Mr. Meniga is a new social studies teacher at Vallivue High School this year. He teaches US History 1 for sophomores, US History 2 for juniors, and government for seniors. US History 2 and government are brand new subjects he is teaching this year. He grew up in Michigan and Illinois and has taught at many places over the years, including Columbia High School, the Juvenile Department of Corrections, and Elevate Academy Nampa. 

Meninga said the schools are very different: “Kids are a lot more free and independent in this place.” He also says “Vallivue has a very good culture. The kids are friendly to each other in the hallways, kids do their homework, kids are very productive here and I think it is a very good culture.” He came to Vallivue because he heard so many good things about the school.

He originally wanted to be a guidance counselor, but he ended up dropping out of college because it got really difficult for him. He stated that “he spent about the next 15 years regretting my decision.” Before he returned to school, he worked at Costco as a forklift operator. He did not graduate from BSU until he was 40, and this is his ninth year of teaching. 

Meninga returned to school to become a teacher. At the same time, his wife also went back to school to be a nurse, and they moved here from California because prices were too expensive there. One of Meniga’s favorite things about teaching is when former students stop by and want to talk to him.

Some of Meninga’s hobbies outside of work include hunting and shooting. He also likes to go thrifting in his free time, and he enjoys it the most when he is with his wife. Thrifting is something fun they like to do together.