The auto-shop teacher, Mr. Garrett, at Shadow Ridge High School has been awarded the best CTE (Career Technical Education) teacher of the year. He has been teaching the automotive class for many years and wants to continue reaching new goals and introducing students to the knowledge of automobiles.
Mr. Garrett has been a teacher at Shadow for three and a half years. He enjoys getting to know the new students who join his program as well as seeing the continuing kids grow their knowledge based on his class. He encourages many students to join auto because it can help with future problems and skill based knowledge needed to work a vehicle. The class is also very fun and easy going if one can get their hands dirty and learn the material.
“I believe what makes me a good teacher is that I have built a good relationship with the students and I can tell that I do make a difference for them. I am getting the students ready for the real world outside of school,” mentions Mr. Garrett.
Many newcomers who come to Shadow Ridge have chosen the auto class out of pure curiosity, but returners have made the choice to continue taking the class as they have realized it is much more than just learning about cars. Mr. Garrett tries to limit the boring things that go on in school and tries to create activities where students will get hands-on experience as well as the knowledge they need to know to pass his class. The students help him learn new things as well because everyone thinks differently and has different questions.
Mr. Garrett comments, “I keep the class fun by having as much shop time as possible. There are days where we have to have class time, but I try to have minimal class time as possible. I also try to keep class fun by always having jobs/stations to do while we are in the shop. I believe I won this award because I do feel like I am making a difference for Shadow students. I get feedback from students that I helped them get a certain job or helped them get a car that they’ve been wanting and things like that.”
Mr. Garrett believes that he has won the award due to his helpfulness to the students at the Ridge and wants to have many others join his class so he can perform that duty to other willing students. The CTE course may be a lot of memorizing but students are sure to have a fun take on the real life experience that will help them in the future after they graduate. The class will teach students about what it is like to have a job even if it may not be in the automotive industry.
“I recommend my class because I will get the students ready for the real world and get them knowing a bunch of information about the automobile. Students will be able to perform basic oil changes, light repairs, basic electrical and much, much more. I want to make sure the students are ready to start their first job and not let them be in a situation where they have no idea what they are doing,” states Mr. Garrett.
Mateos Perez is a student currently in Mr. Garrett’s Auto One class and has enjoyed it throughout the year. He chose this class because he wanted to have more education on automobiles and how they work.
Mateos mentions, “My auto class has helped me with my knowledge on cars, how they work, and the different jobs I am able to get with an education in auto. There are a lot of people needed in auto class, so it’s great to learn about the cars if you’re interested a well as having fun and making new friends.”
