Eliminating the Teacher Zone (Indicator 4)...Who's Classroom is It?

As I walked into my new classroom, in August, all I could see what a huge black box.  A black box that brought me back to the start of my teaching career.  A black box that I knew I must get out of my room as soon as possible!  A black box known as a TEACHER desk....

One of the biggest changes I made was 5 years ago, when our administrative team changed at CTMS.  With a change in leadership came expectations in regards to classroom setup.  How could we best utilize our classrooms to enhance learning?  

This same question was brought up in our STEM certification training (Indicator 4).  Too many times, we as teachers have 30-40% of the classroom devoted to our stuff, "the Teacher Zone."  In reality, we should have minimal space devoted to our things in a classroom.  

Optimal learning occurs when a teacher is utilizing every minute in a classroom, where students are utilizing 21^st Century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.  Educators are in the power zone, questioning about their thinking and guiding students as they find solutions to real life problems.  In a student-centered learning environment, learners have opportunities for individualized learning, as well as being a leader in the classroom.  Both students and teachers are reflective learners; thinking about their experiences and connecting them to real world situations, in a student-centered classroom. 

The book that changed our learning environment

Having participated in a campus-wide book study over The Fundamental Five by Sean Cain and Teach Like a Pirate, by Dave Burgess, I, as an educator, experienced growth as a learner.  Cain focuses on five characteristics:  framing the lesson, working in the power zone, frequent, small-group, purposeful talk about the learning, recognizing and reinforcing and writing critically.   As an educator, these characteristics help educators focus and make decisions that are intentional and meaningful.  By making these changes, student achievement rises! 

Once the big black box was removed from C8 years ago, I knew the room would never go back to a teacher-led classroom.  Creativity, collaboration and critical thinking emerged.  Worksheets disappeared and driving questions emerged.  Our learning opportunities were no longer limited to the 4 walls of our classroom, which makes learning more meaning and intentional for all stakeholders.  

Currently I have a table, that holds the document camera.  However, there are chairs ready for students.  In fact students beg to come work at the table, despite working in table groups.  I think there is something about sitting in a regular chair :)  

Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I sat at "my" teacher area.  I encourage each of you to look around your classroom and see how much space is devoted to student learning.  Are you teaching from a teacher-centered platform or a student-centered learning platform?