By Kailyn Huynh
Just as fashion can offer insights into the type of person someone may be, the way a classroom is decorated can tell you a lot about a teacher’s character.
The way they style their walls, the unique knick knacks displayed around the room or the overall aesthetic of the class are all ways a teacher can express their personality.
Here are some of the ways that Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) teachers design their classrooms and what we can learn from them!
Items from past students
Throughout their time teaching at FVHS, a teacher has likely collected a few letters or pictures from previous students.
Some teachers even create dedicated areas in their rooms to arrange these cards.
For example, take AP Language and Composition teacher Sean Ziebarth who keeps a display of pictures with former students right above his desk.
Ranging from polaroids with previous classes to heartfelt, handwritten letters he has received, Ziebarth expresses little glimpses into the impact he has made on his students.
Above English teacher Joseph Barro’s desk is a similar scene. He describes his room as a way to surround himself with art and positivity.
“I keep cards and work from students from previous years because they are memories,” Barro said. “As the students leave my class, it’s great to keep a record of stuff they have done or messages they sent me as keepsakes for me year to year.”
The love that these teachers have received from their students simply reflects the type of caring and kindhearted individuals that they are.
Empty walls
In some cases, a lack of decoration might strike some warning signs for a student. Perhaps this is a teacher’s attempt at cleanliness or simply a minimalistic take on room design. Nonetheless, it leaves some students feeling bored or falling asleep.
“I prefer decorations because it’s more interesting and fun and it’s more engaging for lessons,” said sophomore Ngoc Vu.
Teachers who choose to leave their classrooms like this usually tend to prioritize focus. Following strict agendas, guidelines or policies, they decorate their classroom in a way that avoids any distractions.
However, this type of layout might just be what some students need. Having empty walls can be especially beneficial for those who struggle to focus as it boosts their learning by allowing them to concentrate and fully absorb the material.
Trinkets
On the other hand, trinkets can make a classroom appear much more interesting and also give students glimpses into what a teacher likes or dislikes. Through these small items, we can learn about their hobbies or interests outside of school.
AP Human Geography teacher Julie Chaicharee flaunts an impressive collection of Captain America figures, showcasing her love for Marvel.
We can also find a fierce collection of Dodgers bobbleheads in Joseph Barro’s classroom.
“I’m a huge Dodgers fan. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid, and each of the bobbleheads is from games I went to. They are mostly players I loved and they’re [like] memories on my desk. I love adding at least one or two a year,” he said.
Barro’s love for watching baseball doesn’t come as any surprise to those who have been in his room, and the same goes for Chaicharee’s love for Marvel. Still, it’s the simple act of displaying these items that allows these teachers to better connect with their students and share their passions.
Posters
If a teacher’s classroom walls are splattered with posters or graphics of the subject, they are likely very passionate about what they teach.
These teachers choose to surround both themselves and their students’ environment with new knowledge and their love for the topic.
In Barro’s classroom, he also chooses to decorate his walls with an assortment of posters.
“I like displaying the posters for a variety of reasons,” Barro said. “Some of the posters are concert posters featuring bands I love, seen in concert or simply think the art is cool, colorful or weird. Many of the concert posters spark memories for me through the music.”
As an English teacher, it is no surprise to find posters of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea alongside posters of Frankenstein and To Kill a Mockingbird.
“I have a bunch of literary posters from authors I teach or authors I simply love,” Barro said.
Family photos
It’s not uncommon for teachers to share photos of their families or display picture frames containing images of their children or pets.
Through photos, these affectionate teachers can express their appreciation for spending time with loved ones.
Ambient lights
Recent social media trends have popularized the use of ambient lighting as a way to feel more cozy and relaxed.
Some teachers on campus choose to decorate their rooms with these lights as a way to make their students feel comfortable.
“I feel like it adds warmth to the classroom and improves the overall mood,” sophomore Chloe Do said.
Whether it’s by photos, posters, bobbleheads or lights, there’s sure to be something interesting you can find out about your teachers just by the way they decorate their class.
Or, perhaps, you might even be able to discover something more about yourself by the way you decorate your room.
