My 7th grade history teacher was so good (and I was so not interested then), but I'm amazed at how much information I learned in her class. Then, in high school, I had two different teachers (switched classes at semester break - schedule conflicts). The 1st semester was a coach, he wasn't a great teacher and I don't remember anything except wanting to sleep. He was sooooo boring. My 2nd teacher made history come alive, which helped spark the interest I already had (my family restored antiques: cars, trunks, clothing). He was a funny guy too, which helps hold interest (even for those not interested).