Silva Elementary School teacher inspires students with 'classy classroom'

Lindsey Taylor, a Dartmouth resident and Dartmouth High School graduate, teaches Grade 5 at the Frank M. Silvia Elementary School in Fall River.

In 2016, Taylor was among the educators who responded to a question from The Standard-Times: Why do you teach?

Here was her response then:

“I just successfully completed my first year of teaching! I realized early in the school year how much my students depended on me for support, inspiration, and encouragement. This fueled my passion for teaching. My greatest joy thus far has been helping my students to recognize their potential and in turn, build self-confidence. Aside from teaching the curriculum, I love modeling how to win and lose graciously, how to be a kind friend, and how to persevere through life’s challenges. The unexpectedness of the classroom keeps me on my toes and keeps me coming back for more.”

As she shared her thoughts about crafting her classroom, The Standard-Times also asked Taylor how she feels now about teaching:

“This will be my third year teaching in the same school, same grade, and same subject. I was actually chosen as the BCEA (Bristol County Educators Association) Rookie of the Year ... nominated by my mentor and coworker, Christine Carvalho. But, I can imagine feeling like a rookie for the next ten years with all that we have on our plates!

“After reading what I wrote two years ago about the reason why I teach, there is not anything I would change. If anything, my experience and time spent with students affirms that they really do need my support, inspiration, and encouragement in order to thrive. I learned that a lot of that motivation also comes from the atmosphere of the classroom itself. The unexpectedness of the classroom definitely still keeps me on my toes and keeps me coming back for more.”

Here’s what Taylor had to say about “My Classy Classroom”:

“The definition of classy is showing or having class, and I can’t think of a better way to describe the room we spend most of our time in as a fifth grade community in Fall River.

“Students need to be in classrooms that inspire them. My ultimate classroom is a comfortable place where my students can come to work toward specific goals set before them in a positive, organized, and colorful atmosphere sprinkled with words like ‘yay!’ and ‘yet!’.

“In my room, students are given a bright and beautiful space that makes them feel good to be at school — filled with motivational quotes, rainbow tassels, peaceful music, comfortable seating, fast internet access, and examples of work we all strive for. In a nurturing environment that feels safe, students are more likely to show initiative and effective problem-solving skills, coupled with social-emotional coping strategies.

“Desks are clustered in small groups to encourage collaboration among students, but my favorite area in the room is my classroom rug, a communal seating area with comfortable crates, where the full class can gather for shares, discussions, reading, and celebrations. This classroom community gives students the chance to get to know and care about their peers and themselves. When confidence, compassion, collaboration, and consistent routines are modeled throughout the school day, students are able to engage in learning activities successfully and feel a sense of belonging. This affirms what teachers have always known in their hearts-- that positive relationships are the foundation of learning.

“It is definitely overwhelming walking into a barren room in the middle of August with a vibrant vision of rainbows, butterflies, and a brand new year, but I’m already surfing the internet, and checking out Instagram and Pinterest for ways I can improve my classroom for next year!

“I will go back in early August to begin setting up. I try not to waste too many beach days, and I’d rather spend three 8-hour days preparing early on than go back for half days for the last two weeks.

“We are fortunate at my school to be allotted funds from our PTO to spend towards classroom supplies and decor, and to have a copious supply closet we can access as we need, but I spend hundreds of dollars out of my own pocket on my room each year to create a space that feels just right.

“My first year I went crazy and spent a little over a grand. But, now that I have the essentials: an expensive pencil sharpener that won’t succumb to the force of a really small pencil, a large classroom rug, wooden mailboxes to store student work and important notices, a comfortable teaching chair, a handy label maker, and a plethora of bins, borders, and books, my out-of-pocket expenses have definitely decreased.


“The kids really do appreciate the atmosphere in the classroom. They call it ‘The Rainbow Room” and some staff members come in just for ‘a place to relax and reset.’

“The students’ favorite spot is the VIP nook with the shag rug, pillows, and lap desks. When chosen as VIP of the week, they have access to the nook which is an exclusive space under the counter behind my teacher desk. They can use special supplies, read and work in the nook, have lunch with the teacher, sign the VIP guest book, and have their picture posted in the hallway and on a bulletin board in the classroom.

“I didn’t think it would be such a huge hit with the kids given their age, but we all talk it up and make it really special!

“When you asked whether I have the same classroom year after year or if I start from scratch, I giggled. Physically, yes I’ve stayed in the same room. But, every year come June, after my fifth graders graduate, I always begin ripping things down off the walls and recycling charts and bulletin board paper/borders.

“Everyone laughs at me! I have been told by many veteran teachers that there will come a day when I will learn to keep it all up and not start over. After three years, I think I now understand why! I love the space I’ve taken years to create and the more I keep up, the less overwhelmed I will be when I return (and the less money I’ll have to spend!)

“Who knows how I will feel about that on my first day back in a couple of weeks though :)”