Mr. Garitty is not just a teacher, but a mentor, a role model, and a friend to his students. He has an immense passion for teaching that’s indestructible. He’s been inspiring young minds for over seven years he says: “I’ve had some of you guys as students for 6, 7 years and being a part of your journey has and is very rewarding watching you overcome certain things, learning new things. It’s very rewarding watching this.”
The quality that sets Mr. Garitty apart is his creative mind. When he is not in the classroom teaching, he’s at home building robots, making Disney items or he might be performing in a new movie, or perhaps just exploring the world of Disney for the 10th million time.
Mr. Garitty‘s greatest strength is his ability to connect with his students. He genuinely cares for each and every one of them and it shows in the way he teaches. “My favorite part about being a teacher is definitely been watching you guys grow and just getting better at yourselves,” said Garrity.
He’s always looking for new ways of making learning fun, from acting out scenes from his crazy stories to lecturing in fun ways instead of giving us packets. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his students can’t help but be drawn in by his energy and enthusiasm.
Despite life’s downturns, including a health issue that caused him to step back, he explains what happened to him: “Coming back to work and fighting through about eight months to a year. Physical therapy, fixing my lifestyle, myself, learning what you should be stressed about, what you shouldn’t be stressed about, and that was one of the biggest obstacles, but it was also one of the best experiences because it was an eye opening, it took me to the next level with that.”
Mr. Garitty remains optimistic and passionate. He has learned to look after himself now while still giving his heart and soul to teaching. His dedication to his students is evident in the way he looks after them, both in and out of the classroom. He is always willing to lend a listening ear or encouraging words when his students need them most.
Mr. Garitty‘s love of Disney and all things creative is a big part of his personality. He is a fan of the villainous Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, whom he believes is misunderstood as he explains “but a lot more are misunderstood. I think we should more sequels, or dive more into their characters.”
This appreciation for complexity is something he brings to teaching his students, encouraging them to ask questions and look at several different perspectives. Whether he is teaching drama, English, or just life lessons, Mr. Garitty brings a sense of wonder and excitement to class that is hard to find elsewhere.
To his students, Mr. Garitty is more than just a teacher, he’s a role model, a confidant, and a friend. He makes you feel seen, heard, and understood, and that’s something really special one of his students said “I like him, he’s very chill and he teaches nicely and teaches our pace.” He’s invested in each and every one of his students, and you can tell by the way he coaches them through life’s peaks and valleys.
One of the aspects that makes Mr. Garitty so unique is that he is able to mesh his teaching life with his life as an artist. He is an actor, a carpenter, and a Disney aficionado, and he manages to bring each of those interests into the classroom. His students enjoy seeing his artistic side, and they enjoy watching him use his creativity to turn lessons into entertaining and engaging experiences.
As a teacher, Mr. Garitty is dedicated to watching his students develop and thrive. He’s always looking for new ways of pushing them and allowing them to become everything that they can be. Through academic support, extracurricular sponsorship, or just a listening ear, Mr. Garitty is always there for his students.
In the end, Mr. Garitty‘s impact on his students goes far beyond the confines of his classroom. He’s showing them how to think creatively, to persist in the face of adversity, and to pursue their passions with energy and dedication. He’s proving that learning can be fun, and that it’s all right to take risks and try new things. And he’s pushing them to be their best selves, both inside and outside the classroom.
With his infectious enthusiasm, his creative genius, and his dedication to his students, Mr. Garitty is truly one of a kind. He’s making a difference in the lives of his students, and he’ll be doing so for years to come.