He began teaching art in 1984, as a Teaching Assistant at The Ohio State University, where he earned his MFA in painting in 1986. Beginning at NMU in 1993, Letts taught painting, drawing, printmaking, cognates, and art history. In 1994 he earned his Michigan Teaching Certificate in Art and English. For over ten years he taught Art and English in local public schools. His high school art programs undertook many large-scale public projects, developing successful grant awards and corporate partnerships, and gaining media coverage and accolades for his students and schools. Mural projects he developed with students can still be seen around the community.