Brett Howard: 'I love watching students rise to the challenge'

When students walk into Brett Howard’s classroom at Marina High School, they’re greeted with energy, curiosity, and often a booming voice brimming with enthusiasm. But beneath the humor, Howard is deeply committed to helping students discover their own potential in science.

Howard, now in his fifth year at Marina High, didn’t follow the traditional path to education. Before entering the classroom, he spent seven years working in aquariums as a dive safety officer and aquarist, teaching science underwater and working closely with school groups. Those moments sparked something.

“The most fun I had at work was when I was working with the 8 to 13-year-olds and teaching them science underwater,” Howard shared. “I realized I wanted to switch to teaching and help students learn through exploration rather than doing my own research.”

After earning his teaching credential and Master’s in Education through Alliant International, Howard joined Marina High first as a long-term substitute, then as a full-time chemistry teacher. Today he teaches both chemistry and marine science and hopes to add AP Chemistry to his course load next year.

In his classroom, Howard cultivates an environment where students feel safe to experiment and to fail.

“It’s science. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay," he explained. “We talk about what went wrong, we laugh about it, and then we fix it.”

Whether it's a lab, a quiz, or a tough concept, Howard believes that perseverance is the heart of learning. His favorite moments are when students who once struggled suddenly make a breakthrough.

“Chemistry is inherently tough. I love watching students rise to the challenge. When they finally get it, their whole world opens up they don’t hate science anymore,” Howard said.

Howard’s own love for science began in high school, thanks to teachers who also coached him in sports.

“My chemistry teacher lit a fire-soaked cloth on fire and held it in front of us and it didn’t burn. From then on, I thought science was cool,” Howard said.

He brings that same sense of wonder to Marina High. From hands-on experiments to conversations about what makes fireworks change color, Howard is always looking for ways to spark curiosity.

Outside of the classroom, Howard stays connected to the ocean as a scuba instructor and underwater scientific diving instructor. He also advises Marina High’s Ocean Advocacy Club, which holds monthly beach cleanups. When he’s not teaching or diving, he's spending time with his two young children and cheering on his favorite baseball teams.

One of the things Howard loves most about Marina High is the supportive, close-knit staff.

When he proposed launching a marine science program, he says the administration and colleagues rallied behind him.

“If you have the drive and passion to start a program or try something new, the staff here is behind you,” he said. “That’s what makes Marina High special.”

Howard was nominated for this story by Marina High students themselves. His classroom door is always open literally and figuratively.

“Students probably hear my loud voice and think I’m yelling,” he laughed. “But I’m just passionate about science and helping them succeed.”

He invites all students whether they love science or are still undecided to stop by during one of the many lunch clubs hosted in his room.

“Don’t be afraid. Come hang out, join a club, get help, or just get to know me. I want students to see that they can do anything they set their mind to,” Howard said.

Through his enthusiasm, expertise, and unwavering belief in his students, Howard is helping shape the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and ocean advocates at Marina High School.