Teacher Desk for Upper Elementary: Ditch it OR Keep it?

Getting my own teacher desk was a big deal. I’d made it.

I’d jumped through all the hoops and landed the job of my dreams. And now I had the coveted teacher desk to prove it!

My first teacher desk

It was mammoth. One of those monsters welded together sometime in the 19th century by a brawny man named Fenn. And it was heavy. (And I could never figure out why.) It could only be moved an inch at a time, in a resistant sashaying dance across the carpet that threatened the back muscles.

But it was proof that I was finally a teacher. And I loved looking over the realm of the classroom when I sat it in. My little kingdom.

The teacher next door gave up her desk so the kids would have more space. I thought she was bananas. Give up your desk? The only space that was yours in the whole classroom? It seemed like a martyr move.

But a few years later, I wanted to expand my classroom library to include more just right books and 4th grade read alouds. My dinosaur teacher desk prevented this move. So as an experiment, I decided to chuck it out.

And you know what? It was amazing. The room felt twice as large. And it made my job easier.

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No teacher desk? Where do you put your stuff?

Like anyone who’s decluttered knows, once you start getting rid of stuff, it snowballs.

I was ruthless with my items. I tossed what wasn’t essential and kept only what I loved and let me work with ease. Gone were the ratty ballpoints. In with the gorgeous gel pens. My new classroom decor? Function and beauty.

Now I work at a rainbow table. (Which sounds way better than “kidney table.” *shudders*) It’s cleared of papers and ready for meeting with small groups or for impromptu parent teacher conferences.

Use shelving

All my supplies are behind the table on a shelf, along with the printer. If something doesn’t get used in a year, out it goes.

Think of how much space you’d save if all your desk items went on this beauty:

Need more space? Get a taller shelf. Go onto Facebook Marketplace — you can find some amazing deals! Even surprising free finds!

Organizing your supplies

Grab some functional stacking trays that let you keep all your grading or next week’s homework packets where you need them. Or if you want the super classy feel, grab these stunners.

But I really really want a teacher desk!

The great news? You’re a grownup! You get to do what you want!

So if a teacher desk works for you? There are loads of gorgeous desks to suit your work style.

The main thing to keep in mind is that it needs to serve you and make your job easier. It shouldn’t be one more thing to take care of.

Here are some beauts if you heart yearns for your very own teacher desk. Cause today’s teacher desks are more streamlined and, frankly, stunning than the monsters of the past.

All of the ones I list below have gotten glowing reviews. Click on any to get a closer look!

Traditional

If you like more space for keeping your items, this one sings tradition but has a cool updated feel.

Simple

Love clean lines and purposeful design? This lovely looker might be your partner in crime.

Wanna Splurge?

At just under $250, this classy lady actually costs a third less than your typical teacher desk.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Tell us in the comments below:

• Are you pro- or anti-teacher desk? Share your thoughts! 🙂

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