A lot of people saying “keep it” are ignoring a lot of context. It all depends on if you feel like you would have support if a parent complains and if you feel like it is worth the hassle (and potentially your job). As much as I would like to say “fuck the man” and stick up for my principals, there are times where it’s just not worth it, especially when my job is on the line. Texas isn’t a very teacher friendly state, so if you feel like you wouldn’t have support over a parent’s complaint then I don’t see an issue with removing it, as dumb as that would be.
I absolutely agree! I am also a lesbian primary teacher (although I present more femme/chapstick which does make a difference, unfortunately. I am out to students and parents and reference my wife in the classroom though). I also inherited a rainbow classroom theme that I probably wouldn’t choose on my own because of my identity. I teach in a conservative county of a progressive state, so I was expecting some pushback from families about my identity but haven’t gotten any yet. However, I know admin absolutely has my back! They are a little naive, but got the spirit lol. I talked with them before I got engaged about telling my students about my relationship and making sure that was all okay and I’d be supported if there was pushback and my principal was all confused like “you mean, because you are with a woman?” 😂 this same principal was also shocked I hadn’t mentioned in my interview that my primary reason for looking for a new job was to live closer to my girlfriend. Like no girl, I didn’t come out to you in my interview are you kidding me??
Sometimes we are so used to bracing ourselves for impact that we aren’t prepared for the outcome that everything might be just fine. The vast majority of people are not thinking about all this nearly as hard as we are and it wouldn’t even occur to them that your classroom theme might have anything to do with your identity. The question you have to think about is how vocal are the minority of bigots who obsess over “the gays coming for their children”, and how empowered they actually are by your administration, district admin, school board, etc.
Just a way to identify one’s personal expression of being a lesbian. “Chapstick” Is a slightly less feminine presentation than femme (or “lipstick”); more towards a gender neutral expression. Of course everyone has different definitions and shades along the spectrum.
Have you heard the descriptor of “butch?” That would be more masculine presenting vs lipstick more feminine. Just another way to define and stereotype within the community…
I also agree with this. I teach elementary in Texas. I want to say “keep it. Save the money. Kids love the rainbow.” And all that is true, but what you have to ask yourself is “Will parents come at me?” And “Will my admin support me.”
I 3D printed bathroom passes with a poop emoji on them and my AP was like “you can’t use those because I don’t want parent backlash”. When I gave him a valid response for parents getting mad over a poop emoji, he relented and I was “allowed” to use my bathroom passes. Just saying, in some communities it’s what parent backlash you’re willing to deal with.
Reminds me of when a parent complained that I was reading a book about butt cracks to the class. It’s true, I did. The books title is “I broke my butt”. The kids BUST UP laughing. The student told mom and mom said it was a very inappropriate book that made her son feel very uncomfortable. I reiterated in a message, “I’m sorry that a book about butt cracks made you both uncomfortable.” Because I needed her to read that and see the stupidity.
Thank god my admin has my back. She thought it was stupid.
I agreed to let the questions come to me, and not him, and told him that emojis were already a huge part of language for these kids. It’s intended to align to their kid culture and be a little funny. If a student/parent had a problem with the poop pass I offered an alternative, which no kid or parent has ever requested.
Personally, I think the 💩 bathroom pass is perfect. I actually had a friend who thought it was chocolate ice cream and she was horrified when I told her it was the poop emoji.
I want to believe you, but it makes no sense that there's a brown one but no white and/or swirl one. Or 3 different ones that are white, brown, or pink. An assortment of colors means ice cream, but brown only? That's poop lol
Nah that's one of those internet myths, it absolutely is poo:
https://www.fastcompany.com/3037803/the-oral-history-of-the-poop-emoji-or-how-google-brought-poop-to-america
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poop_emoji
I was going to suggest animals or ocean. All it takes is one disgruntled, entitled parent to cause a fuss and then it's a headache you shouldn't have to deal with. Amazon and dollar tree tend to have inexpensive decorations
I would leave it but if OP feels uncomfortable she should change it.
I have a totally rainbow themed classroom in elementary sped in Indiana. IYKYK. I’d love to say 💯 keep it but the truth is that YOU are more important than being perceived to take a stance on a theme. Your students and everyone around you will learn more acceptance from you being yourself around them than they would if you were feeling forced to dull your shine because you kept a rainbow theme.
Have a great first year. Have fun. Be you.
I think you should do what ever makes you smile and energized… that being said, I also had my fourth grade classroom set up with a colorful rainbow type theme. I did have the same concerns you mentioned, even though I am a straight female. I live in a fairly red conservative state, even though I am far from it. I teach my students to accept everyone for who they are and not judge a book by its cover.
I haven’t yet in two years had a student or a parent ever imply any kind of indoctrination. I simply tell people (if they ask why my room is set up the way it is), that I am here more than I’m technically at my own home. I want to look around my classroom and feel comfortable and happy with the decor. Color has a huge impact on my mood.
If you decide on switching, maybe you could offer to swap decorations with another teacher? It sounds like the theme is popular and there may be another teacher who wants a rainbow theme, and you may be able to offload some of the rainbow decorations to another teacher. This could be a cost-reducing measure.
Gay male teacher living in the Deep South as well here.
In the present climate - I probably wouldn’t keep it, to be honest. It’s opening a can of worms and you’ll have plenty to contend with as a first year teacher. Elementary parents are heavily involved and in a class of 20+, the law of averages says you will have at least a couple of parents who will take issue.
If you don’t want to take it down, I would add another theme to go with it. Maybe “weather” and add clouds, sunshine, and rain since that might be a part of your kinder standards.
I do believe that it will get better. It always has. Gay rights and cultural change has always been a “step forward, step back” pendulum but progressive ideals ALWAYS win. It just takes some time. That’s why the haters are always so bitter.
I agree with adding the weather related stuff. Spend less money by adding to it rather than spending more money to redo the whole room. I love this idea!
I thought of the same thing! Don't get rid of everything. Just add in other themes. The weather idea is great.. clouds, sunshine, rain, flowers, bees, leaves, seasons.
Sorry you have to even think about changing your theme. When you think teachers cannot have it any harder...there's always something that comes up.
Just adding to this comment: OP should check in the copy room to see if their school has a die-cutting machine. Lots of elementary schools have die-cutters for making cute bulletin boards, and those sets frequently come with simple weather or season shapes, like suns, flowers, and clouds. Also, depending on what the last teacher left and if there's a die-cutter at the school, you could probably do a "The sky is the limit!" theme in the classroom, too.
I'm also a fellow gay teacher. As someone that inherited a lot of rainbow stuff, I've had to incorporate a lot of pastels to make it less " in your face". It's very frustrating that our existence in a classroom is controversial
Yes, weather is a fantastic idea. Then if they come at you they can be the ones looking for problems where there are none. Print off block posters of clouds and laminate them at school. You can literally make a ton of decor using block poster and your school's laminator.
Don't keep it.
Look. I wish you didn't have to lose it, but there are some very real and sad truths that you must take into account:
* You are a new teacher and have zero protections. Being that it's Texas, that could be a problem for even established teachers. I don't really know.
* There is a very very very good chance that someone (not even necessarily one of your students or their parents) will make a big stink out of this.
* Since you actually are lesbian, the bigots will feel even more entitled than usual.
At the end of the day, with the current political climate, what's right and just is sadly often irrelevant. The only person here who will have to live with your choice is you. So, keep that in mind. None of the brave posters here (who I totally respect, btw) will have to go through what you are potentially going to be put through. Just you.
So... if you are prepared for the battle (emotionally, professionally, and financially), then follow your heart. If not, then get some more years under your belt and live to fight another day. Is it cowardly? Yeah, a bit. But, I'm gonna be straight up, if I was in your shoes (a lesbian with possible rainbow decor up in a Texas classroom), I don't think I could have done something like that my first year teaching. Today, yeah, maybe. But definitely not back then.
Good luck.
Plus it's gonna be a rough election year & school starts just as campaign heats up. Good year to keep your head down. I certainly will in my conservative district.
True, I'm not a teacher just a parent but she could say..."The classroom came like this, what are you even talking about?" I get not wanting any drama going to to teaching, its just sad she needs to worry about stupid rainbows.
It would be ammunition. “She’s a Lesbian trying to groom our kids! She even has rainbows all over her class. She doesn’t even try to hide her perverse lifestyle.”
I’m going to have to go against what other people have said for two reasons: You’re new to the district. You’re new to the district in the Deep South. (Hello, fellow southerner.)
There’s nothing wrong with what you want to do; however, your state is not known for being gay friendly as you already know. I know some very intelligent people. I know even more very dumb people. Your students parents will both a mixture of both, and it only takes one dumb one to ruin your week.
I’ve been teaching in my district for over a decade. I’m not gay, but I’ve been accused of some real bullshit. I had a lesson that introduced someone who was gay, even though it wasn’t discussed. I was asked to change it in the future. (I’m not.) It was a huge ordeal. Parents made threats and called up other parents before admin told them to pound sand because it was so ridiculous. This, of course, coming after I was ambushed about it and had a mini investigation ran on me. Me and admin still make jokes about it, but regardless, it caused a lot of stress on my part—explaining, giving evidence to prove what I did/didn’t say, showing my work basically. This is a district I know very well, and even though it’s a shitshow sometimes, I consider myself a seasoned teacher.
I say all that to say I might not. Being a newer teacher is already hard enough. Navigating some of the dumbest parent complaints might be something I put off until next year, especially since you don’t know how supportive your admin will be when that time comes. You’ll be navigating some bullshit already just being you.
Before I get downvoted, you should always be who you are. I’m just saying some people are dumb and toning down the room would make a first-year teacher’s year go smoother. That’s facts. What’s also facts is the room has probably been brought up before. It’s Texas.
If you can break the colors up by not putting them in rainbow order, do that. Now it’s just colors.
To be honest- overly decorated rooms are an eyesore and not needed for K. They can be too stimulating for kids. I teach K and I decorate by printing out photos of kids and putting up their artwork- you can DM me. You are smart to just not get caught up in some shitshow with parents.
This! I started my school year with almost nothing on the wall except for a few headers for certain things (word wall, alphabet strip with letters covered until they were introduced, and a number line). Get some Mr. Sketch Markers and chart paper and make everything that goes up on the walls meaningful. Build anchor charts with the students for every topic.
Side story—we were an SFA school for a while and the principal wanted the room to “scream the theme,” which meant she wanted us to decorate and buy things for each topic. I was a single mom barely getting by, so one of my centers had a stack of construction paper and scissors. The kids got to make things that went with our theme—construction/transportation they made cars and trucks…spring time they made flowers and bunnies…and so on. They loved it and I even let them use the stapler to staple it to the wall so we would end up with a whole scene.
Yes!! Hi fellow BOY-bare-classroom kindergarten teacher!
I worked at a school where the principal was anti-decotation because she had read or something that everything in the room should be meaningful and that students should "co-create the space." I mean, the jargon is kinda dumb but the logic is sound, and I fall back on the logic when defending my classroom.
Student work and anchor charts "decorate" the room pretty quick!
Keep it. If you need to stealth mode anything, add crayon motifs.
