Teachers spend a lot of time worrying about the arrangement of student desks or what bulletin board decorations will interest the kids. All of this is important when setting up a learning environment to kick off the school year, but the location of the teacher’s desk also deserves careful consideration.
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The teacher’s desk can be the nerve center of the classroom. Chances are that most of the business of teaching will come across it at one time or another. Here are some considerations when setting your desk up for back to school.
Location, Location, Location
The location of a teacher’s desk can set the tone for the entire classroom, so it is an important step in relaying the message you want them to receive.
Right Up Front
The classic approach has remained the standard for years, and it’s easy to see why. From the front, teachers have full visibility of their students and vice versa. You’re likely near the door, making it easier to keep track of anyone entering or leaving, and locating the teacher right away is simpler for those entering.
That being said, it does have its drawbacks. It can be far too easy to fall into a “teach from your desk” trap when the desk’s location makes it so convenient. If your classroom is the kind of place where entering and exiting is more common, you may find yourself getting frustrated being so close to a door that opens and closes with regularity.
Ultimately, it will depend on the structure of your classroom and whether a desk up front makes sense. If not, let’s brainstorm some more options!
To the Students in the Back
Some teachers have decided they have better control of the classroom when their teacher’s desk is in the back. This is especially useful when your class has quiet time for reading. It allows teachers to see the entire class while preventing students from seeing your desk as distracting or intimidating. And when it’s time to get in front of the class and teach, you’ll find it much easier to break away from your desk and engage with students.
However, teachers play a crucial role in student safety, and a desk too far from the door may make it more difficult to manage your classroom and the hallway outside your door.
The Goldilocks Desk Zone
Several hybrid options may allow you to reap the benefits of both worlds. For example, you could have a large desk in the back where students can turn in homework and where you can maintain your own documents and supplies.
But instead of using it as your main desk, you could use a smaller desk up front, perhaps even a standing desk or podium, where you keep the basic things you need to do most of your school day work.
While this solution seems to fill in all the circles, the ability to teach most of the day from a podium up front begs the question…
Do You Even Need a Desk?
Some schools are now modern enough to easily store everything digitally and maintain it on a tablet or laptop. Grades can be entered, and presentations can be cast right onto a screen or whiteboard up front. If that’s the case, consider whether you need a desk.
An alternative could be a central table with a comfortable chair or a simple podium that can be placed wherever you want to teach. This would also provide a lectern from which students can give presentations without having to stand behind or in front of a large teacher’s desk. Leaving that desk out entirely creates more space for centers or flexible seating.
You likely won’t spend much time at your desk during class. But if you do use one, you want it to be functional, efficient, and relaxing. All it takes is a little strategy and commitment!
It is interesting that you say to put the desk in the furthest corner from the door. My first year teaching, I was in an inner city school. We were told to line our desk up with the door. That way we could use it as a barrier in case we needed to defend ourself and get out of the room 🙁