HHS teacher known for his positive outlook on life

By Staff Writer: Lexi Petroi

From kayaking Lake Superior to searching and collecting ancient Native American artifacts, Mr. Michael Marek will always have an interesting story to share with students after the class bell rings.

Mr. Marek attended Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire where overall he has earned a master’s degree (plus 40 credits). He has a master’s in family behavioral science, and is a licensed counselor that has a private practice in Ann Arbor. He earned his teaching certification through the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and overall, he spent seventeen years going to school nights and weekends, earning each of his degrees after he got back from being drafted into the military after high school. As a point of interest, he is also a journeyman brick and stone mason, having completed a four year apprenticeship…as he says…”back in the day.”J

Mr. Marek has been enjoying his teaching career for about twelve years. In his tenure, including on-line classes, he has taught Sociology, World History, World Geography, Economics, Government and Psychology here at Howell High School.

“He’s an amazing teacher,” says senior Paige Trammell. “He always seems to make class interesting and a lot of fun.”

Mr. Marek says, “I think the purpose for teaching is to be touched and to touch humanity. It’s a cool thing. I love people and kids and being around people. When I look at my students I see dreams. And I can see those dreams becoming a reality in the future. Oh, such a cool thing.”

Psychology has always been one of those things that appealed to Mr. Marek. When he was younger, being a paper delivery boy exposed him to the diversity of families, that families compared to other families are so different from each other.

“It just fascinated me,” says Mr. Marek.

Mr. Marek has a special liking for writing. Recently he finished his first book and he’s thinking about self-publishing it. He has also been published in Internal Medicine News, Clinical Psychiatry News, and the Journal of Addictive Diseases. He received a first place Graduate Dean’s Award for his research and spoke in California for the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

He is also a musician and has a web site called who writes and performs original pieces of music on his guitar and keyboard. His band website is located under Michael Marek – Drifting Back on banzoogle.com if you’re interested in checking them out.

Mr. Marek is always keeping himself active with his many interests. In the summer he enjoys kayaking on Lake Superior and biking. When the weather is nice, I enjoy biking up to 20 miles a day.

“I love being outside,”, says Mr. Marek.

Mr. Marek is also the Howell High School Men’s Track & Field Head Coach and the pole-vault coach. He is a former high school and college varsity track letterman whose events included pole-vault and sprint relays. 

Being a track coach is so cool, it really is. I love the vault and pole-vaulted in camps…Well, before I got the rods in my back,” says Mr. Marek.

Some of Mr. Marek’s hobbies include collecting Native American artifacts and reading stories about them, archery, and writing poetry. He also worked on an oil rig in Texas for some time.

Mr. Marek is known for always looking out for others before himself. He’s definitely seen a lot in his life and it has shaped him into the person he is today.

Senior Quentin Bryan says, “Mr. Marek is very intelligent and insightful. But he’s also very fun to be around.”

“He’s the greatest teacher, and he also cares about his students. He always knows how to put his students into a positive mood and that’s an important quality to have as a teacher,” says senior Kaitlyn Sumner.

Mr. Marek said that if he could, he’d wish to live 800 years so that he could get a PhD in everything.

“Be yourself and follow your dreams. Don’t let people stand in your way. I love teaching, I love coaching, I love life,” says Mr. Marek.