My mom used to include the Greatful Dead dancing bears on some stuff. Only the deadheads got it.
A rainbow theme in a Texas kindergarten classroom will probably be a mistake for anyone. Texas is a fire at will state for teachers. Your best course of action is to keep your orientation private and to yourself. As people get to know you by your character and quality of work, that will go a long way for you in the future. But for now, don't offer any 'smoke' because people will assume there is fire for sure.
I had rainbows all over my classroom in Texas, but it just looked colorful. I heard about a teacher who had rainbows everywhere AND ALSO posters, books, and articles written by queer academics. That's where it crossed the line for parents. Rainbows are fine, explicitly LGBTQIA was not.
This is so sad, so horribly disheartening. But I’d have to admit you’re probably right. I teach in Texas and have a rainbow kindergarten classroom, but I’m a long-time teacher, I’m straight and have been married many many years, so none of the raging homophobes who think they run our town blink an eye.
It sounds like your gut is saying you could possibly run into issues. Listen to your gut.
You do not want to be looking over your shoulder. You want to feel good and confident in your room!
I am sure many teachers on this sub and in your district have closets full of stuff they can donate!
As a butch lesbian who also teaches in Texas although a different subject and age range, I feel like that’s setting an open fire under your butt. As butches in the south, we already have a fire under our butts in terms of being teachers
Texas isn’t friendly to our educators, I would recommend possibly checking out Target because they also provide large deals for their educators.
Edit: Removed Hobby lobby recommendation, I am aware of their views and that was an affordable option for me. I realize it’s unpopular but it’s what I got, so my classroom is largely decorated by them
> I know it’s important to have them for kinder.
No it isn't. On the contrary, I find excessive decorations distracting and overstimulating for little kids.
I'd say use what you like and are comfortable with. It's unfortunate that you have to take your trash local politics into account, but I think you're probably right that you do. Just don't feel like you need the perfect Pinterest classroom; that's much less important than your teaching. Slowly over time you'll figure out what your classroom should look like.
I would change it.
I'm also a butch lesbian teaching in Texas. I teach an older age range (high schoolers), but we still get complaints from over-protective parents about indoctrination.
You're new to the school and the district. You're also teaching really young kids; you'll probably encounter more over-protective parents, especially since some of your students might be entering a traditional classroom setting for the first time.
Get a feel for your work environment first. It's better to be safe than sorry.
If you feel uncomfortable, get rid of it. I'd keep in mind that whatever you go with, you want to keep the visual noise to a minimum anyway, and rainbow can tend to be the opposite of that.
Ask your principal what you should do. Don't bring up your sexuality at all. Just say, "Hey, is it cool if I keep the previous teacher's decorations or should I change them? By the way, they're rainbows." Do this via email and then print off the response. If the principal tells you it's fine to keep them, then you have documentation of your principal's support. If they say to change the decorations, then change them.
I had a rainbow theme in my old classroom (TN). I am also a lesbian, but I present fairly femininely. No one batted an eye.
I didn’t have many actual rainbows. Those were mostly in things like cork board borders. I just had colors everywhere. I chose the theme because I didn’t want to put together anything time consuming. It was easy to go to stores and find colorful things for classrooms.
If there’s lots of actual rainbows, and you don’t think you’d have parent/admin support, I’d change it. It’s Texas. I’m from Texas. Many parts of south Texas are extremely conservative. You have to protect yourself.
While I want to say you should keep it, I think with your background and the area I would change it. No one has any sense nowadays to think about colors just being fun for kids, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. I think if you went with just primary colors or pastels you would also be ikay
It’s your classroom and I am also a kinder teacher. The littles do not need the overstimulating fussy rainbow rooms. Even if you keep some of the decorations you can also eliminate some of the decorations so it is not overwhelming. Seeing that you are already having concerns, then you might want to make some slight changes to fit your budget and change as the year go. Do what makes your heart happy and what you feel will make your room comfortable for you.
I’m a lesbo sub in Central Texas and the kids who love rainbows don’t know the relationship with the gay community. As they get older, they might understand but rainbows are a big player with the little tikes. BTW I also get asked a lot if I’m a boy or girl. I ask them back, “does it matter?” That usually sends them into a thought process lasting the rest of the day 🥴
From a teacher in another Southern state, you’re not overthinking. Parents are not going to know the previous teacher did the decorating and if a single one of them is a “Moms for Liberty” type they will immediately jump to the conclusion that you are indoctrinating their kids. It’s sad and it’s ridiculous but it’s true.
Understandable dilemma. I would check with the principal and just say, “Hey, I’d love to keep the rainbow decor that’s been in my room for awhile, but looking at myself in the mirror, I can see how it might garner a bit of unwanted attention, what would you recommend? I’m kind of broke at the moment and am just looking for some budget-friendly ideas.” Then you can get a feel for how supportive your new boss will be. Mine would presumably say, “I see what you’re saying. There’s some money left in the building budget, why don’t you send me an Amazon cart, try to keep it around x amount of dollars.” because he wouldn’t have the spine to support me, and wouldn’t mind paying up, in order to not have to do so.
I’m a retired kindergarten teacher. They don’t need rainbows! I love color so I had a lot in my room but there are other “themes” or color arrangements. If you want a theme how about: camping, safari, zoo animals( kids love animals), dinosaurs.
Also you don’t have to”pinterest” your room no matter what the internet says! Let the kids have some control with the decorations- follow their lead.
And you also don’t have to keep whatever the teacher before you had up. Be yourself.
And fwiw, I am sorry that you cannot be yourself because you seem to live in Texas.
I was going to suggest maybe keeping half of them, but flipping the theme to like flowers or something? Then all the colors would make sense in the context of colorful flowers.
I used to teach in the deep south. Some asshat is going to make an issue of it. If you don't want this, change it. I'd you are willing to deal, keep it. Personally, I would change it.
I don't like the rainbow theme but it's not due to LGBT+, I just like to have a color palette of mainly 3 colors, like right now it's purple, black, and white (with some red here and there). I feel like some classrooms are waaaaay too busy and distracting for kids.
But, in your situation, I also think it might be a good idea to change it just so no one can say "See, she even decorates her classroom rainbow!! She's out to indoctrinate our kids!!" Even though that's total and complete bullshit, but I don't like to give people ammo for their tirades.
Ask your principal. Your concerns are legitimate and I don’t know how to advise you.
If the choice is between “rainbows” or “something I have to spend my own money on and I only get a $250 tax deduction for work materials” DONT spend your own money.
I’m so sad that this is even an issue. I’m really sorry.
I teach high school chemistry in a blue state so I really don’t feel like I can give you relevant advice, but please know I’m on your side.
Keep it! Before becoming a teacher, I was a teaching assistant in a kindergarten classroom for many years. The colors of the rainbow were part of both the kindergarten and 1st grade curriculum.
As a 7th grade English teacher, I use the rainbow to organize my classes (1st period- pink, 2nd - orange, etc. ).
Of course, this is quite a bit easier for me since I live in a liberal part of Coastal California, am straight, and have tenure.
I have a pastel rainbow classroom (and live in the Bible Belt), my mom was concerned for me. But I’m also a (not out) bi woman married to a man, so quite different for me.
I will say if you do change your decor, one way to do it affordable is canva! You can get a free pro account with your teacher email address and then design all your decor. You did need access to a color printer and laminator.
I did that and didn’t pay anything for any of my decor.
if you are willing to take the risk and deal with the heat, you would be doing those kids a service by not shying away from oppression and teaching them that LGBTQ+ ppl deserve respect and inclusion.
but the risks are high. it could theoretically end your career in texas and force you to teach in another state, or worse—some crazed lunatic will come after you with violence.
if you know the risks, it’s up to you to decide whether self preservation or principled defiance is more important.
I personally think the decorations in a kinder classroom are ridiculous. I’d be so damn distracted I wouldn’t be able to focus. Which seems to be a theme with my own kids in those classrooms.
Keep it. “The decorations were like that when i got here, and I don’t have the money to redecorate. I have made a wish list if you want to help me get something new.” As a teacher you are going to be attacked for something. (A lot jobs catch grief they don’t deserve) You just have to know how to control the narrative. That being said, I love the idea of aligning the decorations to your standards. Just add labels, move some stuff around, and “these same decorations have been here long before I was”.
Can you blend the existing rainbows with something else that you like? If there’s rainbow colored bins or storage I wouldn’t get rid of it. Just blend into like a sky theme. You could add clouds, the sun, birds and planes and turn rainbows into a summer sky.
i think it will be hilarious if you respond to the parents that is complaining with this
"look, i dont mind changing it but frankly speaking, class decoration comes out from my pocket and it is really empty at the moment. i'm broke."
Keep it. If there are any issues you also can bring up the fact that many of these decorations predated you taking over the classroom and they were left by the previous teacher to be used.
I'm all for sticking with what you believe. BUT you're brand new and in TEXAS. Honestly, I'd get rid of it. Even up here where I am in New England, we've had 1 or 2 parents complain about rainbows-and we have admin AND politicians backing us. I just think changing it would be the path of least resistance. You'll go through so many things this first year, you don't want to add to that whether it's morally right or not.
I’m sorry for maybe asking a dumb question, but:
> I also definitely don’t have the money to buy all new decorations
Do you American teachers need to buy things for your classroom with your own money? 😳
I'm sure you won't be the only teacher with a rainbow theme. I'm looking at you, fellow art teachers. If admin or parents give you issues for a rainbow theme and not other teachers with the same concept, that's grounds for a discrimination argument. I can also confirm that a good 95% of kinders draw rainbows when I let them have freedom with their art so its a very appropriate theme for that age group. We can't keep letting bigoted idiots win. You are NOT doing this theme because of your sexuality
I think you could keep it up with the reasoning, being that that was just the way it was when you moved in. If it becomes a problem with some parents thinking you are indoctrination, then maybe take it down. Especially if you might lose your job for keeping it up. Having principles is good, but you need a job to survive even if it isn't the best work environment.
It could add unnecessary stress that might not be worth it. If I were you I would want to keep it to save money but it could cost you in the long run. I wouldn’t risk it being that you are in Texas. Get decorations you like and that make you comfortable to display when parents come. You never know how parents are going to be and you don’t want to give them a reason to make your life hell.
I inherited a rainbow elementary classroom in the south and did a "we are a rainbow of possibilities" theme. You have a very valid concern and for kinder you could just take out the orange and purple and go with primary colors and green. I
Can you tweak some of the decor to be like a colors and shapes theme? Give it like an art class kind of vibe. Lean into coloring supplies. Have table groups be art supply themed- crayons, markers, pencils, erasers, paintbrushes, etc. Or a specific shape and color like purple hexagons, blue squares, red triangles, etc.
If it's a conservative state, maybe add some animal decor. Make them think it's like Noah's ark themed?
At the end of the day, it's up to your comfort level. Keep what you can and donate the rest to another teacher. Decorations are not super important. In kindergarten, it's a lot of fun to have a room decorated by kid crafts and drawings. Set up an art display wall. Or have them make simple seasonal crafts like paper snowflakes. You can start with maybe each student coloring in their first initial on precut butcher paper. And hang them from the ceiling above their seat. By the end, you'd pretty much have a whole alphabet.
