teaching Social Studies for 8 years, covering everything from Economics and Government to US History, APUSH, and World History. Before jumping into the classroom, he worked in outdoor education, leading climbing, mountaineering, and avalanche safety courses. He lives in Manitou and is all about the outdoors. When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him running, rock climbing, or skiing—basically anything that gets him outside. Lawrence has a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in Education."


Brian Brown Brian Brown entered the field of education in 1985, after earning his degree from Western Illinois University, and joined the staff of MSHS in 2003. Brian has instructed a wide variety of courses connected to social studies, focusing on World History and AP courses while at Manitou. Throughout his educational career Brian has been honored with multiple Teacher and/or Coach of the Year awards in Illinois, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Brian was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s teachers in 1994 and inducted into the RLHS Hall of Fame in 2019. Since 1998, Brian has led student tours to Central America, Asia, and Europe accounting for a total of 24 trips outside of the U.S. Over his coaching career Brian has logged over 60 seasons on the field or in the gymnasium and served as a head coach for volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, and baseball. Outside of the school setting Brian likes to spend his time helping with Habitat for Humanity, “tinkering” around the house, doing handyman jobs for others, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with his soulmate, Gaye.

See the Curriculum Handbook for Social Studies courses we offer