Anonymous wrote:Overzealous young teachers - the older better teachers use their time on things that matter.

I saw a mixture with no clear link to age or gender. Some of the rooms were just so warm and inviting. I was quite surprised. This was at a HS.

These young teachers spend so much of their own money to decorate their classrooms but it’s sensory overload for kids. Tons of research about a visually distracting environment affecting learning. I think these teachers just realize how much is NOT within their control so they overdo the one thing they can control.

Also, if you have a principal like me, he dictates exactly what has to be displayed on the walls of our classrooms and what we need to “decorate” and by when.

As a family with ADHD, I cannot emphasize enough that CLUTTER is very distracting for students with attention problems. Teachers seem to think that more is better, but actually less is better. There is a subset of teachers that understand this in middle and high school, but elementary teachers are the worse offenders.

Chevy Chase ES has a wealthy PTA and enough funds and space to create a wellness room with walking desks, string chairs, fountains and all sorts of relaxation items. This is great, and unfortunately not possible for overcrowded schools with no spare classrooms, or low-income schools. I am ALL for sharing funds across PTAs!!!

But in terms of visual clutter inside regular classrooms, it's very detrimental to students sensitive to distractions.

Does spending extra money speak to a teacher's ability or commitment? Are you twelve years old? A classroom's over-the-top and extra decorations have zero to do with teaching ability and I would think a grown adult would understand and realize this but apparently not. There have been studies done to show all of the Pinterest type classrooms actually distract students from their work.

95% of what is in classroom beyond basic furniture is paid for by the teacher, unreimbursed. So, if the classroom is pretty, it's because the teacher is willing to spend what could be spent on her OWN children, on someone else's children. I don't spend much on "pretty", but I do spend quite a bit on anything that helps kids learn or enjoy learning. I could pay for 3 years of state university tuition for my own kid with what I've spent on my students. I love both my own children and my students and I consider it my act of love for the world to give this way. No teacher should ever feel obligated to do so however.

The teachers pay for all the extra stuff. Teachers who have a secondary money source, ask everyone they know for donations have more comfortable attractive classrooms.

I spent over $1000 in my first year because we got next to nothing for our classrooms. 11 years later, I have a classroom library and all of the bells and whistles. It takes time to build up your room unless you are rich or get tons of donations. I never felt okay with hitting up friends and family for donations but some have insisted on buying me good pencils and a few other things.

Lots of money. Pta and parents buy stuff.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter paid for all her comfy extras for her classroom.

Unmarried, childless teachers can afford to do this. I mentor new teachers in MCPS. I see them buying hundreds of dollars of stuff while they are also working a second job.

The yoga balls and rugs are nice, but they don’t make or break a child’s learning experience. I recommend that they instead invest in self care and if they have the energy left over, think about grad school in their subject rather than a master’s in Ed.

Anonymous wrote:Overzealous young teachers - the older better teachers use their time on things that matter.

Older, jaded teachers don't - they're just trying to get through the days until retirement.

Anonymous wrote:Overzealous young teachers - the older better teachers use their time on things that matter.

LOL

Overzealous young teachers - the older better teachers use their time on things that matter.

Donations or out of the teachers own pocket.

My daughter paid for all her comfy extras for her classroom.

On back to school nights, I pass by many classroom of many grades. Some classrooms look so pretty, and there are tent, couch, yoga ball seats, stuff animal and many decors. Some classrooms are more bland with minimal decorations. Does classroom decor speak teacher’s ability or commitment or dedication? Who pays for all those extra decors?