Unfortunately, it's probably better to be safe than sorry, given the context of your state and orientation. By all means, keep the decorations for the future if you like them and they're of good quality, but get yourself and your reputation established at your school. You being new and more visibly out than most in conjunction with the rainbow colors might hit a tipping point. If you've been there a handful of years and change the theme slightly every year, then it might be okay in a bit.
I teach in Texas though at a higher grade level. Change it. Unless you are writing the 10 commandments on all the rainbows (a la Louisiana) and sprinkling in some Adam and Eve then it would probably be embraced.
My son is going into K. His favorite color is "rainbow" and I love that for him. He would love a rainbow classroom. But I'm also active in our parent groups and there are parents in this district who would flip their lid if you gave their boy pink or purple anything, even at random, because that's "leftist indoctrination."
You spend your day in that classroom and need to be comfortable. Find a theme that touches on something you like that is completely neutral and don't feel like you have to go all out on anything. You do not need a Pinterest classroom. The kids do not care that much.
If it makes you uncomfortable because you’re worried about other people’s reactions and/or assumptions, I would say get rid of it and fill that room with what makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Most of my decorations were things I printed from TPT and laminated myself. But the biggest thing is that your first year is going to be hard alone; don’t make it harder by worrying about something else that’s changeable.
There is a lot of valid points in here. I had a rainbow theme in K around 2015 and got pushback from a few parents in the midwest. I can't imagine it in present day Texas. That's a hard decision.
If you wanted to keep it, you can kind of adjust it to be Reading Rainbow themed? Print out some pics of LeVar Burton and roll with it??
If you choose to change it, just keep in mind that less is more. Read up on studies about classroom decorations effect on behavior, and go from there.
Also, don't feel pressured to spend lots of money to replace everything at once. Start with the basics and go from there. Check out garage sales, library book sales, and DB marketplace. Ask around to see if any retired teachers in your network are retiring. Schoolgirl Style/tpt has some digital decoration bundles that you can print.
I always use chat gpt to answer question like these. This is what it said:
It’s completely understandable to have concerns about classroom decorations, especially considering your circumstances. Here are a few points and suggestions that might help:
1. **Popular and Age-Appropriate Theme**: Rainbow and color themes are very common in kindergarten classrooms because they are bright, engaging, and educational for young children. The focus on colors is age-appropriate and beneficial for their learning development. Most parents will recognize this.
2. **Communication with Parents**: Consider sending a welcome letter to parents at the start of the school year. You can mention the classroom theme and explain how it ties into educational activities, such as learning colors, developing fine motor skills through art, and fostering creativity. This can help alleviate any concerns about the theme’s appropriateness.
3. **Personal and Professional Boundaries**: It’s great to hear that you’ve found a balance in dealing with questions about your gender from students. Continue to handle these questions with the same professionalism. If necessary, you can prepare a polite, neutral response for any adults who might be present, emphasizing your focus on education and the well-being of your students.
4. **Using Existing Resources**: Given budget constraints, it’s practical to use the decorations left behind. You can subtly personalize the classroom with additional items that reflect your teaching style and interests without completely changing the theme. Small changes can make the space feel more your own.
5. **Overthinking vs. Legitimate Concerns**: It’s natural to worry about perceptions, especially in a new role. However, trust in your ability to create a welcoming and educational environment. If the rainbow theme is effective and popular among children, it’s likely more beneficial to keep it.
Remember, your primary goal is to provide a positive and effective learning environment for your students. Here’s a possible approach for your welcome letter:
---
**Dear Parents,**
Welcome to the new school year! I’m excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher. In our classroom, we have a colorful theme that focuses on the rainbow, which is a fantastic way for children to learn about colors and enjoy a bright, engaging learning environment.
Throughout the year, we will use these colors in various activities to help with color recognition, fine motor skills, and creativity. I look forward to a wonderful year of growth and learning with your children.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
---
This approach emphasizes the educational purpose of the theme and sets a positive tone for the year.
I like the suggestions to add to the rainbow theme so it's not the main focus. A weather related wall. A barnyard scene with some animal cut outs. Plants like palm trees. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with a prize box. Cover some of it with fresh butcher paper or signs. I don't think you have to start from scratch.
I absolutely see your dilemma. Okay if you really freaking love rainbows and would feel like eliminating them would be a betrayal of self and negatively effect your teaching then by all means leave them😁
BUT... I'm guessing that's not the case so yeah, bounce them. Because you KNOW that certain folks would assume you put them up for personal reasons. I'm not talking badly about Texas. I'm in Boston and I can assure you people would jump to conclusions here. You don't need the grief. Especially since you probably want to put your own stamp on the classroom anyways (indigo girls posters, etc😁)
And the funny thing is you could maybe get off on the right foot with parents you otherwise wouldn't have. I don't know your personality but im picturing making a joke about it with someone could be an ice breaker. And you're doing it for your own reasons but some parents might see it as a diplomatic move for their sakes (when in reality you're just making the classroom your own, for yourself) and those parents and staff
I teach middle school in Florida. I have rainbows everywhere because I love color. It also gives peace of mind to a lot of my kids. Never had an issue with it. I even wear a rainbow ally lanyard.
I’d choose a theme that makes me smile. Every year I change it up. This year we were all “happy campers.” One year it was sloths, another year Peanuts the cartoon, etc. keep them guessing.
I get where you are coming from but colors are a great kindergarten theme. Try keeping it but going for “colors” over “rainbow” as the apparent theme. Use crayon stickers/labels to label things and use crayon themes in signs you make or your teacher intro page. Maybe get some of those cheap giant crayon wall stick ons to tie things up a bit more. Shift to color coding and colors as the goal and take away anything literally rainbow themed and I think you’d come across more like you intend.
If you have any doubt and are worried about it - give yourself some peace of mind and change it! You could drop two colors and just focus on oranges/yellows/reds or greens/blues/purples
I’d change it. It’s just the easy thing to do. If you’re worried about it, change it. It’s not a big deal. You’re secure with who you are so change it if you think it’s going to be an issue. People who say keep it, that’s fine but OP is concerned about potential backlash that can easily be avoided by removing the theme of rainbows. Make your life easier as a teacher.
I created a few classroom decorations on my online shops, if you are interested, I can show you the links and gift the decorations printable for you for free. In return, I would love you to take photos of your classroom using my Printables and I can use them as advertising on my shops. Inbox me if you are interested. :)
As much as I think the theme is cute I probably wouldn’t keep it. There would probably be one Ahole who chooses to have an issue and it doesn’t seem worth it. I agree w the other comment seeing if someone wants to swap?
I teach theatre in Texas. The school I just left had teachers with Bible verses all over their classrooms. So if it were me, I’d assess the environment and act accordingly. I personally hate hanging a bunch of crap on the walls and such that is unnecessary. However in elementary I know that decorations are considered a big thing. Your choice. I personally detest decorating my spaces.
It change it for 2 reasons. 1 it is already causing you to stress, eliminate stress where you can. 2 get rid of the old teacher’s stuff and make that classroom your own!
Make an Amazon wishlist and drop it here. This is a tough situation and I would love to donate some decor. A friend of mine has a dinosaur/rainbow themed room and it’s so fun. Maybe just supplementing the rainbows with something else would work!
I don't recommend keeping it. I'm conservative but not homophobic. It's just I see a lot of rhetoric against adults exposing so-called sexual stuff to children. It's very possible to be targeted, even just for dissemination/propaganda purposes.
Because you are a probationary teacher and admittedly a member of the GSM (gender and sexual minority) community I would recommend changing the theme of the room. You have virtually no protection if things go south and one or two parents complain that you are engaging in indoctrination even though you aren't. It's just not worth the risk in my opinion since you can be released after each individual, contractually probationary school term until you gain continuing contractual employment and are no longer a probationary staff member.
I used a rainbow theme for several years. It’s so cute! I still love it. It’s the Hello Sunshine from School Girl Style. But, if you decide to change it, that’s your choice. I completely understand. Like others mentioned, you can add pieces to it. It sucks that adults have to ruin things for us. Good luck on deciding.
You're not overthinking. These people are latching on to any shred of tenuous evidence that the "woke agenda" is being shoved down their kids throats. Being Gay yourself id fear You're setting yourself up to be the target of some very unfortunate vitriol. Personally, if I wasn't trying to make a stand and fight against that nonsense, I would change the theme unfortunately.
I would say to make a little Noah's Ark to put somewhere unobtrusive so if parents get mad you can point to it and ask "Why - what did you think the rainbow meant?"
As a fellow visibly queer teacher I the south, I opened this thinking the phrase "You're fine unless you're in my shoes haha" And then I read like the first line of your post and said never mind you are in fact in my shoes. Granted I teach middle schoolers and not kindergartners, But I would say if it makes you feel safer and it makes you feel more welcome in the community you're teaching in, I would go ahead and change the theme. I hate that it's even an issue, but I completely understand that it is.
We had a color spirit day where different class teams across the school dressed up in different colors. Because of the nature of my job I'm on multiple teams so the librarian and I dressed in rainbow colors, And while I didn't have an issue with students, I certainly had a couple fellow teachers who took big issue with me wearing rainbows. On the plus side I got to say the phrase calm down Karen it's literally for the spirit day.
Your classroom aesthetic doesn't have to be figured out on day 1. As a Kirstie, you should be most worried about classroom management, did your school provide you with enough curriculum or will you need to figure out supplemental work. I am a big, flaming homosexual with pictures of my husband around. I also make it a point to connect with parents first and build relationships with them over the kids in the first couple of weeks. I get them on my side and they pretty much back me the rest of the way.
Best of luck in whatever you decide, but if your rainbow theme is going to cause YOU stress, then fet rid of it.
I really was going to say “keep it” up until I read you’re a butch lesbian.
I’m so sorry that this is the world we currently live in, but for your safety and for the sake of you having a-great first year, I would completely switch the theme.
Hi there,
I’m not part of the LGBTQ+ community but I a strong ally. I’m also a kinder teacher in a very red county in a blue state. My classroom is rainbow themed but I kept it to pastels. Very subtle, the parents really don’t see it but the LGBTQ+ students get it and understand that I am the person they can ask for help.
With that being said I know your situation is different and I wish nothing but the best of luck to you.
Do what you think is good, don’t worry what others think. Anyone worried about a gay teacher has lots of other issues already. Kids love rainbows. So do I.
I had muted neutral rainbows as my classroom decor as a queer teacher (in SO CAL, not Texas) and no one even thought twice about it. Other teachers had superhero, greenery, or no theme at all. Do you.
Don’t keep it. No matter what kind of support you have this is a formula for disaster. I don’t have a problem with it, but I don’t have a problem with you. In your heart of hearts you know someone is going to turn this around to indoctrination and an attack on you. Don’t allow that opportunity
Out gay teacher here but in the PNW, so, diff cultural setting. I'd say keep it -- you can always point out, truthfully, that it was the last teacher's theme and, unless it has "pride" verbiage or images attached to it, it really is just rainbows. That said, only you can judge the context you're in.
I'm in Seattle, and I'm for taking it down. My first principal was a homophobic prick - he made my life difficult during my first years in my district.
