What does Halle McPherson like most about her job as an art teacher at Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High Schools? “The relationships I get to build with my students and the opportunity to teach younger generations the beauty that art has to offer,” says McPherson.
Her passion for and whole-hearted love of her subject matter and the positive relationships she builds with her students is what earned her the “Staff Spotlight” distinction for January 2022. McPherson was recognized at the January 19 meeting of the Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education.
“She is kind-hearted, bright, and self-reflective,” said science teacher Becky Voytek, who nominated McPherson for this month’s distinction. “It is apparent that she is constantly looking for ways to refine her strategies to engage all of her students and deeply cares about their success.
In her first year teaching in the school district, McPherson helped students organize a fundraiser for two national conservation organizations and facilitates a monthly art club for middle school and high school students. She immediately jumped on board to solicit artwork from students for the school’s annual holiday greeting card. “I can see how excited and engaged the students get in learning,” added Voytek. “She is an excellent role model for students and an asset to CHS.”
McPherson has a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education from Baldwin Wallace University and a license in Multi-Age Visual Art (K-12). Prior to joining CHS, she taught grades K-10 at Albert Einstein Academy in Strongsville. In addition to being an art teacher, she holds a professional cosmetology license.
The eldest of four children, McPherson enjoys spending time with her family. “My family means everything to me and I cherish the relationships we have,” she said. She also enjoys traveling. She and her husband, Derek, have been married two years and have four furry kids: Maya, a black lab mix; Thea, a dalmation; Lila, a black cat; and Echo, a gray tabby.
Caption: Superintendent Tom Evans (left) and Halle McPherson at the January 19 BOE meeting.