Has any teacher or administrator or parents' association approached you about revitalizing this space? It seems like the place to start would be to ask if there is a problem before you assume you need to fix it. The input you need is from the people you are wanting to do something nice for.

Hi Spoka, a big shout-out to you for trying to do something nice for teachers. They surely deserve it!

They definitely deserve some new furniture instead of cast-offs or ugly second-hands as shown here. I would start in your community with a campaign to raise money: a car wash, bake sale, and even go to local furniture and design stores to ask for extra, seconds, donations that are NICE. Modular, modern furniture instead of big heavy couches and chairs would be ideal.

Build an easy and nice bookcase/shelving with bricks and planks (kids can do!) and put big straw baskets for each teacher, with nice name plates. Again, kids can do this stuff

. A warm carpet for cold days...Would also replace that big range for a coffee station with microwave and induction hot plate plus small fridge...you get the idea.

All best!

Boy, if you could get enough lamps in there just to turn off the flourescent lights, that would be huge.

Yes, ColonialGP, good call!

More pictures?

I would get slipcovers for the sofas- maybe something in chambray or denim- add throw pillow and lumbar support- plus some occasional tables for drinks and books to be put down near the comfy seating.

Ok sorry guys I'm just going to go through this point by point for time consideration. Not being terse out of rudeness.

"Build an easy and nice bookcase/shelving with bricks and planks (kids can do!)"

Probably not. I'm sure that breaks all kind of safety rules and union regulations. In some districts it has to be earthquake safe. Can't risk a child-built shelf made of bricks and boards, full of books, toppling on someone. Any repairs and upgrades to schools are union contracts.

"I would start in your community with a campaign to raise money"

Start by talking to the teachers to see what changes they want and what the *needs* are, then find out from admin what will be allowed, then set a budget/goal, then raise money. You don't want to be stuck with a fat bank account full of funds dedicated to a project that you're not allowed to do or that won't help anyone.

"Would also replace that big range for a coffee station with microwave and induction hot plate plus small fridge."

The kindergartners at our school use the range once a week for cooking class, and PAC members use it to cook for fundraisers etc. Again, find out the needs *first*.

" Boy, if you could get enough lamps in there just to turn off the flourescent lights, that would be huge."

In some places public buildings aren't allowed to turn off lights, even in favour of lamps. There are health and safety regulations that cannot be thwarted. CHECK FIRST.

Really, this is a public building. You simply cannot jump in and start improving. Much as we would all love to do everything we can to support our teachers and make their lives easier there is protocol that must be followed. Starting with communication with the involved parties. No one likes to be improved with no input, and educators especially have very concrete views about how they do and do not like to work. In my experience, YMMV.

I like this inspiration teacher's lounge

Teachers Lounge Makeover · More Info

Who is in charge of this space?

When I was teaching there wasn’t time to spend in the lounge. Most teachers eat and run, or eat at their desks. It’s very thoughtful of you to want to help, but maybe just some minor tweaks would be best. I would suggest talking to the principal and find out if this space is actually a concern to the staff.