The New Face of the Teacher Desk!!

The teacher desk in today’s 21st century classrooms are dynamic, welcoming, stylish and a hub of engagement. No longer is the teacher’s desk seen as a lackluster component within the classroom realm.

Instead, teachers are recognizing the need to create a space which reflects their personality, style and commitment to fostering a classroom environment where all members are comfortable and engaged.

A Dynamic Space

The teacher’s desk is a versatile element in the classroom, serving multiple functions in the learning environment.

The teacher’s desk can be used as the ‘point of contact’ between the teacher and students, where scaffolding of instruction can take place, as well as, enrichment activities.  Consequently, the very shape and size of a teacher’s desk has changed to accommodate its dynamic nature.

In addition, it can stand out as a technology centre housing various technological equipment such as: projectors, printers and laptops; to assist in learning. 

Lastly, the teacher’s desk is the site of storage of lesson plans, student work and records.

Creating a Dynamic Desk:

• ·      Decide on the size and style of your desk to accommodate its function in the classroom.
• ·      Place your desk in an area of the classroom which allows it to be close to electrical outlets.
• ·      Attach storage drawers to extend the desk area.
• ·      Use your desk side panel to display students work and classroom messages
•     If your desk is metal, it can be used to create work centres were students can use magnetic letters and numbers to reinforce concepts.

A Stylish Space

Gone are the days of the mundane grey metal or brown wooden tables. Teachers are sparing nothing on adding a splash of their personality into their workspace. In so doing, they are creating classroom environments which are welcoming and appealing to young and creative learners who enter each. 

The teacher’s desk is now a canvas for their creativity to emerge and invade the classroom landscape. Teacher’s names are displayed using bold fonts, colourful pennants and trendy banners plastered to the front of the desk. Colour coded pen holders, file holders and office accessories create a sense of organization and structure. Furthermore, quotes and family pictures are also displayed, creating chic spaces where both teachers and students enjoy being.

    Creating a Stylish Desk:

•       Determine a colour palette which appeals to you
•            Purchase stationery and file storage holders which are within your colour palette
•          Use a fancy font to display your name, either on the desk itself, in a frame or on a wooden cut-out
•            Select one personal item to be placed on your desk; a family picture or a teacher gift

An Organized Space

The teacher’s desk must represent the epitome of order in the classroom. Your space should allow you to function effectively by being able to locate items at the drop of a hat. This is easier said than done, for many a day I have fallen into the deep dark depths of clutter madness at my desk. 


However, I continue to strive for a clutter free desk. The greatest challenge is keeping the desk surface organized, for we can all relate to simply piling items here, there and everywhere on our desks throughout the day.

    Creating an Organize Desk:

·      Determine what are the most important tools which must always be at arm’s length, the ESSENTIALS!

·      Relocate Non-essentials to shelves and cupboards close to your desk

·      Invest in storage systems which encompass storage for multiple stationery items; pens, pencils, marks, paper-clips, stamps, stickers and scissors

·      Label storage containers to ensure that items are replaced in their correct location

·      Use vertical file holders to store paper work

·      Keep a bin close to your desk to get rid of unnecessary clutter immediately

·      Remind yourself daily that ‘clutter creates fluster’.

So, teachers are you ready to take the initiative and improve the look of your desk in the classroom? Remember, Be Dynamic, Be Stylish and Be Organized!!  
I can’t wait to see what you guys and gyals do!!-