Keeping It "Classy"

I don't think I'll ever get tired of exploring other teachers' classrooms. It's so inspiring to see how different personalities with their unique points of view and personal visions create environments that set their students up for success!  In this part two of an article I first shared in October, we get additional glimpses inside some more elementary classrooms and see how each teacher's philosophy and desire to reach their students influences their "brand"- specifically, their class identity and the emotions they hope to evoke in making connections with their learners. It's pretty evident that these educators are in touch with what is relevant and meaningful to the students at their grade level. Just keep scrolling and you'll see that the classroom photos speak for themselves.



Mrs. Schad- Second Grade

Mrs. Jacobs- Kindergarten

Ms. Loehr- First Grade

Mrs. Underwood- Kindergarten

Ms. Hayes- Third Grade

Mrs. Robinett- First Grade

Mrs. Imler- Second Grade

There's just something energizing about getting a closer look at the evidence for the excitement other educators have for reaching their kids. Have you felt a little isolated as a teacher? Teaching is one of the few professions where you do the majority of your important tasks without actually observing your colleagues doing their important tasks! Our most important tasks involve guiding, instructing, and empowering our kids to learn. Sure, we collaborate and plan with our colleagues, but we don't actually see each other in action executing those plans. We are all busy teaching our own students in our respective classrooms at the exact same time! But when the teaching day is done and the kids have gone home, ocassionally I get to visit with my fellow teachers in other grades and enter the place where their "magic" happens. That's when I appreciate having a deeper connection with them. I can envision how those plans to guide and impact their students come alive in their surroundings. I get ideas that spur me into thinking of and formulating new avenues to reach my own students. We can feed off of one another's energy and creativity to stay inspired. Our students always benefit when we go the extra mile to engineer these "classy" spaces where they spend the majority of their waking hours five days a week. And benefitting students is what it's all about. So, way to go, teachers! Keep on creating the joy!