If you’re reading this, chances are you want to improve your desk setup. Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator ready to conquer clutter, this guide is for you.
But keep in mind that a good desk setup doesn’t guarantee organization any more than owning exercise equipment guarantees fitness. You may also need good habits to align with your filing and storage solutions.
Importance of an Organized and Functional Teacher Desk
A teacher’s desk is the classroom’s command center. It’s often the largest piece of furniture in the room and the first thing a parent or colleague sees when they enter your class. A cluttered desk may make you appear unprofessional. Poor organization undermines your efficiency, leading to lost homework or time wasted looking for things. Clutter can also increase stress and make it hard to focus.
An organized desk makes the classroom look more orderly and welcoming. Take these steps to create a desk that helps you feel more calm and efficient.
Before Setting Up Your Teacher Desk
Consider a few things before setting up your teacher desk, including the room flow, space, and your comfort.
Evaluate Your Desk Space and Arrangement Possibilities
Arrange your desk in a way that works with the classroom layout. Traditionally, teachers place their desks in a corner of the room or against a wall. This keeps it out of the flow of traffic. A small desk can work well, but you may need to use desk accessories to stack materials.
If your desk is near a wall, you can take full advantage of vertical space.
- Use wall files to store and organize papers
- Hang a dry-erase board to write messages and reminders with colorful markers, or use magnets to hang notes and pictures.
- A bulletin board can be used to hang a wall calendar and post schedules or other frequently referenced documents
Ergonomic Factors to Consider
Unlike the average office worker, teachers stand up for much of the day. But they do sit for extended periods (like when grading papers or during student conferences). Adjusting your desk setup for comfort and good ergonomics is important. Discomfort at the end of the day could be because of poor ergonomics.
Teachers can do a few things to help improve their workspace ergonomics. For example, you can use an ergonomic desk chair with lumbar support. The back should allow you to rock back in the chair. Your arms should be level with the keyboard when seated.
Your computer monitor should be within arm’s reach, and the top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
Those worried about sitting too much may want to consider a standing desk or standing desk converter. These adjustable desks can rise to a standing position or lower to a normal height to use with a chair.
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