Who was the man in the classroom on the top of Upper Campus, holding a homemade cup of deep red cranberry juice and a bright smile each day? This was Mr. Clarke, a man who cannot simply be summed up in one sentence. His personality and wit were rooted in connecting with students, encouraging laughter and smiles. Though his career in education began later in life, Mr. Clarke was a natural when it came to teaching. He devoted himself to public schools in Oakland to wholeheartedly connect with the youth. While there is no one way to speak to the person he was, his students have come forward to share in his memory.
Asmara Larios-Herrera shared that Mr. Clarke was her teacher for 10th and 11th grade. Over almost two years of knowing him, she noted how different he was from other teachers. With a calming class environment, and constant accommodation to his students, it was a class she would always look forward to. He regularly took the time to check-in on how she was doing. He would share his weekend plans which were often hiking with his wife. When it came to teaching, Mr. Clarke’s radiant kindness shone through—he cared about his student success and wellbeing above all else.
Mr. Clarke was funny unlike any other teacher, and could always create memorable moments, no matter where he was. Larios-Herrera vividly remembers how he constantly connected with his students—even amidst the private jokes kids would sneak into group discussions—Mr. Clarke would have a smile on his face and laugh along. She recalls how sweet it was that Mr. Clarke always played basketball with the kids during advisory, lunch, or whenever he could.
One of these students was Clyde Minnick. Minnick wrote, “He used to shoot around with us at lunch. He would shoot funny, like a trebuchet, but I [do not] think I ever saw him miss. Sometimes he used to join our sports debates during class, making sure we understood the greatness of some of the older players like Wilt Chamberlain and Oakland native Bill Russell, but also that of Lebron and Jokic. His class was often the best part of the day, a warm—often too warm—and welcoming space for students to learn, relax and laugh.”
From his love of having fun with his students, to the soothing attitude he would fill his classroom with, Mr. Clarke had an immense impact on Oakland Tech, and his absence will undoubtedly hurt. His students knew him for his humor, kindness, and the music he would make and share during class. He was the sort of person whose originality could create anything.
The news of Mr. Clarke’s passing should remind everyone to cherish the moments with those you love, and send a card to the teachers who have had an impact on you. All we can hope is that Mr. Clarke knew how much we loved him, and how much we miss him now. “I [do not] even have the words to describe the impact he had on the Upper Campus community,” says Larios-Herrera, “but he will be missed by everyone.”