Instructor of Physical Education Jonathan Howard climbs onto the tables at the front of his class. He is about to demonstrate to his students how to measure the intensity of exercise by how easy it is to talk while increasing the speed of activity. He runs along the tables in front of the class as he lectures. The students are laughing… but more importantly, says Howard, they are learning. Howard was honored as the 2018 Cobb County Chamber of Commerce teacher of the year for Georgia Highlands College for his devotion to students and his unique approach to teaching. “The biggest thing is I make sure that students stated that he “loves to teach these courses” because can relax while they learn by trying to make sure the content “directly relates” to students and can be they can laugh throughout class,” Howard said. explained through “examples all students have gone “Students can ask questions at any time and I will through.” always do my best to answer them, even if we have Howard said he was honored to represent GHC to find that answer together in class. If students are and be chosen as the 2018 Cobb County Chamber of interested in something, we will make class about Commerce teacher of the year for the college. those topics instead of what the textbook may be “This honor is very meaningful,” he said. “When trying to have us cover that day.” I won this award, many people showed me how Howard started at GHC in 2016. He holds a much influence you can have on those around you. Master of Science in Applied Exercise and Health This award also reaffirmed that I am doing what is Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology right to help this institution and my students.” from Kennesaw State University. He was drawn to work at GHC because he “saw how much the instiE.C.O. RIVER EDUCATION CENTER tution cared about the students and how closely they work with them to help them succeed.” Howard’s own formula for student success is to be as interactive as possible. “The best part of teaching is coaching students to answer questions that they have no clue on how to answer,” he said. “You start by letting them tell you what they know and then guide them with small questions that they can connect to answer complex question. When you see the face of student when everything connects Rome-Floyd E.C.O. River Education Center Director Ben Winkelman and they can fully explain it, it is a spoke to students in a special topics course at GHC about his work worthwhile experience.” and time as a wildlife biologist and his efforts with the E.C.O. Center Howard teaches a variety of based in Rome. courses, including physical education courses and science labs. He
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Faculty Spotlight
Jonathan Howard honored by Cobb County Chamber of Commerce