“He is a positive role model for students, he makes an effort to check in on his colleagues and students because he cares, and beams good energy!” That’s how teaching colleague Halle McPherson describes Miles Paterson, science teacher at Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS). This February 2022, the district’s Staff Spotlight is shining upon him.
“I do my best to make science a good time. My lesson plans are supposed to teach students how to navigate challenging material while also realizing that the process need not be torturous. While I am not always successful, I try to think about the things that make me continue to love science, and at least provide the opportunity to students to do the same,” remarked Paterson, about his commitment to his students. He has taught science, physical science, and astronomy at Cuyahoga Heights High for the past five years.
According to McPherson, Paterson is a dedicated professional who cares about his colleagues and students. “This is evident when he pops in to just see how you’re doing,” noted McPherson. “Oftentimes he is witnessed whistling down the hallway and saying hello to everyone he passes!” And, at 6-ft. 2-in. he’s not hard to miss!
Outside of class, Paterson is known for offering his time to provide extracurricular opportunities to students. His strong work ethic is evident in his roles as advisor to the Recycling and Board Game clubs, and as the facilitator of “The Great Debate” for astronomy students. When he is available, he frequently offers to fill in as a substitute for other teachers’ classes. “Miles brings life to the school wherever he goes. He is a great asset to Cuyahoga Heights Schools, and is an exemplary role model for our students,” added McPherson.
Paterson delights in teaching, especially at CHHS. “There are a ton of enjoyable things about teaching, but those things are even better when you teach at Heights,” he said. “I love the Heights people. The students are awesome, the staff is incredible, and there are few places that you really feel like you walked into a different and wonderful world. Heights is that little slice of greatness.”
Paterson says teaching at CHHS fosters his passion for teaching. “The best way to be better is to leverage the talents and advice of others. Heights has AMAZING teachers, and a five-minute conversation with any one of them can be enough to make your lesson, or even your week more productive and more fun,” he explained.
In his spare time, Paterson revels in playing games of any kind: outdoor, board, video, the sky’s the limit! He is also a fanatic of the TV hit “Friends,” having confessed to watching the entire series at least 25 times.
Besides being a licensed teacher, Peterson also has a degree in physics. He and his wife, Andrea (“Best Wife Ever”, he says) have an 8-month-old daughter Quinn, who he says, objectively is, “the cutest baby on the planet. Just one look at her big cheeks and you will understand,” he remarked. The Paterson family also has a golden retriever named Piper (“Best Dog Ever”), and a cat named Harvey (“Best Cat Ever”).