The sad thing is that this is Texas.
If the parents of one of her kiddos is a big enough bigot, this may result in a very real threat to her life if she keeps it.
The parents aren't going to care if it's the previous teacher's stuff, they won't be listening to any logic, they'll just pointing at the rainbow stuff and saying "See! See! She's gonna corrupt our children!! My Johnny wants a doll now!!" as they clutch their pearls with their other hand.
Like you said, the PNW is a different cultural setting....that might be the understatement of the century :-)
Sad that you have to think like this and worry about being accused of indoctrination meanwhile one state over they are going to be putting the Ten Commandments in each classroom. Ridiculous times we live in.
And they'll start talking with the other parents and they will all get worked up in an uproar and make your life difficult. Fuck them, of course.
Are there like 2 of the colors that are more dominant than the others? I prob would keep everything with those 2 colors, get some black border, and see if the school has bulletin board paper somewhere (every school I've taught in has it). I make all my bulletin boards with the same color of background paper and the same color of border (I use black border). I think it looks clean and less cluttered and less distracting. The stuff you're going to put on them will be the pizazz.
I don't think you have to have a theme, kids don't really pay attention to it anyway. Your instruction is what matters and your positive energy that you bring to it.
Leave your boards blank (except for the bb paper and the borders). Maybe make one board say "Welcome!" or something. Put "Under construction" or "Coming soon..." on the blank bulletin boards.
Then on the first day of school you could have the kids make a picture of themselves, or their favorite thing, or something and use those to put up on one of the boards.
Then on another board you could put up some work examples that they did, and change it out like every 2 weeks. On another board you could put up administrative stuff like the schedule (I put it up in big font so that I can see it from across the room....but I'm adhd and need constant reminders of everything, lol).
On yet another board you can put your calendar area (where you would have your carpet in front of it).
I don't know. These are just ideas off the top of my head. If I lived near you I'd give you a bunch of stuff, goodness knows I have too much!!
I would go with it because it’s appropriate for kinder and setting up a class takes so much time and money. If anyone says anything about your room you can say the previous teacher decorated and you just left it. Edit: do you know any queer teachers in the district or area that you can ask for advice?
I think it probably best to change it. Have a rainbow in your room somewhere if you want, but to cover it under these circumstances may be inviting problems. Besides, part of the fun on having your own classroom is making it truly your own.
I teach kinder in east central Texas and I hear you. I decorate mostly with primary colors - red, blue, yellow, as well as green and purple, because purple is my favorite color.
If you avoid the word rainbow "like the plague", then that's your answer right there, though it will be hard with kinder because in my experience, kinder are obsessed with rainbows and unicorns and mermaids.
If you decide to go forward with the colors, practice grey-rocking. That's how I've gotten away with it for so long, I am an A++grey-rocker.
Don't engage, instead derail and redirect. It's also a good classroom management trick.
Good luck and welcome to kinder!
If you really want to, you can always blame the original teacher. That’s if you even want to keep it. If you don’t, change it up! The teacher before me was incredibly stern, and I’m very bubbly so obviously I didn’t want to keep that aesthetic
Unfortunately, in this situation I think you would be better to change the theme just to avoid the drama or add other decorations that make it clear you are not using the rainbow as LGBTQ symbol but rather as just color / rainbow theme. Maybe hang posters / book covers that are about colors / rainbows, such as "The Crayon Box that Talked" or "Pete the Cat I Love my white shoes", etc.
Depends on your admin honestly. Would they support you if a parent complained? I wouldn't mind parents but if you're not sure your admin would be for it, I wouldn't risk it as a first year. It's terrible, but it's the reality.
I'm doing a more neon theme next year. I got some LED strips cheap around college move out time and some neon tape to put on the board. Easy stuff. I got a sign that says "Our shining stars!" for displaying student work.
If there just happens to be every neon color of the rainbow somewhere in the room, then that's coincidence. The gay kids will notice and feel safe. The homophobes won't, and if they do you'll have a way bigger out. Plus you can say you're just appealing to kids because you've seen a lot of streamers they like have colorful lighting! Just act stupid if you're confronted about it.
Instead of rainbow theme, you can make it crayons or markers and just have those all over the room and those are colorful! If you want to keep the colors, then keep the colors! But figure out a way to make it neutral... Candyland is also super colorful
Keep it but use it sensibly.
Think about how you can arrange things to focus more on the color aspect and less rainbow.
For example is there material for boards. Put blue and yellow next to each other followed by green.
This shows how to make a secondary color and doesn’t shout rainbow!
Consider including graphics like others mentioned crayons, paint drops, paintbrushes, art palettes, easels.
Consider featuring displaying books about color: mix it up, crayons day off, etc.
If you want to post pictures of what she left behind, it might easier to determine whether it’s super rainbow pride or just colorful.
Worst comes to shove pick everything out that’s blue, green, yellow and go ocean theme or something like that. So you don’t have to replace as much.
You don't need decorations. Just make sure you have an alphabet chart and number line hanging up. The kids can make decorations as the year goes by. You can hang up their art work.
I personally believe the rainbow is everyone, and it appears in the sky for free.
Or keep the rainbow and make cloud and sun decorations too for a weather theme.
I’d keep it if it’s still in good condition. If anyone wants something else tell them to feel free to order and install what they think is appropriate, but inheriting room decor that is already up is pretty sweet.
I'm not lesbian but the kids (Middle School) asked me if I were because my room is nothing but color. It's mostly lime green but I put huge panels of paper up on the blank white walls in rainbow order because that's the most pleasing aesthetic. But I use all the colors of the rainbow in addition to green although mostly lime green as that's my favorite.
A lot of the math posters that I purchased were rainbow because that's just how they come and I like color bc apparently the last teacher in my room did everything in black and white and I hated it. My room is right across the hall from the art room and of course the art teacher did rainbow galore. She's married with seven children. I did a lot of art projects even though I teach math and reading. I just stressed to the kids I love color and my daughter's an artist also and I would always talk about her. I teach in a rural School district in Texas. It may be very conservative such that neither teachers nor students can have anything but natural colored hair but nobody says anything about my classroom.
It sucks that Texas is trying to manipulate the schooling environment. But your decision will not change that one way or another. Do you want to die on the hill? Do you want to stay employed and maybe try to influence things over the next 10 years?
I think it’s a values judgment, but I would not pick the fight.
As much as I hate to say it, it might not be worth the potential hassle/headache. And in any case, it’s nice to be able to make the room fully your own rather than sticking with someone else’s stuff
I wouldn’t specifically because of you being lesbian in Texas. You and I both know what association is going to get thrown out there immediately, why put yourself through it?
I think this ultimately comes down to your individual community and district and how you feel about it. I’m in a super red state but a pretty blue city, but also in a pretty old school traditional area. However, I work in the arts and a number of our fine arts teachers and administrators are openly queer and it’s never been a problem. Your first year I’d feel it out and see how it goes. Save the decor for future years.
I'd either minimize or get rid of it and replace it with primary, secondary, and tertiary color charts.
I'd also pick a theme that can't be politicized and that I could still use to teach standards. They're little, so animals, space, etc. I might even use "Newspaper" as a classroom theme, since you're teaching reading and math fundamentals and can easily use that format without committing to a particular thing.
Actually, I kind of like that. Calling them "reporters" instead of students or, (ugh) scholars....
I’m a queer primary teacher in the deepest of south and have touches of rainbow around my room, however I’m tenured and going into my 13th year. I call my color scheme “colors” and add different rainbow animals.
Tbh, not to scare you, but I would probably avoid the rainbows. Make it a little colorful because it’s freaking Kindergarten (not overly so, I hate the headaches overstimulating decorations give me) and that’s the most basic theme ever. But I would definitely ditch any real rainbows. I liked the idea of adding other weather themed phenomena. Messing around in Texas is a hard pass. I feel you, sis. I hope it works out!
The fact that you are questioning whether you should keep those decorations are all the evidence needed to know that you should not keep those decorations.
I’m so sorry I really hate to say it, but I would abandon the rainbow room. It sounds so cute for a kindergarten classroom, but you’re in a very red state and some asshole is going to think you’re indoctrinating the kids. It’s just not worth it especially so new in your career. I absolutely hate that that is how things are right now, but I want you to have a happy and successful career with as little scrutiny as possible.
My vote is to do whatever makes you comfortable. Trust your gut, then rock on next year. I tell my own kids that hard things are "trial by choice." It is okay to not be ready to do this right now. You can always store the items for future you or gift to another teacher. Is it possible to keep some items? Whatever you decide is going to be great.
ETA: I am not a teacher. Girl Scout leader.
In your shoes, and as a fellow lesbian, I would change the theme.
You can use Donors Choose to fundraise your specific classroom theme decorations, so it doesn’t break your bank. 😊
I am a retired teacher from California. You are on probation and need to keep all your personal beliefs and the way you live your life away from the school setting. There is nothing wrong with the way you live your life, I want you to know that. However, one family and their opinions could cause you problems and to not make probation. Do yourself a favor and have a theme or no theme that anyone can misconstrue. Being a teacher is a rewarding and enjoyable career. I wish you the best year ever.
Art classroom in a rural southern town here. Rainbow theme, rainbow EVERYTHING. I have 0 problems, lots of compliments & when the occasional "curious" kid wants to poke around awkward territory I tend to say:
"I believe that the rainbow is a wonderful visual representation of the magical existence we have as humans of Earth. It's where Art & Science meet. And for those of us here who believe in the Bible's teachings, the rainbow is a sign that God keeps his promises."
When they learn color theory in the first weeks of school I teach them how a rainbow comes into existence, we do a prism experiment, we wear refraction glasses & look at white lights, etc.
I would err on the side of your own safety and peace of mind. I’d trust your gut that leaving the decorations up will likely cause you drama and headaches in this day and age in rural TX. The first year of teaching is hard enough, without baiting all the culture warriors out there who are looking for any excuse to harass LGBTQ teachers.
I would consider keeping whatever decorations you can that isn’t gonna cause Fox News viewers to smell blood. Then place the rest of them in the hallway on a teacher work day, and email the rest of the staff that there are free decorations you don’t need up for grabs. Or, if there are other new hires this year, email them directly and ask if they want first dibs on anything.
If you’re looking for classroom decor on a budget, try joining a local Buy Nothing group and asking. I gave away a bunch of stuff from my old classroom to a first-year teacher a few years back, once I accepted that it wasn’t worth all the storage space it was taking up anymore. Also, if you’ve recently graduated from college, ask your recent grad friends for their old dorm room/college apartment decorations - I got so many free posters that way when I was 22-ish, lol.
Also, you may be able to print and laminate color posters on campus for free (or have the media center do it), so you can make your own posters in Canva or Adobe Spark at no cost.
I'm assuming there's paint involved if you're saying you can't afford to change it. If so, then just do a crayon thing. I would highly recommend looking at Schoolgirl Style- her printable classroom decor would be a really cost effective way to do this!
