A Dream Space Takes Shape

California Educator March 17, 2025

Photo of KI Furniture classroom

By Amy Peruzzaro

Member Jenann Elias in the current school library, which she said has not been updated in over 40 years. Right: Overview of the new space.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JENANN ELIAS , Redlands Teachers Association member and one of the winners of the third annual $40,000 KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway. Elias, a librarian at Moore Middle School in San Bernardino County, entered her design in the giveaway in 2024 and was one of four selected from more than 500 entries across the country.

Using KI’s Classroom Planner tool, Elias designed her dream space. She modernized her library media center by incorporating an adaptable layout where students can collaborate, create and learn independently. The flexible open space is designed with various zones for different activities like quiet reading nooks and collaborative workspaces as well as creative areas for makerspace or media labs. The enhancements help to make the library more energetic and appealing to students who may not have found the old layout and furniture welcoming.

“We need a way to bring the library to the 21st century to meet the needs of our students,” Elias explained. “And helping create a dynamic and modern library space will not only attract students but foster a culture of curiosity and collaboration essential for educational growth.”

Moore, a Title 1 school, has about 1,000 students. Its library serves students both before and after school, during lunch, and during the school day.

To learn more about Elias’ winning design and the KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway, visit ki.com and search for “classroom furniture giveaway”.

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