Ms. Abigail Holtz is a part of the English department, teaching ESOL, English 11 and 12, and AP Lang. Her classroom features various student artwork, ambient lighting, various hues of colors, paintings of windows to fill the absence of a windowless room, and posters in reference to different units she teaches – all working together to set a calamity for the students who enter her classroom everyday. Her inspiration roots from her perspective as a student who, when in school, always took the time to gaze around classrooms, as she recognizes the need to “have things that are interesting and beautiful to look at.” Together, Ms. Holtz is aware and content that “what people see when they walk into the room is already communicating something about how that teacher perceives that space.”
Ms. Gabrielle Gee is a part of the Social Studies department teaching World History and U.S History. Her classroom combines comfort and creativity as it features vines draped around the room, dim lighting, and educational posters. Near the windows, a cozy lounging area offers students a place to relax which has “legos, fidget toys, arts and crafts, and is just a nice place to sit if my students are feeling overwhelmed or want alternative seating for the day” describes Ms. Gee. A standout decoration is an affirmation mirror, where students can check their reflection as they’re greeted by encouraging words. Through these details, Ms. Gee is confident she’s built a space where students not only feel comfortable but valued and inspired to learn, leaving these impactful words to reflect on: “I want everyone to know that all are welcome regardless of the background and show them that history is more than textbooks, it’s our life and world as we know it!”
Mr. Patrick Gleason is a part of the English department at Eleanor Roosevelt; he teaches 9th and 12th grade. He wanted his classroom to be lively because he and his students spend a lot of time in his classroom so he incorporated various posters / artwork made by his students throughout the years. artwork created by his students and senior pictures and fairy lights. He also has a little section dedicated to Chance the Rapper, Boyz in the Hood, Michael Jackson, posters that gave the room a bit of diversity. Mr. Gleason said one of his inspirations for decorating his classroom was because “windows , we don’t have windows, I my classroom to feel alive “ have a strong welcoming environment. I asked Mr. Gleason what was one of his favorite decorations in his classroom and he said his Romeo and Juliet balcony was originally created by one of his students for a STEM fair but the teacher initially didn’t allow it because it was too colorful. But now, it holds a special place in his classroom and he also uses it in his teaching every year for his 9th graders.
Mr. Ian Gleason is part of the ESOL department and teaches math and other primary subjects. His classroom has a dynamic collection of posters and personal elements that help connect him to his students. One memorable decoration is the cascading flags surrounding it, linking the countries his students are from to the school environment. With these decorations in mind, Mr.Gleason hopes to spark curiosity in his students, in the process allowing them to acclimate to their new surroundings and learn.
