Social Studies

Northwood Social Studies Guiding Philosophy

The Northwood HS Social Studies department believes the study of social sciences is necessary for navigating an increasingly complex society. A critical understanding of the history of political and economic evolution as well as social interaction provides a lens through which students can better evaluate the present and chart their own future. We expect that students will be active learners, analyze primary sources, write persuasively, consider multiple perspectives, and appreciate human and cultural diversity. To meet these goals, the social studies department offers a variety of courses, including five Advanced Placement classes. It is our hope that each Northwood student will challenge themselves in an AP course prior to graduation.

“Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research.”

-- Malcolm X

Department Bios

Telephone: 301-649-8274

Mr. Damon Monteleone

Mr. Damon Monteleone was raised in Columbia, MD before attending the University of Maryland where he majored in History and Education. He then embarked on a cross-country journey and settled in California for a year. Upon returning to DC, he began his teaching career at Paint Branch High School. Since then he’s taught at BCC High School, in Vienna, Austria, and in the Dominican Republic. In addition to owning a Master’s Degree in International Education from Framingham State College, Mr. Monteleone is a contributing author to the textbook, American History (Emond-Montgomery, 2008.) He enjoys reading, political discussions, and running. When not devoting himself to his beautiful wife and two little boys, he sneaks in some time on the couch watching the Ravens, Orioles and Terrapins.

In order to be actively engaged in historical thought, an emphasis must not only be placed on facts and information from the content area, but the ability to apply the body of knowledge through critical thinking, discussion and debate, and above all, persuasive writing. Too often students are lost in a sea of meaningless terms, events and names. The goal should be to allow students to make larger, big picture connections. In doing so, students will be able to see where and how they fit into history and the thus, the world around them.

Courses: AP US History & Global Issues

Mr. Mark Brown

Mr. Mark Brown was born and raised in New Jersey. Upon graduating from high school he went to Hampton University in Hampton, VA where he majored in History. He then returned to Hampton University and earned his Masters in Teaching degree the following year. Mr. Brown taught in the Newport News Public Schools system in Newport News, VA for four years where he taught U.S. History for one year and Honors World Geography for four years. Mr. Brown moved to Maryland in 2006 and is currently in his third year of teaching at Northwood High School.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Brown is the Head Coach for both the Boys & Girls Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. Mr. Brown's passion is people and he enjoys having the opportunity to cultivate young minds. His favorite sports team is the Philadelphia Eagles and he lives by the motto: "If I fail at people, then I have failed!"

Courses: US History, AP Human Geography

Mr. Andre Hansard

Mr. Andre Hansard is a native of Central Pennsylvania and graduated from Providence College with a degree in History and Secondary Education. He then went on to the University of Vermont where he received his masters in history based on his research and study of the establishment of race in the United States. His thesis “Historians and the Development of Racial Laws in 16th Century New York and Virginia” was published nationally. Besides being a big movie buff he also enjoys cheering on his favorite football team the Philadelphia Eagles.

Students should embrace their culture and their history to become better citizens and owners of their futures. History is essential to understanding the world today and we can no longer afford to be isolated by our ignorance or refusal to accept the diversity that is contained in the world. Mr. Hansard is most fascinated with the study of racial relations and how that has not only affected this country but the world and enjoys revealing the misconceptions and half-truths that many students may have about history.

Courses: Modern World History, Honors Modern World History

Mr. Joseph Jelen

Mr. Joseph Jelen is a Silver Spring native and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in government and politics. Mr. Jelen then received his Masters degree from the University of Maryland in secondary education. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, cooking, and cheering for his beloved Terps and Redskins.

Students should become critical thinkers and be constantly evaluating the messages that they are being confronted with, including being conscious of those messages that are trying to shape their identity. Mr. Jelen is most fascinated by political history and the 1960's and hopes to share that same passion with students.

