After graduating from Appalachian State University in 2014, Garrett Howlett began teaching technology, business and drafting courses at Mount Airy High School. He worked as the lead STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) teacher for Mount Airy Schools, leading STEAM initiatives with teachers throughout the district while continuing to teach high school courses. He later became a STEM coordinator.

He said that Appalachian helped shape the way he approaches teaching:

“I was well prepared in problem solving and integrating project-based learning into my lesson plans…I was able to get a lot of hands-on experience in learning and how to deliver an engaging and comprehensive lesson.”

Howlett double majored in technology education and building science. His technology education major is now called Career and Technical Education, which is offered in five concentrations.  

When Howlett applied to colleges, Appalachian’s student life, affordability and educational standard caught his eye.

Howlett spent most of his time at Appalachian in the Reich College of Education and what’s now called the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment. He said he viewed these departments as a giant workshop for prospective technology-based professions where students could practice, play and learn.

“If anyone is considering a career in technology or education, they should deeply consider attending Appalachian. Appalachian has everything a college student could ask for. It provides students with an excellent education at an affordable price, with the same opportunities as big universities. There are a lot of extracurricular activities to participate in, football and a top-of-the-line education,” Howlett said.

Additional information provided by Mount Airy City Schools