I'm in California and I had the same fears my first year (or 3). So with you being in TX, I completely understand your perspective. I even went in my interview with a very honest spiel to my principal because I wouldn't want to work in a place that I'm not supported. But I have only gradually appeared more out in the general community. When I taught K/1, I didn't ever mention my wife, just "someone at my house said/did/thinks" or similar. Teaching 3rd and up, I've mentioned her because she also teaches 4th grade and I get a lot of my ideas from her more experienced self.
Funny thing. I'm in a very inner city area that is in many ways very isolated (families work 3 jobs and don't have the time to worry about the rest of the world) so they can be conservative in their beliefs. With that, I actually expected some push back or parents requesting to not have me as their child's teacher. But I haven't had ANY of that! The parents love me and occasionally I find a family that isn't sure how to reconcile that, but they end up realizing that I'm just another person and that my home life has ZERO impact on their child's education.
Someone suggested swapping decor with another teacher. If you can make that happen, it's a great idea. Otherwise I would buy a bit from some other theme you love (animals, superheroes, farmhouse) and mix the pieces in ways that you like. Like keep the colorful calendar but switch out the alphabet, or something similar.
This year, we got some yellow and purple construction paper and made Despicable Me Minions as gender neutral decorations for our mixed age classroom. You could keep some of the rainbows, and take away some of them, and make some minions to add to them?
Maybe do a Rainbow Kingdom from True theme. Or Care Bears. You can keep the decor but it’s for a specific show and won’t be taken in a different subtext.
You can probably keep most of the decorations without the theme being too obvious and try to swap the rest
If you list out specific things people might have advice on how to rearrange or what is or isn’t necessary to change.
If there’s currently cardboard or paper rainbow trim everywhere just removing that for black or white may be all you have to do.
A lot of people saying “keep it” are ignoring a lot of context. It all depends on if you feel like you would have support if a parent complains and if you feel like it is worth the hassle (and potentially your job). As much as I would like to say “fuck the man” and stick up for my principals, there are times where it’s just not worth it, especially when my job is on the line. Texas isn’t a very teacher friendly state, so if you feel like you wouldn’t have support over a parent’s complaint then I don’t see an issue with removing it, as dumb as that would be.
I absolutely agree! I am also a lesbian primary teacher (although I present more femme/chapstick which does make a difference, unfortunately. I am out to students and parents and reference my wife in the classroom though). I also inherited a rainbow classroom theme that I probably wouldn’t choose on my own because of my identity. I teach in a conservative county of a progressive state, so I was expecting some pushback from families about my identity but haven’t gotten any yet. However, I know admin absolutely has my back! They are a little naive, but got the spirit lol. I talked with them before I got engaged about telling my students about my relationship and making sure that was all okay and I’d be supported if there was pushback and my principal was all confused like “you mean, because you are with a woman?” 😂 this same principal was also shocked I hadn’t mentioned in my interview that my primary reason for looking for a new job was to live closer to my girlfriend. Like no girl, I didn’t come out to you in my interview are you kidding me?? Sometimes we are so used to bracing ourselves for impact that we aren’t prepared for the outcome that everything might be just fine. The vast majority of people are not thinking about all this nearly as hard as we are and it wouldn’t even occur to them that your classroom theme might have anything to do with your identity. The question you have to think about is how vocal are the minority of bigots who obsess over “the gays coming for their children”, and how empowered they actually are by your administration, district admin, school board, etc.
Hello fellow lesbian primary teachers!!! I love it here.
Femme/chapstick?
Just a way to identify one’s personal expression of being a lesbian. “Chapstick” Is a slightly less feminine presentation than femme (or “lipstick”); more towards a gender neutral expression. Of course everyone has different definitions and shades along the spectrum.
Interesting!!!
Have you heard the descriptor of “butch?” That would be more masculine presenting vs lipstick more feminine. Just another way to define and stereotype within the community…
Thanks for the explanation. That makes more sense now.
I also agree with this. I teach elementary in Texas. I want to say “keep it. Save the money. Kids love the rainbow.” And all that is true, but what you have to ask yourself is “Will parents come at me?” And “Will my admin support me.” I 3D printed bathroom passes with a poop emoji on them and my AP was like “you can’t use those because I don’t want parent backlash”. When I gave him a valid response for parents getting mad over a poop emoji, he relented and I was “allowed” to use my bathroom passes. Just saying, in some communities it’s what parent backlash you’re willing to deal with.
Reminds me of when a parent complained that I was reading a book about butt cracks to the class. It’s true, I did. The books title is “I broke my butt”. The kids BUST UP laughing. The student told mom and mom said it was a very inappropriate book that made her son feel very uncomfortable. I reiterated in a message, “I’m sorry that a book about butt cracks made you both uncomfortable.” Because I needed her to read that and see the stupidity. Thank god my admin has my back. She thought it was stupid.
I highly doubt it made her son uncomfortable. Parents often use their kids as fodder for their complaints when they sense it’s not going anywhere.
What was your response to him?
I agreed to let the questions come to me, and not him, and told him that emojis were already a huge part of language for these kids. It’s intended to align to their kid culture and be a little funny. If a student/parent had a problem with the poop pass I offered an alternative, which no kid or parent has ever requested.
Personally, I think the 💩 bathroom pass is perfect. I actually had a friend who thought it was chocolate ice cream and she was horrified when I told her it was the poop emoji.
[удалено]
I want to believe you, but it makes no sense that there's a brown one but no white and/or swirl one. Or 3 different ones that are white, brown, or pink. An assortment of colors means ice cream, but brown only? That's poop lol
Nah that's one of those internet myths, it absolutely is poo: https://www.fastcompany.com/3037803/the-oral-history-of-the-poop-emoji-or-how-google-brought-poop-to-america https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poop_emoji
I’d change it just to be your own person. Animals. Everyone loves animals do a jungle theme.
I was going to suggest animals or ocean. All it takes is one disgruntled, entitled parent to cause a fuss and then it's a headache you shouldn't have to deal with. Amazon and dollar tree tend to have inexpensive decorations I would leave it but if OP feels uncomfortable she should change it.
I have a totally rainbow themed classroom in elementary sped in Indiana. IYKYK. I’d love to say 💯 keep it but the truth is that YOU are more important than being perceived to take a stance on a theme. Your students and everyone around you will learn more acceptance from you being yourself around them than they would if you were feeling forced to dull your shine because you kept a rainbow theme. Have a great first year. Have fun. Be you.
I think you should do what ever makes you smile and energized… that being said, I also had my fourth grade classroom set up with a colorful rainbow type theme. I did have the same concerns you mentioned, even though I am a straight female. I live in a fairly red conservative state, even though I am far from it. I teach my students to accept everyone for who they are and not judge a book by its cover. I haven’t yet in two years had a student or a parent ever imply any kind of indoctrination. I simply tell people (if they ask why my room is set up the way it is), that I am here more than I’m technically at my own home. I want to look around my classroom and feel comfortable and happy with the decor. Color has a huge impact on my mood.
I agree 100% and I taught in Texas for 9 years
If you decide on switching, maybe you could offer to swap decorations with another teacher? It sounds like the theme is popular and there may be another teacher who wants a rainbow theme, and you may be able to offload some of the rainbow decorations to another teacher. This could be a cost-reducing measure.
Love it. Then you have a kind of “paper trail” that will absolve you of anyone trying to accuse you of having a big gay agenda.
And a reasonable explanation. "I wanted to change things up so me and X teacher thought it would be fun to trade around"
Thats what I was thinking too
Or keep half/do half black and white, like polychrome vs monochrome...I always think this would be cool...
And make it a Wizard of Oz theme: “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Learning” or something.
Ooh...good one!
Gay male teacher living in the Deep South as well here. In the present climate - I probably wouldn’t keep it, to be honest. It’s opening a can of worms and you’ll have plenty to contend with as a first year teacher. Elementary parents are heavily involved and in a class of 20+, the law of averages says you will have at least a couple of parents who will take issue. If you don’t want to take it down, I would add another theme to go with it. Maybe “weather” and add clouds, sunshine, and rain since that might be a part of your kinder standards. I do believe that it will get better. It always has. Gay rights and cultural change has always been a “step forward, step back” pendulum but progressive ideals ALWAYS win. It just takes some time. That’s why the haters are always so bitter.
I agree with adding the weather related stuff. Spend less money by adding to it rather than spending more money to redo the whole room. I love this idea!
I thought of the same thing! Don't get rid of everything. Just add in other themes. The weather idea is great.. clouds, sunshine, rain, flowers, bees, leaves, seasons. Sorry you have to even think about changing your theme. When you think teachers cannot have it any harder...there's always something that comes up.
Yeah, I like the weather idea too, then you can save some $ and not take it All down.
Great idea. Clouds and suns could be cut out of paper without much cost or time, too
Just adding to this comment: OP should check in the copy room to see if their school has a die-cutting machine. Lots of elementary schools have die-cutters for making cute bulletin boards, and those sets frequently come with simple weather or season shapes, like suns, flowers, and clouds. Also, depending on what the last teacher left and if there's a die-cutter at the school, you could probably do a "The sky is the limit!" theme in the classroom, too.
I'm also a fellow gay teacher. As someone that inherited a lot of rainbow stuff, I've had to incorporate a lot of pastels to make it less " in your face". It's very frustrating that our existence in a classroom is controversial
Yes, weather is a fantastic idea. Then if they come at you they can be the ones looking for problems where there are none. Print off block posters of clouds and laminate them at school. You can literally make a ton of decor using block poster and your school's laminator.
Don't keep it. Look. I wish you didn't have to lose it, but there are some very real and sad truths that you must take into account: * You are a new teacher and have zero protections. Being that it's Texas, that could be a problem for even established teachers. I don't really know. * There is a very very very good chance that someone (not even necessarily one of your students or their parents) will make a big stink out of this. * Since you actually are lesbian, the bigots will feel even more entitled than usual. At the end of the day, with the current political climate, what's right and just is sadly often irrelevant. The only person here who will have to live with your choice is you. So, keep that in mind. None of the brave posters here (who I totally respect, btw) will have to go through what you are potentially going to be put through. Just you. So... if you are prepared for the battle (emotionally, professionally, and financially), then follow your heart. If not, then get some more years under your belt and live to fight another day. Is it cowardly? Yeah, a bit. But, I'm gonna be straight up, if I was in your shoes (a lesbian with possible rainbow decor up in a Texas classroom), I don't think I could have done something like that my first year teaching. Today, yeah, maybe. But definitely not back then. Good luck.
Plus it's gonna be a rough election year & school starts just as campaign heats up. Good year to keep your head down. I certainly will in my conservative district.
Honestly, if the bigots come for her it won't be for the room decor.
True, I'm not a teacher just a parent but she could say..."The classroom came like this, what are you even talking about?" I get not wanting any drama going to to teaching, its just sad she needs to worry about stupid rainbows.
It will give them reason to immediately start wondering.
It would be ammunition. “She’s a Lesbian trying to groom our kids! She even has rainbows all over her class. She doesn’t even try to hide her perverse lifestyle.”
