2026 Engage Learning Conference

Bonnie Garrett: A Dedicated Leader in Education and STEM Advocacy

With a distinguished career spanning 24 years, Bonnie Garrett has dedicated herself to advancing education and empowering others through innovative teaching and leadership. As a classroom teacher and STEM coordinator, she leverages a diverse range of instructional technologies to engage students in STEM concepts through hands-on activities, project-based learning, and problem-solving strategies.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Garrett’s commitment to supporting educators is equally noteworthy. She has served on numerous local, state, and national committees, including the Alabama Council for Leadership Development, the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Master Teacher Leadership Team, and multiple leadership teams within the Alabama Education Association (AEA), such as the Minority Leadership Team, Women’s Leadership Team, and Professional Rights & Responsibilities Commission. Additionally, she holds key roles within the Huntsville Education Association, where she has served as a Building Representative, Board Member, and currently, as President. Through these leadership positions, she has been instrumental in shaping professional development initiatives, writing curriculum frameworks, and facilitating workshops on technology integration, strategic teaching, equity literacy, and cultural awareness. Three years ago, she co-founded Project ENERGI, an initiative focused on empowering and retaining new educators through a suite of professional development opportunities, including teach-and-learn sessions, learning labs, administrator cohorts, and networking events. This visionary program recently secured a three-year, $310,000 Great Public Schools grant from the National Education Association (NEA), a testament to its impact and potential. With this funding, Project ENERGI will expand its reach by hosting more in-person and virtual training sessions within the state and across the nation. She is also an active voice in discussions on institutional racism, social justice, and educational equity, ensuring that educators and students alike benefit from inclusive and progressive policies.

Ms. Garrett’s commitment to student success extends beyond the traditional school year. She has served as an instructor for several prestigious summer programs, including the Upward Bound Math and Science program—supporting first-generation college-bound students—and the Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program, sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program. Her role in these programs has helped students strengthen their collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, as a PLTW Gateway Master Teacher, she has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of STEM-certified educators nationwide by leading professional development sessions at the national level.

Ms. Garrett earned her Bachelor’s degree (Biology) and both of her Master’s degrees (Biology and Secondary Education - Biology) from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University  in Normal, Alabama. She is also certified in General Science and ten different PLTW Gateway modules. Ms. Garrett’s excellence in education has been recognized through numerous prestigious honors. She is a Milken National Educator and has been named the Alabama PLTW Gateway Teacher of the Year, the National PLTW Gateway Teacher of the Year Runner-Up, The Dr. Tyna D. Davis Excellence in Education Awardee, and both the Tennessee Valley and Alabama Air Force Association Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she is a two-time recipient of the NEA Foundation and California Casualty Teaching Excellence Award. Adding to her list of recent achievements, Bonnie was featured in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM Documentary, which showcases her passion for STEM education and its transformative impact on students. The documentary has been released to air on PBS, CNN, and other prominent networks, further elevating her message of innovation and inclusion in education.

Through her unwavering dedication to education, Ms. Garrett continues to inspire students, mentor educators, and advocate for systemic improvements that foster inclusive and high-quality learning environments.