The Garnicle: Spotlight on Mr. Christopher Garner

Christopher Garner has been teaching at John T. Hoggard High School for over 25 years. For 20 of those years, he coached our cheerleading team before switching to our girls’ volleyball team. Garner is the kind of teacher who genuinely wants students to enjoy learning. When asked what he hopes students take away from his class, he said, “Learning doesn’t have to be hard. It should be something you enjoy and keep doing for the rest of your life. The moment you stop learning, you start dying.”

Interestingly, Garner never planned to be a teacher. But almost every student who takes

a seat in his classroom can’t help but be glad he decided to become one. His career as an educator, he explains, began by accident: “Teaching was an accident. It wasn't my plan. My plan was to finish my degree in political science at UNCW and then go to law school.” Garner quickly realized that a typical 9-to-5 job in law wasn't the right fit. He's the kind of person who thrives in an unexpected and energetic environment, and he has created a classroom that reflects just that. He describes himself as an “energy-sucking vampire,” finding inspiration in the ever-changing, exciting lives of his students.

Anyone who has had Garner as a teacher knows it’s not a “normal” class. Presentations are full of fun, with disco balls, costumes, and more. AP Human Geography, AP U.S. History, and AP Psychology are usually daunting courses, but Garner has found a way to not only teach them, but to turn each class into a full production (literally!). He often begins class in character as a TV host—one student, Celia McCarthy, says, “You never know what to expect when you walk in the door.” Garner’s energy is truly one of a kind. It’s almost hard to believe he has been teaching for 25 years, as he is still so invested in every single class.

On theme with his unique style of teaching, Garner’s classroom is one of a kind. The decorations reflect his hobbies, life, and goals, some of which include: “Geeky stuff. I like Star Wars, superheroes, comic books, science fiction, and such. My kids, who are in college. Coaching volleyball. I’m always doing something different, always learning new things.” This shows his authenticity as both a person and a teacher. When asked where he would teach if he could go anywhere, he replied, “Hogwarts or the Jedi Academy, no place real.” These aspects of Mr. Garner and his class are part of what make him such a popular teacher, because he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Christopher Garner is an exceptional teacher, evident in his dedication and unique classroom. He is involved in several amazing Hoggard programs, including the girls’ volleyball team, Hoggard Helping Hearts club, and more. His advice to everyone reading this “Garnicle” is simple: “Sometimes, you have to know when to stop pushing, give yourself a break, and come back stronger.”