Lowell High School teacher recognized by the Indiana Conservation Partnership's Leadership Institute
04/21/2016
Kevin Garling strives to set an example of leadership and community involvement for his students. He was honored by the Indiana Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Institute following his latest effort to lead by example.
Garling teaches natural resources, horticulture and landscape management at Lowell High School in Lowell. He has taught for 30 years, has been an ISTA member throughout his career and served as the Tri-Creek Teachers Organization local president.
His time working as a local president helps him in his current role on the Lake County Soil and Water District board of directors. Garling developed an ability to connect with legislators, while participating in ISTA lobby days. Now, legislators come to him with questions on conservation, water resources and other issues under the board’s jurisdiction. On applying for the board seat, Garling said, “I encourage my kids to develop leadership skills—I wanted to emulate. ISTA molded me for the next level of leadership,” said Garling.
His leadership development has continued and resulted in the honor from the Indiana Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Institute. Garling completed the Cornerstones of Leadership, a leadership development program tailored for Soil and Water District board members.
“Being in education, we realize we constantly grow and need continuing education,” said Garling. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and challenge myself.”
Garling learned a lot about himself as a leader. He took the Myers-Briggs test and found he was an ISFJ (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) learner and manager. Understanding learning styles through Myers-Briggs has helped him connect and teach students differing from his style.
“It’s [Cornerstones of Leadership] been a great learning experience for me,” said Garling. “I really enjoyed the program. The different aspects—it was just a different feel. I could see real life application. Being a vocational educator, I think that way sometimes.”
In addition to employing the skills learned in the program to his board responsibilities, Garling has found ways to use them in his classroom. He practices board management skills and community partnership development with the FFA program. His confidence has grown in managing people and resources and connecting to students via social media.
Garling was recognized during an awards ceremony at the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual meeting.
“Mr. Garling’s efforts to improve resources as Indiana’s conservation work progresses are an important part of our success,” said Jordan Seger, Division of Soil Conservation director. “His time, dedication and talent have made a tremendous difference in our state. We thank him for his leadership and dedication that he has shown our community.”