Regarding his work with carpentry students on a sustainable tiny house, carpentry teacher Garrett Tingle received the 2024 Teacher of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Week (MCEW) organization for his work with carpentry students on a sustainable tiny house this fall.
“To be valued by parents and kids, it’s very redeeming and rewarding to be valued,” said Tingle. “When someone says, ‘I value what you have done, and I appreciate what you’ve done,’ it’s very rewarding.”
Tingle received the award from MCEW, which is “an organization that brings communities together to advance and advocate for clean energy and clean energy resources by hosting a week of events annually to promote clean energy”, according to the MCEW website.
Tingle worked with carpentry students on a sustainable tiny home for a shelter village, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, which provides temporary housing to the homeless. The project gained attention from MCEW because of Tingle’s goal to teach sustainability to his students.
“Mr. Tingle had the most nominations because of the energy efficient tiny home, but we were more interested in the principle of it,” said Karen Rhody, a representative from MCEW. “He stood out because of his refocusing his students to give back to the community.”
Sophomore Brandon Smith, a carpentry student, said, “He cares about his students and puts them first, and he has really taught me a lot, not just about carpentry.”
Sophomore Jamieson Kiley, a carpentry student, said, “He is a kind and respectful person and teacher, and builds a strong relationship with his students and with his community.”
According to Career and Technical Education (CTE) department head Kathleen Duff, TIngle’s love and dedication to his students has grown and improved the program.
According to Tingle, he hopes that students learn more than just the physical skill of carpentry in his class.
“The way I look at my job is to give them knowledge, understanding, and love, under the umbrella of carpentry,” said Tingle.