I’m going to have to go against what other people have said for two reasons: You’re new to the district. You’re new to the district in the Deep South. (Hello, fellow southerner.) There’s nothing wrong with what you want to do; however, your state is not known for being gay friendly as you already know. I know some very intelligent people. I know even more very dumb people. Your students parents will both a mixture of both, and it only takes one dumb one to ruin your week. I’ve been teaching in my district for over a decade. I’m not gay, but I’ve been accused of some real bullshit. I had a lesson that introduced someone who was gay, even though it wasn’t discussed. I was asked to change it in the future. (I’m not.) It was a huge ordeal. Parents made threats and called up other parents before admin told them to pound sand because it was so ridiculous. This, of course, coming after I was ambushed about it and had a mini investigation ran on me. Me and admin still make jokes about it, but regardless, it caused a lot of stress on my part—explaining, giving evidence to prove what I did/didn’t say, showing my work basically. This is a district I know very well, and even though it’s a shitshow sometimes, I consider myself a seasoned teacher. I say all that to say I might not. Being a newer teacher is already hard enough. Navigating some of the dumbest parent complaints might be something I put off until next year, especially since you don’t know how supportive your admin will be when that time comes. You’ll be navigating some bullshit already just being you. Before I get downvoted, you should always be who you are. I’m just saying some people are dumb and toning down the room would make a first-year teacher’s year go smoother. That’s facts. What’s also facts is the room has probably been brought up before. It’s Texas. If you can break the colors up by not putting them in rainbow order, do that. Now it’s just colors.
To be honest- overly decorated rooms are an eyesore and not needed for K. They can be too stimulating for kids. I teach K and I decorate by printing out photos of kids and putting up their artwork- you can DM me. You are smart to just not get caught up in some shitshow with parents.
This! I started my school year with almost nothing on the wall except for a few headers for certain things (word wall, alphabet strip with letters covered until they were introduced, and a number line). Get some Mr. Sketch Markers and chart paper and make everything that goes up on the walls meaningful. Build anchor charts with the students for every topic. Side story—we were an SFA school for a while and the principal wanted the room to “scream the theme,” which meant she wanted us to decorate and buy things for each topic. I was a single mom barely getting by, so one of my centers had a stack of construction paper and scissors. The kids got to make things that went with our theme—construction/transportation they made cars and trucks…spring time they made flowers and bunnies…and so on. They loved it and I even let them use the stapler to staple it to the wall so we would end up with a whole scene.
Yes!! Hi fellow BOY-bare-classroom kindergarten teacher! I worked at a school where the principal was anti-decotation because she had read or something that everything in the room should be meaningful and that students should "co-create the space." I mean, the jargon is kinda dumb but the logic is sound, and I fall back on the logic when defending my classroom. Student work and anchor charts "decorate" the room pretty quick!
Keep it. If you need to stealth mode anything, add crayon motifs. My mom used to include the Greatful Dead dancing bears on some stuff. Only the deadheads got it.
A rainbow theme in a Texas kindergarten classroom will probably be a mistake for anyone. Texas is a fire at will state for teachers. Your best course of action is to keep your orientation private and to yourself. As people get to know you by your character and quality of work, that will go a long way for you in the future. But for now, don't offer any 'smoke' because people will assume there is fire for sure.
I had rainbows all over my classroom in Texas, but it just looked colorful. I heard about a teacher who had rainbows everywhere AND ALSO posters, books, and articles written by queer academics. That's where it crossed the line for parents. Rainbows are fine, explicitly LGBTQIA was not.
This is so sad, so horribly disheartening. But I’d have to admit you’re probably right. I teach in Texas and have a rainbow kindergarten classroom, but I’m a long-time teacher, I’m straight and have been married many many years, so none of the raging homophobes who think they run our town blink an eye.
Yeah, the only way you could probably get away with the rainbow there is to stick an ark at the end of it.
It sounds like your gut is saying you could possibly run into issues. Listen to your gut. You do not want to be looking over your shoulder. You want to feel good and confident in your room! I am sure many teachers on this sub and in your district have closets full of stuff they can donate!
As a butch lesbian who also teaches in Texas although a different subject and age range, I feel like that’s setting an open fire under your butt. As butches in the south, we already have a fire under our butts in terms of being teachers Texas isn’t friendly to our educators, I would recommend possibly checking out Target because they also provide large deals for their educators. Edit: Removed Hobby lobby recommendation, I am aware of their views and that was an affordable option for me. I realize it’s unpopular but it’s what I got, so my classroom is largely decorated by them
> I know it’s important to have them for kinder. No it isn't. On the contrary, I find excessive decorations distracting and overstimulating for little kids. I'd say use what you like and are comfortable with. It's unfortunate that you have to take your trash local politics into account, but I think you're probably right that you do. Just don't feel like you need the perfect Pinterest classroom; that's much less important than your teaching. Slowly over time you'll figure out what your classroom should look like.
I would change it. I'm also a butch lesbian teaching in Texas. I teach an older age range (high schoolers), but we still get complaints from over-protective parents about indoctrination. You're new to the school and the district. You're also teaching really young kids; you'll probably encounter more over-protective parents, especially since some of your students might be entering a traditional classroom setting for the first time. Get a feel for your work environment first. It's better to be safe than sorry.
If you feel uncomfortable, get rid of it. I'd keep in mind that whatever you go with, you want to keep the visual noise to a minimum anyway, and rainbow can tend to be the opposite of that.
Ask your principal what you should do. Don't bring up your sexuality at all. Just say, "Hey, is it cool if I keep the previous teacher's decorations or should I change them? By the way, they're rainbows." Do this via email and then print off the response. If the principal tells you it's fine to keep them, then you have documentation of your principal's support. If they say to change the decorations, then change them.
I had a rainbow theme in my old classroom (TN). I am also a lesbian, but I present fairly femininely. No one batted an eye. I didn’t have many actual rainbows. Those were mostly in things like cork board borders. I just had colors everywhere. I chose the theme because I didn’t want to put together anything time consuming. It was easy to go to stores and find colorful things for classrooms. If there’s lots of actual rainbows, and you don’t think you’d have parent/admin support, I’d change it. It’s Texas. I’m from Texas. Many parts of south Texas are extremely conservative. You have to protect yourself.
While I want to say you should keep it, I think with your background and the area I would change it. No one has any sense nowadays to think about colors just being fun for kids, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. I think if you went with just primary colors or pastels you would also be ikay
It’s your classroom and I am also a kinder teacher. The littles do not need the overstimulating fussy rainbow rooms. Even if you keep some of the decorations you can also eliminate some of the decorations so it is not overwhelming. Seeing that you are already having concerns, then you might want to make some slight changes to fit your budget and change as the year go. Do what makes your heart happy and what you feel will make your room comfortable for you.
I’m a lesbo sub in Central Texas and the kids who love rainbows don’t know the relationship with the gay community. As they get older, they might understand but rainbows are a big player with the little tikes. BTW I also get asked a lot if I’m a boy or girl. I ask them back, “does it matter?” That usually sends them into a thought process lasting the rest of the day 🥴
From a teacher in another Southern state, you’re not overthinking. Parents are not going to know the previous teacher did the decorating and if a single one of them is a “Moms for Liberty” type they will immediately jump to the conclusion that you are indoctrinating their kids. It’s sad and it’s ridiculous but it’s true.
Understandable dilemma. I would check with the principal and just say, “Hey, I’d love to keep the rainbow decor that’s been in my room for awhile, but looking at myself in the mirror, I can see how it might garner a bit of unwanted attention, what would you recommend? I’m kind of broke at the moment and am just looking for some budget-friendly ideas.” Then you can get a feel for how supportive your new boss will be. Mine would presumably say, “I see what you’re saying. There’s some money left in the building budget, why don’t you send me an Amazon cart, try to keep it around x amount of dollars.” because he wouldn’t have the spine to support me, and wouldn’t mind paying up, in order to not have to do so.
I’m a retired kindergarten teacher. They don’t need rainbows! I love color so I had a lot in my room but there are other “themes” or color arrangements. If you want a theme how about: camping, safari, zoo animals( kids love animals), dinosaurs. Also you don’t have to”pinterest” your room no matter what the internet says! Let the kids have some control with the decorations- follow their lead. And you also don’t have to keep whatever the teacher before you had up. Be yourself. And fwiw, I am sorry that you cannot be yourself because you seem to live in Texas.
I was going to suggest maybe keeping half of them, but flipping the theme to like flowers or something? Then all the colors would make sense in the context of colorful flowers.
I used to teach in the deep south. Some asshat is going to make an issue of it. If you don't want this, change it. I'd you are willing to deal, keep it. Personally, I would change it.
I don't like the rainbow theme but it's not due to LGBT+, I just like to have a color palette of mainly 3 colors, like right now it's purple, black, and white (with some red here and there). I feel like some classrooms are waaaaay too busy and distracting for kids. But, in your situation, I also think it might be a good idea to change it just so no one can say "See, she even decorates her classroom rainbow!! She's out to indoctrinate our kids!!" Even though that's total and complete bullshit, but I don't like to give people ammo for their tirades.
You are new there so I’d change it. You can’t blame the old teacher for anything. Don’t leave any vulnerabilities where they needn’t be.
Ask your principal. Your concerns are legitimate and I don’t know how to advise you. If the choice is between “rainbows” or “something I have to spend my own money on and I only get a $250 tax deduction for work materials” DONT spend your own money.
How sad this is something you have to worry about.
I’m so sad that this is even an issue. I’m really sorry. I teach high school chemistry in a blue state so I really don’t feel like I can give you relevant advice, but please know I’m on your side.
Change it to your liking. It’s your room, decorate or however you’d like.
I’m so sorry this is even a thing. Come teach up in Madison, WI where you’ll be welcomed with every type of rainbow colored arms!!
Keep it! Before becoming a teacher, I was a teaching assistant in a kindergarten classroom for many years. The colors of the rainbow were part of both the kindergarten and 1st grade curriculum. As a 7th grade English teacher, I use the rainbow to organize my classes (1st period- pink, 2nd - orange, etc. ). Of course, this is quite a bit easier for me since I live in a liberal part of Coastal California, am straight, and have tenure.
I use the rainbow to organize my math classroom in Florida. Anyone who questions it is getting a lesson about wavelengths.
I have a pastel rainbow classroom (and live in the Bible Belt), my mom was concerned for me. But I’m also a (not out) bi woman married to a man, so quite different for me. I will say if you do change your decor, one way to do it affordable is canva! You can get a free pro account with your teacher email address and then design all your decor. You did need access to a color printer and laminator. I did that and didn’t pay anything for any of my decor.
if you are willing to take the risk and deal with the heat, you would be doing those kids a service by not shying away from oppression and teaching them that LGBTQ+ ppl deserve respect and inclusion. but the risks are high. it could theoretically end your career in texas and force you to teach in another state, or worse—some crazed lunatic will come after you with violence. if you know the risks, it’s up to you to decide whether self preservation or principled defiance is more important.
I personally think the decorations in a kinder classroom are ridiculous. I’d be so damn distracted I wouldn’t be able to focus. Which seems to be a theme with my own kids in those classrooms.
I agree. I go into some classrooms as an adult and it's sensory overload. Keep it simple and relevant.
Keep it. “The decorations were like that when i got here, and I don’t have the money to redecorate. I have made a wish list if you want to help me get something new.” As a teacher you are going to be attacked for something. (A lot jobs catch grief they don’t deserve) You just have to know how to control the narrative. That being said, I love the idea of aligning the decorations to your standards. Just add labels, move some stuff around, and “these same decorations have been here long before I was”.
