Best Classrooms at Cleveland

Part of what makes school more bearable is the space you learn in. Here is our list of our favorite classrooms at Cleveland and why.

Susie Brighouse’s classroom with warm colored lights, giving off a cozy feeling. (Clarion photo Minying Zhen)

Susie Brighouse, room 106. Brighouse teaches freshman and sophomore English on the first floor. The walls are covered in colorful posters and student work, which makes the space feel more welcoming. Instead of using the painfully bright overhead lights, she uses lamps that create warmer light. Another nice thing about her room is that she uses tables instead of single chairs, which creates a more together learning environment.

 

 

 

A unique feature in Eric Mirsepassi’s room is the stage set up where he keeps his desk. (Clarion photo Dylan Wise)

Eric Mirsepassi, room 113. Mirsepassi teaches English Language Arts for juniors and seniors, on the first floor. Many Students find the layout unique and the stage at the back of the classroom is well liked. Along with that, he also has his walls decorated with a lot of artwork, including different music icons. His room is mainly lit by the windows facing towards the courtyard.

 

 

Julia Blattner’s classroom with lots of natural light and inclusive flags. (Clarion photo Minying Zhen)

Julia Blattner, room 109. Blattner decorates each of the tables in her classroom with plants, and at the back of her class, there is an area with comfy chairs and books. She has cut-outs of different artists like Harry Styles hung in her classroom.

 

 

Room 209: William Olson’s and Kurt Weist’s room.

William Olson and Kurt Weist, room 209. Special education teachers, Olson’s and Weist’s room has calming, dimmer lighting that is popular amongst students. It is lit by lamps and natural light. The room always has the smell of fresh coffee, and along with this, music is always playing. The overall vibe of the room is great.

 

 

Alan McClary’s room is spacious and has one of the best views on the third floor. (Clarion photo Dylan Wise)
The entry to Alan McClary’s classroom.

 

Alan McClary, room 300. From the moment you walk in at the unique double door entry, the classroom is very inviting. The windows lining the SE 26th Street side of the school create great natural lighting throughout the room. Another positive aspect of this room is that the tables are not single desks so students have more space and can collaborate with their peers.

 

 

 

 

Matt Staab’s class. Ellie Usher photo.

Matt Staab, room 330. This room has lots of nice chemistry-related murals, which are very helpful during tests. It is not only the biggest chemistry room, but also the one with the most open layout. The lab portion of the room is open with a lot of space to move around and get work done during the class.

 

 

Keska Kemper’s classroom, featuring one of many helpful murals. (Clarion photo Lucy Core)

Keska Kemper, room 308. Kemper teaches IB Biology. Her classroom provides inspiration to art students from all of the student murals on the walls. Ambient lighting makes the learning environment more enjoyable compared to the sterile bright overhead lights.

 

Camille Adana’s room, 381. The room features a wall to get to know each other better and build community. Cassius Geske photo.

Camille Adana, room 381. Adana teaches Health to Freshmen. Adana’s ability to create community is incredible, and her classroom is proof of it; she has student work displayed around her room along with students’ personal beliefs and baby photos.

 

 

Sadie Adams, room 386. Adams teaches HOTA and Government/Economics to sophomores and juniors on the third floor of the east wing. This room wins best lighting! The overhead lights are never on, and Adams has replaced them with warmly lit lamps all around the classroom. The walls are full of posters, flags, and lots of student work. She also has a very comfortable chair in the corner of her room. Shout out to the “cheaters risk everything and gain nothing” poster.

Overall, classrooms with personality— anything from murals to unique lighting—make a space more inviting and enjoyable to learn in. Classrooms like those on this list make it easier for students to absorb information, make it more enjoyable for teachers to teach in, and overall just make school more fun to be.