Spanning nearly four decades in the classroom, My Life in the Classroom and Studio is a deeply reflective and richly detailed memoir of a teacher shaped by mentorship, curiosity, and an enduring passion for architecture and design.

From Catholic grammar schools in mid-century Chicago to the dynamic halls of Loyola Academy, James Edward Cleland traces the formative experiences that guided his journey—from uncertain student to devoted educator. Along the way, he introduces unforgettable teachers, inquisitive students, and the evolving philosophies that define meaningful education.

Blending personal memory with professional insight, Cleland reveals how teaching is never a one-way exchange. Each lesson, each project, and each student encounter becomes part of a larger dialogue—one that bridges generations and disciplines. His love of architecture infuses the narrative, transforming classrooms into creative studios where imagination meets structure.

At once nostalgic and forward-looking, this memoir offers a compelling portrait of education as a living, breathing craft—shaped not only by curriculum, but by human connection, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.