Thread: Pros & cons of teaching in an open-space classroom? Help

Congratulations on your interview, teacher_c!

I student taught in an open concept high school and I didn't like it very much. Over the years, the school had tried to build in more permanent walls, but they hadn't gotten to the English wing or the library when I student taught.

The open concept drove the librarians nuts because it was very easy for students to walk off with books. You can imagine how that would wear on a person.

I think in the open classroom, classroom management becomes very important. Setting up the room for minimum distractions and maximum time-on-task is important.

This isn't very encouraging, but my two questions that I asked during an interview were: Do you have walls? Will I have my own clasroom or be on a cart?

However, teachers around you can be terrific allies, especially to a new teacher. If you felt comfortable about the teaching situation during the interview, it might work out well. I'd trade having my own classroom or walls for a very good principal any day.

Best wishes!

Diane