Mullet brings lessons to life through creativity and connection
Laurel Mullet is in her 34th year of teaching in the Garaway Local School District. She teaches seventh grade English/language arts at Garaway Middle School.
For 34 years Laurel Mullet has been a fixture at Garaway Local Schools, where she currently teaches seventh grade English/language arts. But to her students, she’s much more than just a teacher — she’s a mentor, a creative force and often a lifelong friend.
A 1987 graduate of Dover High School and a 1991 graduate of Ohio University, Mullet went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Mary Grove in 2000. She knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher, following in the footsteps of her mother, sister, grandparents and great-aunt.
“I was lucky to have some truly inspiring teachers along the way who made a lasting impact and deepened my passion for teaching,” Mullet said.
That passion shines in the classroom, where she’s known for designing creative, immersive lessons that bring learning to life. One of her favorite memories is a fifth grade immigration unit she led at Baltic Elementary. Students became immigrants, complete with personal backstories, passports and a classroom transformed into Ellis Island.
“We even had a makeshift soup kitchen where students ‘ate’ as new arrivals would have,” she said. “Some were even ‘sent back,’ giving them a realistic sense of the challenges many immigrants faced in the early 1900s. It was a powerful, hands-on experience.”
Mullet sees curriculum development as more than just academics. It’s a way to form connections. Many of her former students have remained in touch into adulthood.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow and to build those connections beyond the classroom,” she said.
The most challenging part, she said, is reaching students who may be struggling outside of school. It’s difficult to create lessons that inspire students to blossom, “especially when they’re facing difficult life circumstances where school may not feel like a priority,” she said.
Outside of school Mullet enjoys time with family, outdoor fires, sports, concerts and DIY projects. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she’s always building curriculum, community and connections that last a lifetime.
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.