Last year I taught in four different classrooms. You may remember my meditations.
This year, I have been blessed with my own space. Given that I took the time to complain reflect about not having a classroom last year, it’s only fair that I take a moment this year to acknowledge the delights of having one of my own.
The benefits cannot be overstated. As my first piece of evidence, I present to you my head, which is clearer and lighter every afternoon when work ends. Despite the fact that I am teaching an extra class this year, I come home every day less scattered than the year prior, when I was learning a new school, new students, and new spaces in which to instruct.
What else can cause stress teaching in other rooms? A lot of small things, the sort of small things that add up quickly if you’re like me and have that magic combination of both absent-minded and controlling tendencies. It doesn’t mesh well when you’re teaching in a different location each block: forgetfulness begets frustration.
Besides having a centralized location, having my own classroom also means I can establish the vibes. I believe there’s something to be said for having your own stuff up on the wall. Students spend a lot of time idly staring at the different parts of the classroom, anything to not look at the teacher and the notes. They absorb the attitude of the room. Old sarcastic Garfield posters from the 90s are not the attitude I’m seeking.
Mural by four students from my eighth block last year. They all had Italian surnames, and I gave them the nickname Little Italy. The plan was to paint a ceiling tile, but that practice has been outlawed by the killjoy fire marshal.
The biggest component in establishing vibes is the desk arrangement. Last year this classroom had tables instead of desks. I taught three of my classes here, and students crammed together around a table presented an added challenge. Sitting with their backs turned from me, facing their peers…what incentive is there to focus on the class, other than an instructor’s constant reminders? Some swear by it, but it doesn’t work for me. Tables place a higher emphasis on classroom management that doesn’t occur when students are already physically situated to pay attention to the instruction:
There’s nothing more relaxing than having everything set when students arrive, having my own space to put my papers, having a record player with speakers in different parts of the room.
Students AND teachers have brought in vinyl to play. This LP is from science teacher Linda Palmisano’s collection.
Are there drawbacks? Honestly, no. Every teacher should be forced to go without a consistent classroom so they can appreciate how nice it is to have one of their own.