An Old School LYS Campus Leader asks the following:

SC,

Back when I was a teacher, I seem to remember big discussions along the lines of removing “teacher nests.” I want to share some information with my teachers about this very thing. I figured I’ll go straight to the source to help frame a compelling argument.  I’m wondering if you had any research or visuals that might be helpful in refreshing my memory?

I’ve re- read the Chapter on teaching in the “Power Zone” (The Fundamental 5, Cain & Laird) and I didn’t see the discussion about the importance of de-cluttering a classroom.

SC Response

We quit talking about “Teacher Nests” a couple of years ago with anyone except exceptional teachers, that we had built a relationship with. Not because the concept isn’t relevant or important… But because too many teachers took the discussion as some sort of a personal attack.

Now we focus on maintaining a clutter free, organized and clean classroom. This is a more positive, constructive, and for teachers, a less personal discussion.

However, the original finding still stands… There seemingly is an inverse relationship between teacher “nesting” and time spent in the Power Zone. Which makes sense. The nest acts as a time / attention / comfort trap for the teacher. Regardless of teacher intent, diligence and/or competence.

But never forget, the critical variable in the classroom is the quality of delivered instruction.  Even if  teacher nesting is prevalent, focus on instruction first. The focus on improving instructional delivery has the happy by-product of many teachers making purposeful and productive room set-up changes.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn…

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