I feel this is a conversation that we need to have as an educational community. I may say some things you disagree with in this podcast, and that’s ok. I probably teach a way you disagree with, and that’s ok too. We aren’t carbon copies of one another and shouldn’t be. The students benefit from our unique personalities and approaches to education. When I think of classroom setup, I view it as an approach to education.

I’m Here eight or More Hours a Day: Let me enjoy my space!

Think about your favorite room in your house. Why is that room your favorite? Is it decorated nicely? Does it smell pleasant? Maybe you have scented candles, fancy lighting, or whatever brings you joy.

If I spend eight or more hours in my classroom every day, I should make it pleasing. I think of my classroom as my home away from home. I want it to look nice, feel comfortable, and be welcoming for students.

If this means I have to come to the school before my contracted time begins, then I will do that. I also write lesson plans off contract too.  

Writing Lesson Plans Off Contract so My Year is Smoother

While my teammates are stressed out during the year, I’m not because I’ve written my plans already. I know that sounds petty, but it is how I manage the stress throughout the year. I try to pre-plan as much as I can. It’s not ideal, and no, I’m not paid to do so, but I’m also not stressed out during the year like other teachers are. To me, that is priceless.

Shaming Other Teachers into Doing Things Your Way

I don’t come into your classroom and tell you how to and what to teach. You don’t walk into my classroom and tell me what or how to teach. Why is working on or off contract time any of your business? I’m not against advocating for teacher pay. I’m not against advocating for better work conditions for teachers, but I don’t need to pull my hair out during the start of the year to prove a point. My teaching partner doesn’t plan the way I do. She does things last minute, which stresses me out, but it works for her. She has very small children that need her during her time at home, so she’s doing what works for her and her family. I will not expect her to change how she manages her workload because I feel stressed. That is not how that works. It is her workload, and it is her time. We should respect how other teachers choose to do their jobs and mind our own business. After all, don’t we teach our students to mind their own business?

When teachers argue among ourselves, it is much easier for others to come in and tear down our system. We have very little control over what happens to our job. I have control over how I spend my personal time. If I want to spend time writing lesson plans or decorating my room, that is what I can control, and it is my business.

Let’s stop shaming the teachers who do the most in their rooms. Let’s stop shaming the teachers who don’t go all out and overboard in their rooms. Maybe too much décor stresses out those teachers, so they need bare walls. Maybe over-the-top décor makes that “extra” teacher feel safe and comfortable. Either way, let each teacher and their classroom show their unique personality.

Sing. Say. Dance. Play. Care.

Analisa