Courses: AP Support, AP US History

Mrs. Monica Bond-Lamberty

Mrs. Monica Bond-Lamberty was born in DC (on Pennsylvania Avenue!), but then lived off and on in No. VA when she wasn't overseas with her family (her father was in the foreign service). She lived (both with her family and on her own) in the Dominican Republic, Poland, Peru, Guatemala, Japan, and Nicaragua and has traveled a fair amount in Europe, Latin America, Asia and North Africa. She received her BA in history from Williams College in Massachusetts and her MAT from Brown University in Rhode Island. For 9 years Mrs. Bond-Lamberty taught in Madison, WI. She loves reading (about world history, economics and mysteries) and her family especially her daughter.

Mrs. Bond-Lamberty believes that students do best by being taught in a variety of formats and she tries to address several of the multiple intelligences in her classroom (verbal, visual and musical). She also believes that students succeed when shown what exactly is expected of them. She loves world history and has won teaching prizes from the World History Association and had those lessons published. She served on the Test Development Committee for the Advanced Placement World History Exam, has written questions for the exam and has been a reader or table leader for that exam since the first year the exam was given. She is also nationally board certified in social studies.

Courses: AP World History
Web Links: AP World History
AP World History Student Survival Guide: Word | PDF

Mr. Carlos Montalvan

Mr. Carlos Montalvan is a Montgomery County native, graduating from Watkins Mill High School. Mr. Montalvan double majored in psychology and history at Tufts University, where he also played soccer. After earning his bachelors degree, he remained at Tufts to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching. Mr. Montalvan teaches AP Psychology and Sociology and is the head coach for the Girls Varsity Soccer Team.

Mr. Montalvan is interested in making psychology and history relevant to his students. He emphasizes critical thinking skills and analysis instead of rote memorization. He is interested in cognitive and social psychology as well as the effects of political actions on our society.

Courses: AP Psychology, Sociology

Mr. Kurt Logsdon

Mr. Kurt Logsdon currently teaches American History. He was a graduate of Gaithersburg High School. Mr. Logsdon did his undergraduate and graduate work at Salisbury State University where he received a BS in American History and a Masters degree in Education.

Mr. Logsdon believes firmly that all students can be successful in academics and extra-curricular activities. The student must be challenged critically while using the help given by the teacher. This will allow the student to be very successful in high school and any future academic desires.

Courses: US History

*Please note that Mr. Kyle McHale is currently substituting for Mr. Logsdon.

Mr. David Edlow

Mr. David Edlow is a Rockville native and graduated from the Rider University with a degree in history and secondary education. Mr. Edlow has his master's degree from McDaniel College in Exercise Science. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, lacrosse, coaching, and cheering for his beloved Redskins all the way to the Super Bowl.

Students should become critical thinkers and constantly question the messages that they are being confronted with currently, defend their point of view, and become educated citizens of their community. Mr. Edlow is interested in U.S. foreign policy and hopes to share that same passion with students.

Courses: NSL Government, Honors NSL Government

Mr. Jonathan D'Souza

Mr. Jonathan D'Souza was born and raised in Montgomery County. He graduated from Sherwood High and then the University of Maryland with a degree in U.S. History and Education. Mr. D'Souza has an affinity for all types of food and is a huge supporter of all home team sports.

Mr. D’Souza cultivated his educational philosophy and approach at the University of Maryland. He believes that critical thinking and the use of technology are important cornerstones in education because it allows students to become productive, efficient and effective contributors to society, now and in the future

Courses: AP NSL Government, US History

Ms. Asewe Onyango

Ms. Asewe Onyango

Courses: Psychology, NSL Government

Mr. Joseph Cornet

Mr. Joseph Cornet is a Rockville native and a graduate of T.S. Wootton High School. He went on to earn an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Montgomery College. Mr. Cornet finished his undergraduate work at Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and then went on to earn A Master of Arts in Teaching. He is currently teaching Modern World History and National, State, and Local Government.

With regards to history, Mr. Cornet is interested in applying history learned to real life. Students will learn about the past in order to shape the future. He emphasizes the impact of past events on our lives today. Mr. Cornet also has a passion for politics and how government works. Students will be engaged to learn the workings of their government and the effects it has on society.

Courses: Honors NSL, Honors Modern World History, Modern World History