Teacher transforms classroom with $2,000 grant

Walking into their sixth period, seniors Mia Kenigsberg and Jake Champana were stunned to witness the transformed atmosphere greeting them at the doorstep of their AP Government class. 

“Mr. Docter’s room didn’t have as much character before,” Kenigsberg said. “It didn’t have as much personality as a history or government class should.”

What was once a drab, colorless room with messy desks and beige walls is now a cozy, inviting space. With the addition of soft lights, sitting areas, cool posters lining the walls and fake plants adding a touch of green, the classroom felt like a completely different world.

“When I picture his room now, a nice and inviting atmosphere comes to mind,” Champana stated. “The changes which Mr. Docter has made to his class have rectified the mundanity of his old classroom setup.”

Teaching is about more than what happens in the textbook. It’s about how students feel when they walk into the room, how the space itself can shape their attitude toward learning. So when AP Government teacher Mr. Robert Docter received a $2,000 grant, awarded by the College  Football Playoff Foundation for classroom resources, he saw it as an opportunity to make his classroom a place where students could truly thrive — not just academically — but emotionally and creatively as well. 

“If you’re in a stressful environment or somewhere that you don’t feel comfortable, learning is  really difficult,” Mr. Docter said. “So in any way I can, I wanted to take that pressure down and make it easier for students to focus.”

The funds were part of a broader initiative led by celebrities and philanthropists such as Lebron James, Anthony Mackie, Bryce Harper and more to support educational efforts in classrooms across the country while inspiring and empowering teachers. 

Though a surprise to him, Mr. Docter was quick to realize how much of a difference the money could make—not just for him but his students as well.

“It was offered to me, so I applied,” Mr. Docter explained. “A good friend of mine, who works as an assistant to Rachel Lindsay, a former Bachelorette star who is now an ambassador for the College Football Playoff Foundation, mentioned the opportunity. She said, ‘Hey, my boss is giving money to classrooms in need. Would you be down to apply?’ I applied–and I won.”

Mr. Docter agreed with his students, his room needed a true makeover.

“The physical space was really lacking,” he said. “It was something that I heard students complain about. Even if I could just update my classroom a little bit aesthetically, with more color on the walls, more places for people to be comfortable to sit down, changing even the lighting—I thought that really mattered.”

With the help of student suggestions, Mr. Docter was able to implement permanent changes that would improve the classroom environment for years to come. 

“I suggested he make a comfortable lounging area where students could relax and study in their spare time,” Kenigsberg stated.

Many of his students agreed that the class was missing better lighting and more decorations on the walls. 

“When Mr. Docter gave us the survey on what to do with the money, I took a good look around the room and saw what the class really needed,” Champana said. “I recommended Mr. Docter should get some nice warm lamps and put up posters on the wall to make his classroom feel more welcoming.”

Although much of the room is now renovated, Mr. Docter still has improvements he wants to make. 

“What I still want to do, which I’m almost done with, is buying a rug, maybe one more lamp and a few more plants, ” he said. “It’s almost there. I’d say it’s 90% complete.”

Despite this, one of the most noticeable changes in the classroom according to Mr. Docter is the improved relationship between him and his students. 

“I’ve noticed in the last couple weeks that just the overall friendliness between me and my students is better,” he shared. “Not that the students were unfriendly before, but everyone is just a little more comfortable being here now.”

The improved relationship can be credited to the creation of a sense of shared ownership over the transformed space. 

“I initially created a questionnaire because I wanted to get confirmation on what students wanted first,” Mr. Docter stated. “I think it’s cool that students might walk in and feel like they were part of the transformation.”

Many of Mr. Docter’s students greatly appreciated being included in the transformation of the room, as they felt that the class’s opinions were being heard and respected.

“It cultivated a positive attitude in the classroom, one where students had a voice and weren’t overshadowed,” Champana said.

Positive and inviting classroom conditions significantly influence students’ psychological well-being and academic success. Research indicates that the physical aspects of a classroom, including its design and organization, can impact students’ focus and achievement.

According to a research project by Western Michigan University, if not approached correctly, a classroom can be “set up in a way that stifles creativity or does not promote a positive learning environment.” This includes factors such as  wall art, arrangement of desks or resources in addition to the general energy of the room.

“Seeing that we are in his sixth period class and usually are tired from a long day, it’s nice to go to a class that doesn’t feel overstimulating. The current classroom setup and seating areas help me feel like I can be more attentive and relaxed,”  Kenigsberg said.  

For Mr. Docter, the classroom renovations serve as more than just an opportunity to enhance the learning environment for his students. They’re also a reminder of the broader needs within the school system. 

“I think there are bigger, wider renovations needed at the school,” he said.

With limited funding for classroom materials and renovations, many educators have no choice but to invest their personal funds to make the space more engaging and inviting for their students.

According to a study by My eLearning World, it was shown that US teachers on average spent approximately $853.90 out of their own salaries in 2023 to supply their students with classroom decor, cleaning supplies, essential classroom supplies and even food.

Despite the limited scope of his classroom renovation, Mr. Docter is hopeful that the changes he’s made will continue to positively impact his students’ experiences. 

“It’s a reminder that my room is a safe place to be in and to learn, but also to come by and ask questions and chat,” he said. “That’s really the message I want students to take away from this process.”

And his students agree. 

“The co-led process of Mr. Docter and us working together to create this safe and comfortable environment has created a great place to learn and not feel judged with our own personal challenges,” Kenigsberg stated.

As he finishes the final touches in his classroom, it’s clear that Mr. Docter’s $2,000 grant has transformed more than just the physical space—it’s made the classroom a more inviting place for learning, conversation and personal connection. 

“This is just the beginning of my ongoing dedication to creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported and inspired to thrive,” he said.