From Shoebox to Showcase: Students Design Future Classrooms

In a Teachers for Tomorrow classroom at Chantilly Academy, shoeboxes become miniature learning labs — complete with reading nooks, flexible seating, calm-down corners, and photo labs. 

As part of their dual enrollment portfolio — students in the class earn high school credit as well as credit from Northern Virginia Community College — high school juniors and seniors are designing classroom dioramas that reflect the kind of learning environments they hope to one day lead. The project asks students not only to imagine what their future classrooms might look like, but to think deeply about how space, structure, and student needs shape teaching and learning.

For Nix, who plans to become a high school photography teacher, the assignment is a chance to translate his own experiences into practice. His model includes a darkroom, counter space, and camera carts inspired by the photo labs he learned in at Chantilly High School. 

“My goal is to have my students in a space where they feel like they can express themselves,” he said, describing a classroom built around creative play and hands-on exploration. 

Across the room, future elementary teachers Luke, Claire, and Teagan focused on flexibility and structure. Their classrooms feature quiet corners, colorful visuals, and alternative seating options. 

“Having a comfortable environment makes the learning process more fun,” Claire said, while Luke emphasized giving students choice in where and how they work. Teagan, who has already shadowed teachers at multiple grade levels, said the experience is helping her decide where she fits best. “You really get to see what different classrooms are like and where you would want to go.” 

Leah, Silvia, and Nila centered their designs on comfort, engagement, and belonging. From flexible seating and reading nooks to displaying motivational prompts and resource walls, their classrooms reflect what they valued most as students. 

“Feeling comfortable helps kids learn best,” Silvia said. Nila, who plans to teach upper elementary grades and is already tutoring younger students, is thinking carefully about how physical space can support focus, confidence, and connection. “I want students to feel warm and supported — not just sitting in plastic chairs all day,” she said.

Through hands-on projects, early field experiences, and dual enrollment opportunities, Teachers for Tomorrow gives students a window into the profession — and a pathway back to FCPS classrooms. 

As these future educators design the spaces where learning will happen, they are also shaping the values they hope to carry forward: creativity, flexibility, inclusion, and a deep understanding of how students learn best.

Teachers for Tomorrow (TfT) is an approved Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) program offered to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. Learn more  about the program and where it is offered in FCPS.