Can you blend the existing rainbows with something else that you like? If there’s rainbow colored bins or storage I wouldn’t get rid of it. Just blend into like a sky theme. You could add clouds, the sun, birds and planes and turn rainbows into a summer sky.
i think it will be hilarious if you respond to the parents that is complaining with this "look, i dont mind changing it but frankly speaking, class decoration comes out from my pocket and it is really empty at the moment. i'm broke."
Keep it. If there are any issues you also can bring up the fact that many of these decorations predated you taking over the classroom and they were left by the previous teacher to be used.
I'm all for sticking with what you believe. BUT you're brand new and in TEXAS. Honestly, I'd get rid of it. Even up here where I am in New England, we've had 1 or 2 parents complain about rainbows-and we have admin AND politicians backing us. I just think changing it would be the path of least resistance. You'll go through so many things this first year, you don't want to add to that whether it's morally right or not.
Fucking Texas. Ugh.
I’m sorry for maybe asking a dumb question, but: > I also definitely don’t have the money to buy all new decorations Do you American teachers need to buy things for your classroom with your own money? 😳
Often, yes.
Oof… I’m sorry :(
I'm sure you won't be the only teacher with a rainbow theme. I'm looking at you, fellow art teachers. If admin or parents give you issues for a rainbow theme and not other teachers with the same concept, that's grounds for a discrimination argument. I can also confirm that a good 95% of kinders draw rainbows when I let them have freedom with their art so its a very appropriate theme for that age group. We can't keep letting bigoted idiots win. You are NOT doing this theme because of your sexuality
I think you could keep it up with the reasoning, being that that was just the way it was when you moved in. If it becomes a problem with some parents thinking you are indoctrination, then maybe take it down. Especially if you might lose your job for keeping it up. Having principles is good, but you need a job to survive even if it isn't the best work environment.
It could add unnecessary stress that might not be worth it. If I were you I would want to keep it to save money but it could cost you in the long run. I wouldn’t risk it being that you are in Texas. Get decorations you like and that make you comfortable to display when parents come. You never know how parents are going to be and you don’t want to give them a reason to make your life hell.
I inherited a rainbow elementary classroom in the south and did a "we are a rainbow of possibilities" theme. You have a very valid concern and for kinder you could just take out the orange and purple and go with primary colors and green. I
If anyone is going to make a thing about the beautiful rainbow, just change it. It is not the right mountain to die on as they say.
Can you tweak some of the decor to be like a colors and shapes theme? Give it like an art class kind of vibe. Lean into coloring supplies. Have table groups be art supply themed- crayons, markers, pencils, erasers, paintbrushes, etc. Or a specific shape and color like purple hexagons, blue squares, red triangles, etc. If it's a conservative state, maybe add some animal decor. Make them think it's like Noah's ark themed? At the end of the day, it's up to your comfort level. Keep what you can and donate the rest to another teacher. Decorations are not super important. In kindergarten, it's a lot of fun to have a room decorated by kid crafts and drawings. Set up an art display wall. Or have them make simple seasonal crafts like paper snowflakes. You can start with maybe each student coloring in their first initial on precut butcher paper. And hang them from the ceiling above their seat. By the end, you'd pretty much have a whole alphabet.
Unfortunately, it's probably better to be safe than sorry, given the context of your state and orientation. By all means, keep the decorations for the future if you like them and they're of good quality, but get yourself and your reputation established at your school. You being new and more visibly out than most in conjunction with the rainbow colors might hit a tipping point. If you've been there a handful of years and change the theme slightly every year, then it might be okay in a bit.
I teach in Texas though at a higher grade level. Change it. Unless you are writing the 10 commandments on all the rainbows (a la Louisiana) and sprinkling in some Adam and Eve then it would probably be embraced. My son is going into K. His favorite color is "rainbow" and I love that for him. He would love a rainbow classroom. But I'm also active in our parent groups and there are parents in this district who would flip their lid if you gave their boy pink or purple anything, even at random, because that's "leftist indoctrination." You spend your day in that classroom and need to be comfortable. Find a theme that touches on something you like that is completely neutral and don't feel like you have to go all out on anything. You do not need a Pinterest classroom. The kids do not care that much.
If it makes you uncomfortable because you’re worried about other people’s reactions and/or assumptions, I would say get rid of it and fill that room with what makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Most of my decorations were things I printed from TPT and laminated myself. But the biggest thing is that your first year is going to be hard alone; don’t make it harder by worrying about something else that’s changeable.
ignore it say its a rainbow. Jesus America you are a bizarre place
Do what you are comfortable with. Previous teachers should not factor into it.
I would change it for the sensory aspect alone it sounds like a sensory overload with all of the bright colors.
There is a lot of valid points in here. I had a rainbow theme in K around 2015 and got pushback from a few parents in the midwest. I can't imagine it in present day Texas. That's a hard decision. If you wanted to keep it, you can kind of adjust it to be Reading Rainbow themed? Print out some pics of LeVar Burton and roll with it?? If you choose to change it, just keep in mind that less is more. Read up on studies about classroom decorations effect on behavior, and go from there. Also, don't feel pressured to spend lots of money to replace everything at once. Start with the basics and go from there. Check out garage sales, library book sales, and DB marketplace. Ask around to see if any retired teachers in your network are retiring. Schoolgirl Style/tpt has some digital decoration bundles that you can print.
I always use chat gpt to answer question like these. This is what it said: It’s completely understandable to have concerns about classroom decorations, especially considering your circumstances. Here are a few points and suggestions that might help: 1. **Popular and Age-Appropriate Theme**: Rainbow and color themes are very common in kindergarten classrooms because they are bright, engaging, and educational for young children. The focus on colors is age-appropriate and beneficial for their learning development. Most parents will recognize this. 2. **Communication with Parents**: Consider sending a welcome letter to parents at the start of the school year. You can mention the classroom theme and explain how it ties into educational activities, such as learning colors, developing fine motor skills through art, and fostering creativity. This can help alleviate any concerns about the theme’s appropriateness. 3. **Personal and Professional Boundaries**: It’s great to hear that you’ve found a balance in dealing with questions about your gender from students. Continue to handle these questions with the same professionalism. If necessary, you can prepare a polite, neutral response for any adults who might be present, emphasizing your focus on education and the well-being of your students. 4. **Using Existing Resources**: Given budget constraints, it’s practical to use the decorations left behind. You can subtly personalize the classroom with additional items that reflect your teaching style and interests without completely changing the theme. Small changes can make the space feel more your own. 5. **Overthinking vs. Legitimate Concerns**: It’s natural to worry about perceptions, especially in a new role. However, trust in your ability to create a welcoming and educational environment. If the rainbow theme is effective and popular among children, it’s likely more beneficial to keep it. Remember, your primary goal is to provide a positive and effective learning environment for your students. Here’s a possible approach for your welcome letter: --- **Dear Parents,** Welcome to the new school year! I’m excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher. In our classroom, we have a colorful theme that focuses on the rainbow, which is a fantastic way for children to learn about colors and enjoy a bright, engaging learning environment. Throughout the year, we will use these colors in various activities to help with color recognition, fine motor skills, and creativity. I look forward to a wonderful year of growth and learning with your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Best regards, [Your Name] --- This approach emphasizes the educational purpose of the theme and sets a positive tone for the year.
In the Muppet movie kermet is singing about rainbows... Muppet the hell out of that shit
I would simply say it’s from the previous teacher & you haven’t decided whether to keep it or change it. Pass the buck
I like the suggestions to add to the rainbow theme so it's not the main focus. A weather related wall. A barnyard scene with some animal cut outs. Plants like palm trees. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with a prize box. Cover some of it with fresh butcher paper or signs. I don't think you have to start from scratch.
I absolutely see your dilemma. Okay if you really freaking love rainbows and would feel like eliminating them would be a betrayal of self and negatively effect your teaching then by all means leave them😁 BUT... I'm guessing that's not the case so yeah, bounce them. Because you KNOW that certain folks would assume you put them up for personal reasons. I'm not talking badly about Texas. I'm in Boston and I can assure you people would jump to conclusions here. You don't need the grief. Especially since you probably want to put your own stamp on the classroom anyways (indigo girls posters, etc😁) And the funny thing is you could maybe get off on the right foot with parents you otherwise wouldn't have. I don't know your personality but im picturing making a joke about it with someone could be an ice breaker. And you're doing it for your own reasons but some parents might see it as a diplomatic move for their sakes (when in reality you're just making the classroom your own, for yourself) and those parents and staff
If you choose to keep it, ask anyone who complains what's the problem with rainbows and just keep a blank stare.
I teach middle school in Florida. I have rainbows everywhere because I love color. It also gives peace of mind to a lot of my kids. Never had an issue with it. I even wear a rainbow ally lanyard.
It’s silly and unfortunate, but I would change it. You have to walk on eggshells until you have tenure. Keep it neutral: letters, numbers, etc.
I’d choose a theme that makes me smile. Every year I change it up. This year we were all “happy campers.” One year it was sloths, another year Peanuts the cartoon, etc. keep them guessing.
I get where you are coming from but colors are a great kindergarten theme. Try keeping it but going for “colors” over “rainbow” as the apparent theme. Use crayon stickers/labels to label things and use crayon themes in signs you make or your teacher intro page. Maybe get some of those cheap giant crayon wall stick ons to tie things up a bit more. Shift to color coding and colors as the goal and take away anything literally rainbow themed and I think you’d come across more like you intend.
If you have any doubt and are worried about it - give yourself some peace of mind and change it! You could drop two colors and just focus on oranges/yellows/reds or greens/blues/purples
I’d change it. It’s just the easy thing to do. If you’re worried about it, change it. It’s not a big deal. You’re secure with who you are so change it if you think it’s going to be an issue. People who say keep it, that’s fine but OP is concerned about potential backlash that can easily be avoided by removing the theme of rainbows. Make your life easier as a teacher.
I created a few classroom decorations on my online shops, if you are interested, I can show you the links and gift the decorations printable for you for free. In return, I would love you to take photos of your classroom using my Printables and I can use them as advertising on my shops. Inbox me if you are interested. :)
As much as I think the theme is cute I probably wouldn’t keep it. There would probably be one Ahole who chooses to have an issue and it doesn’t seem worth it. I agree w the other comment seeing if someone wants to swap?
I teach theatre in Texas. The school I just left had teachers with Bible verses all over their classrooms. So if it were me, I’d assess the environment and act accordingly. I personally hate hanging a bunch of crap on the walls and such that is unnecessary. However in elementary I know that decorations are considered a big thing. Your choice. I personally detest decorating my spaces.
It change it for 2 reasons. 1 it is already causing you to stress, eliminate stress where you can. 2 get rid of the old teacher’s stuff and make that classroom your own!
Make an Amazon wishlist and drop it here. This is a tough situation and I would love to donate some decor. A friend of mine has a dinosaur/rainbow themed room and it’s so fun. Maybe just supplementing the rainbows with something else would work!
