Faculty Feature: Mr. Woody Malot, Upper School Science Teacher and ESP Director

Upper School science teacher Mr. Woody Malot has been a fixture at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School for over 28 years. He and his wife, Cary, have a passion for the environment, live simply, and have two very friendly St. Bernards named Claire and Sadie. Mr. Malot holds a B.S. from Rose-Huleman Institute of Technology and holds a teaching certificate and masters degree from Western Carolina University. He teaches physics, environmental science, zoology, botany, and other advanced science courses.

In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Malot serves as Rabun Gap’s Environmental Stewardship Director. He spurred the creation of the Environmental Stewardship Program, which leads our on-campus recycling program, as well as manages the community orchard. Mr. Malot also works with our on-campus bees to harvest honey each year. Mr. Malot and his students have recently completed studies on the effects of agricultural pesticides on the honeybee population.

I was born and grew up in Fulton County, Pennsylvania.  My wife and I ended up in Franklin, NC after hiking the Appalachian Trail south for our honeymoon.  We ran out of money and found work in Franklin. We have been in this area since 1980. I started working at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory when we first settled in this area.  

  

Why did you decide to become a teacher?  

I decided to become a teacher because it was a great fit between my love of science and my ability to work with young people.

       

I was quiet and kept to myself in high school.  The school that I went to was very small, there were 24 in my graduating class.  I enjoyed science, math, and basketball. I was not a fan of French (the only foreign language offered).  

 

How many years of experience do you have as a teacher?  

I have 31 years of teaching experience.

 

The students and the local area inspire me.  The students are always a source of energy, interest and knowledge for me.  I am at home in the mountains; it is where I go for reflection and renewal.

I have a love of the outdoors and the local area.  My wife and I hike, bicycle, do fiber work and live simply. 

 

According to Shiaq and the other students,  I am known for my beard.

 

What's the makes Rabun Gap special?
The students make Rabun Gap special.

       

What are some interesting things about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? 

My wife and I hiked the Appalachian Trail for our honeymoon, north to south.  We have bicycled across country from just north of Seattle, WA to Charleston, SC during summer break, along with other long distance rides.  I also used to run an old water powered grist mill.