The Spaces of Foran Teachers

A Room of Their Own

Colin Monahan and Noah Champagne | May 2, 2024

Desks, boards, chairs, and scattered pencils on the floor are all normal things you would see in classrooms. But at Foran, classrooms are more than just a space to learn and teach. For staff and students these classrooms are essentially home for most of the year. Teachers fill their classrooms with their interests and students are able to learn and discover a teacher’s passions and interests. This allows students to gain a connection with teachers which can help them become more engaged in class.

From posters, a display of their favorite books, and even sports memorabilia these decorations make teachers’ classrooms unique. When students are in the classroom they get a glimpse into what their teachers like and do when not teaching a class. Personalized classrooms can be conversation starters between students and teachers and they can develop connections and make students and teachers feel more comfortable with each other.

These decorations aren’t just decorations, they serve as a learning opportunity. Teachers can use their interest and incorporate them into the learning and help students better understand the work. Personalized classrooms are important for many reasons and every teacher’s class is different, especially at Foran.

History and Psychology teacher Todd Williams’ podium is filled with stickers from places he’s traveled too. Each sticker tells a story of a different trip and adventure, from the Grand Canyon to University of Las Vegas each sticker has an interesting story to go along with it.

History and Psychology teacher Todd Williams’ collection of license plates from famous movies. Starting the collection himself, students have started to bring him license plates to grow the collection.

An amazing language tree painted by a student in history teacher Rachel Rowley’s room. The tree acts as a visual representation of different languages and cultures mentioned in history classes throughout Foran.

No surprise that English teacher Chelsea Green won the best classroom superlative. From string lights to a calming environment it’s the perfect place for students to learn and relax. A calming environment is important for learning and Green loves that about her room.

A collection of axolotls from former and current students in science teacher Mathew Wajda’s classroom. Unsure how the collection started, Wajda lets the students continue it and embraces the unique assortment of axolotls students have brought him.

Colorful sticky notes fill the boards in English teacher Chelsea Green’s classroom. A quote from the book Romeo and Juliet placed on the wall. These colors and quotes add a bright and interesting aspect to Green’s room.

Random items students have made and left behind along with notes, memes, and a printed piece of bread in science teacher Alan Stern’s room. The wall gives the class character and describes the personalities of students and Stern.

A “flying” pig hanging from the ceiling of science teacher Alan Stern’s room. The pig was from a past experiment and then hung onto the ceiling.

A huge wall of portraits of science teacher Alan Stern in his classroom. These drawings made by students have compiled over the years.

A huge cutout of a snowy owl in Stern’s classroom. The owl was named Lynda and is now a staple in Stern’s classroom. There are stickers of Lynda stuck up around the school.

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About the Contributors

Colin Monahan, Staff Writer

My name is Colin Monahan and I’m a staff writer for the Mane Street Mirror. I am a Sophomore at Foran and this is my second year writing for the Mane Street Mirror. I am also a part of the soccer and track teams here at Foran. In my free time I hangout with my friends and family.

Noah Champagne, Staff Writer

Hi I'm Noah Champagne and I'm a sophomore at Joseph A. Foran High School. I’m a member of Forans Key Club and super excited for my second year as a staff writer for the Mane Street Mirror. Outside of school, I love watching and following sports, especially the Yankees while spending time with friends and family.