Teachers have diverse hobbies and interests outside of the classroom. Whether educators volunteer or have second jobs, side hustles can be a way to explore passions other than teaching.
By day, Benn Gawitt teaches AP biology, anatomy and physiology, and forensics at Canton High School. Summers and weekends find this science geek and father of twin 10-year-olds rocking out with Acoustic Marshpit. In addition to weddings and parties, the vocalist-guitarist and his bandmates have played “The Game” (Harvard Yale’s football rivalry), the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and alongside headliners such as De La Soul, Letters to Cleo, and Sponge.
“The funniest thing is most people think I teach music,” Gawitt says. “When I tell them I teach biology, they’re usually surprised. But the truth is, I’m a naturalist fascinated with the living world. I share that with my students, because they’re the ones who will be changing the world and helping people get ready for a world that’s changing.”
A 20-year veteran teacher who started his career at Southington High School, Gawitt has been in Canton for the last eight years.
“I love teaching,” he says. “I love inspiring kids not just to be scientists but to appreciate nature and the process of learning, which involves struggle and perseverance.”
