Back when I was an educator, the teacher’s lounge was a sterile, uninviting place that housed a copy machine, and if you were lucky, a microwave and refrigerator. I always thought that this was a poor use of space. I believe that teachers lounges should be motivational spaces, where teachers can feel supported and appreciated. How can you turn your teachers’ lounge into a motivational space? Keep reading to find out.

1. Inspirational and motivational quotes. Create a space in the teacher’s lounge where staff members can post motivational and funny quotes. You can make each one pop by placing it in a beautiful frame (not expensive to purchase). These quotes will have a long life, helping to boost the morale of countless numbers of educators.
2. Celebrate staff birthdays. Create a bulletin board that celebrates the birthdays of your colleagues. Each month will have its own section on the board, and you should post photos of each teacher under their birthday month. Every school has teachers who are bakers, so everyone should take turns baking a birthday cake or picking one up from the bakery. Same difference.
3. Staff kudos. Create a bulletin board, where teachers can post messages that praise, support or congratulate their colleagues. If a teacher is doing an excellent job, post a message letting them know. If a struggling teacher is improving, post a note encouraging them to keep up the good work. If you think your principal is an awesome leader and a superman or superwomen, let them know. I believe in giving people their kudos in real-time, not 10 years from now or even worse when they are dead and gone.
4. Teacher share. Create a simple space where teachers can share their best tips, strategies, and methods with their colleagues. This will be especially helpful for new or novice teachers that are trying to find their way in the field. It will dramatically improve their teaching, and in the end, students win.
5. Teacher of the month. Create a bulletin board that spotlights the “Teacher of the Month.” Create a document that includes a photo, information on why they were selected, as well as words and phrases to describe them. You can even include testimonials from one student and one colleague. At the end of the month, laminate the document and present it to the teacher.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found its suggestions useful.