Mr. David Walp is in his sixth year as a member of the social studies department at Moravian Academy.

In addition to teaching world history in the eighth grade, Mr. Walp chairs the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, is the eighth-grade dean and a grade-level advisor, serves on the Student Support Team, and lastly is an electives teacher. Formerly, Mr. Walp was also the girls’ lacrosse coach. Mr. Walp wears many hats in the Middle School and serves our community in many ways. 

Let's get to know Mr Walp.

Why middle school? 

Teaching middle school keeps you on your toes, but it is well worth it. Middle school students are full of energy, have a skeptical but deep curiosity, are experiencing rapid growth and change, and strongly desire to demonstrate their competence and autonomy. This creates an amazing climate for building relationships and exploring the world.

What aspect of your curriculum/program do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

I think the heart of my curriculum is examining and discussing various human rights issues around the world. Eighth graders are keenly interested in concepts of justice and fairness and ready to tackle big problems with complicated solutions.

In social studies, we look at several civil rights and independence movements, impacts of war such as unexploded ordinance and refugees, and development issues such as water scarcity. These can challenge students in many ways, but without fail these are the topics that generate the most student interest and passion from year to year. In particular, students are empowered when we include people and groups working for positive change – especially teens and young adults.

What is your favorite moment/event at Moravian Academy during the school year? 

The Red and Gold games are always one of the highlights for me. I appreciate that we are able to bring our entire school together for a day of play and community building. It’s always a pleasure to check in on past students as well as my colleagues from other divisions. 

What do you most enjoy about teaching at Moravian Academy?

I am proud to be a small part of Moravian Academy’s rich history and traditions, and I am a firm believer in our mission and strategic goals. We have an amazing community of teachers, leaders, learners and families that means we can provide a uniquely excellent experience for all of our students.

What do you hope to provide to students in your classes and what do you hope they take away?

My primary goal is to help students build and grow skills they need to engage with and learn more about the world we live in. This includes applying critical skills such as comparing and contrasting similar events across different times and places, using thematic analysis to interrogate key events and trends, crafting written arguments and opinions and comprehensive research skills.

My hope is that students take away from my class a sense of curiosity about world history and current events as well as the confidence and skills to ask probing questions and seek out the answers.

What's something we don’t know about you?

Many people don’t know that I served for 10 years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned from your students?

The key lesson I’ve learned, and sometimes need to relearn, is that first and foremost students want to know that you care about them. The level and type of support they may need, and their interest in a particular class or topic, and their overall academic success can vary widely, but the need for authentic interpersonal connection is constant.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of Moravian Academy, I most enjoy spending time with my family and three cats. Additionally, I am a member of, and currently serving as the president for, the Lehigh Valley Chorale, a non-profit and non-audition singing group with over 100 members. In my remaining free time, you can likely find me playing board games with friends.