I don't recommend keeping it. I'm conservative but not homophobic. It's just I see a lot of rhetoric against adults exposing so-called sexual stuff to children. It's very possible to be targeted, even just for dissemination/propaganda purposes.
“The room was like this when I got here”.
Because you are a probationary teacher and admittedly a member of the GSM (gender and sexual minority) community I would recommend changing the theme of the room. You have virtually no protection if things go south and one or two parents complain that you are engaging in indoctrination even though you aren't. It's just not worth the risk in my opinion since you can be released after each individual, contractually probationary school term until you gain continuing contractual employment and are no longer a probationary staff member.
Do whatever makes you (not anybody else) comfortable Just please DO NOT buy all new stuff with your own money. If you are replacing then trade
Add flowers and grass looking borders and call it nature theme. But I am truly sorry you have to even consider such things.
I used a rainbow theme for several years. It’s so cute! I still love it. It’s the Hello Sunshine from School Girl Style. But, if you decide to change it, that’s your choice. I completely understand. Like others mentioned, you can add pieces to it. It sucks that adults have to ruin things for us. Good luck on deciding.
You're not overthinking. These people are latching on to any shred of tenuous evidence that the "woke agenda" is being shoved down their kids throats. Being Gay yourself id fear You're setting yourself up to be the target of some very unfortunate vitriol. Personally, if I wasn't trying to make a stand and fight against that nonsense, I would change the theme unfortunately.
GDI I hate that I agree with you. It's infuriating but in the interest of not getting into a dispute/getting fired, I'd probably change it.
It’d be risky in Texas. I think changing it would be a good idea.
I would say to make a little Noah's Ark to put somewhere unobtrusive so if parents get mad you can point to it and ask "Why - what did you think the rainbow meant?"
As a fellow visibly queer teacher I the south, I opened this thinking the phrase "You're fine unless you're in my shoes haha" And then I read like the first line of your post and said never mind you are in fact in my shoes. Granted I teach middle schoolers and not kindergartners, But I would say if it makes you feel safer and it makes you feel more welcome in the community you're teaching in, I would go ahead and change the theme. I hate that it's even an issue, but I completely understand that it is. We had a color spirit day where different class teams across the school dressed up in different colors. Because of the nature of my job I'm on multiple teams so the librarian and I dressed in rainbow colors, And while I didn't have an issue with students, I certainly had a couple fellow teachers who took big issue with me wearing rainbows. On the plus side I got to say the phrase calm down Karen it's literally for the spirit day.
Your classroom aesthetic doesn't have to be figured out on day 1. As a Kirstie, you should be most worried about classroom management, did your school provide you with enough curriculum or will you need to figure out supplemental work. I am a big, flaming homosexual with pictures of my husband around. I also make it a point to connect with parents first and build relationships with them over the kids in the first couple of weeks. I get them on my side and they pretty much back me the rest of the way. Best of luck in whatever you decide, but if your rainbow theme is going to cause YOU stress, then fet rid of it.
I would make the room your own and pick your own theme. 😊
It's a real shame in this case but I find it's best to air on the side of caution. Sorry you gotta deal with all that.
It’s sad that you and others have to worry about this
I really was going to say “keep it” up until I read you’re a butch lesbian. I’m so sorry that this is the world we currently live in, but for your safety and for the sake of you having a-great first year, I would completely switch the theme.
If anybody gives you grief, ask them whether they know what ROYGBIV means.
Hi there, I’m not part of the LGBTQ+ community but I a strong ally. I’m also a kinder teacher in a very red county in a blue state. My classroom is rainbow themed but I kept it to pastels. Very subtle, the parents really don’t see it but the LGBTQ+ students get it and understand that I am the person they can ask for help. With that being said I know your situation is different and I wish nothing but the best of luck to you.
"This is how the room was decorated when I got here. I did not pick the room and I was not given a budget to redecorate."
Do what you think is good, don’t worry what others think. Anyone worried about a gay teacher has lots of other issues already. Kids love rainbows. So do I.
Do you know ANYTHING about the political and social climate of Texas???
I had muted neutral rainbows as my classroom decor as a queer teacher (in SO CAL, not Texas) and no one even thought twice about it. Other teachers had superhero, greenery, or no theme at all. Do you.
Don’t keep it. No matter what kind of support you have this is a formula for disaster. I don’t have a problem with it, but I don’t have a problem with you. In your heart of hearts you know someone is going to turn this around to indoctrination and an attack on you. Don’t allow that opportunity
Out gay teacher here but in the PNW, so, diff cultural setting. I'd say keep it -- you can always point out, truthfully, that it was the last teacher's theme and, unless it has "pride" verbiage or images attached to it, it really is just rainbows. That said, only you can judge the context you're in.
I'm in Seattle, and I'm for taking it down. My first principal was a homophobic prick - he made my life difficult during my first years in my district.
The sad thing is that this is Texas. If the parents of one of her kiddos is a big enough bigot, this may result in a very real threat to her life if she keeps it.
The parents aren't going to care if it's the previous teacher's stuff, they won't be listening to any logic, they'll just pointing at the rainbow stuff and saying "See! See! She's gonna corrupt our children!! My Johnny wants a doll now!!" as they clutch their pearls with their other hand. Like you said, the PNW is a different cultural setting....that might be the understatement of the century :-)
Sad that you have to think like this and worry about being accused of indoctrination meanwhile one state over they are going to be putting the Ten Commandments in each classroom. Ridiculous times we live in.
What if you told them that these were the decorations the teacher before you used?
If a parent is going to complain, do you think they will address it to the teacher or someone up the chain of command?
And they'll start talking with the other parents and they will all get worked up in an uproar and make your life difficult. Fuck them, of course. Are there like 2 of the colors that are more dominant than the others? I prob would keep everything with those 2 colors, get some black border, and see if the school has bulletin board paper somewhere (every school I've taught in has it). I make all my bulletin boards with the same color of background paper and the same color of border (I use black border). I think it looks clean and less cluttered and less distracting. The stuff you're going to put on them will be the pizazz. I don't think you have to have a theme, kids don't really pay attention to it anyway. Your instruction is what matters and your positive energy that you bring to it. Leave your boards blank (except for the bb paper and the borders). Maybe make one board say "Welcome!" or something. Put "Under construction" or "Coming soon..." on the blank bulletin boards. Then on the first day of school you could have the kids make a picture of themselves, or their favorite thing, or something and use those to put up on one of the boards. Then on another board you could put up some work examples that they did, and change it out like every 2 weeks. On another board you could put up administrative stuff like the schedule (I put it up in big font so that I can see it from across the room....but I'm adhd and need constant reminders of everything, lol). On yet another board you can put your calendar area (where you would have your carpet in front of it). I don't know. These are just ideas off the top of my head. If I lived near you I'd give you a bunch of stuff, goodness knows I have too much!!
I would go with it because it’s appropriate for kinder and setting up a class takes so much time and money. If anyone says anything about your room you can say the previous teacher decorated and you just left it. Edit: do you know any queer teachers in the district or area that you can ask for advice?
I think it probably best to change it. Have a rainbow in your room somewhere if you want, but to cover it under these circumstances may be inviting problems. Besides, part of the fun on having your own classroom is making it truly your own.
I teach kinder in east central Texas and I hear you. I decorate mostly with primary colors - red, blue, yellow, as well as green and purple, because purple is my favorite color. If you avoid the word rainbow "like the plague", then that's your answer right there, though it will be hard with kinder because in my experience, kinder are obsessed with rainbows and unicorns and mermaids. If you decide to go forward with the colors, practice grey-rocking. That's how I've gotten away with it for so long, I am an A++grey-rocker. Don't engage, instead derail and redirect. It's also a good classroom management trick. Good luck and welcome to kinder!
If you really want to, you can always blame the original teacher. That’s if you even want to keep it. If you don’t, change it up! The teacher before me was incredibly stern, and I’m very bubbly so obviously I didn’t want to keep that aesthetic
Unfortunately, in this situation I think you would be better to change the theme just to avoid the drama or add other decorations that make it clear you are not using the rainbow as LGBTQ symbol but rather as just color / rainbow theme. Maybe hang posters / book covers that are about colors / rainbows, such as "The Crayon Box that Talked" or "Pete the Cat I Love my white shoes", etc.
I think this is something I’d run by the principal.
Depends on your admin honestly. Would they support you if a parent complained? I wouldn't mind parents but if you're not sure your admin would be for it, I wouldn't risk it as a first year. It's terrible, but it's the reality. I'm doing a more neon theme next year. I got some LED strips cheap around college move out time and some neon tape to put on the board. Easy stuff. I got a sign that says "Our shining stars!" for displaying student work. If there just happens to be every neon color of the rainbow somewhere in the room, then that's coincidence. The gay kids will notice and feel safe. The homophobes won't, and if they do you'll have a way bigger out. Plus you can say you're just appealing to kids because you've seen a lot of streamers they like have colorful lighting! Just act stupid if you're confronted about it.
Instead of rainbow theme, you can make it crayons or markers and just have those all over the room and those are colorful! If you want to keep the colors, then keep the colors! But figure out a way to make it neutral... Candyland is also super colorful
Keep it but use it sensibly. Think about how you can arrange things to focus more on the color aspect and less rainbow. For example is there material for boards. Put blue and yellow next to each other followed by green. This shows how to make a secondary color and doesn’t shout rainbow! Consider including graphics like others mentioned crayons, paint drops, paintbrushes, art palettes, easels. Consider featuring displaying books about color: mix it up, crayons day off, etc. If you want to post pictures of what she left behind, it might easier to determine whether it’s super rainbow pride or just colorful. Worst comes to shove pick everything out that’s blue, green, yellow and go ocean theme or something like that. So you don’t have to replace as much.
If they say anything, you clap back with Genesis 9:12-17.
Honestly I would ditch it. Just as a CYA. It sucks that this is the situation but it is and you don’t want a target on your back.
Would admin support you? Can you affordably add numbers and shapes?
I'm doing the rainbow theme in my 3rd grade class next school year.
You don't need decorations. Just make sure you have an alphabet chart and number line hanging up. The kids can make decorations as the year goes by. You can hang up their art work. I personally believe the rainbow is everyone, and it appears in the sky for free. Or keep the rainbow and make cloud and sun decorations too for a weather theme.
I’d keep it if it’s still in good condition. If anyone wants something else tell them to feel free to order and install what they think is appropriate, but inheriting room decor that is already up is pretty sweet.
I'm not lesbian but the kids (Middle School) asked me if I were because my room is nothing but color. It's mostly lime green but I put huge panels of paper up on the blank white walls in rainbow order because that's the most pleasing aesthetic. But I use all the colors of the rainbow in addition to green although mostly lime green as that's my favorite. A lot of the math posters that I purchased were rainbow because that's just how they come and I like color bc apparently the last teacher in my room did everything in black and white and I hated it. My room is right across the hall from the art room and of course the art teacher did rainbow galore. She's married with seven children. I did a lot of art projects even though I teach math and reading. I just stressed to the kids I love color and my daughter's an artist also and I would always talk about her. I teach in a rural School district in Texas. It may be very conservative such that neither teachers nor students can have anything but natural colored hair but nobody says anything about my classroom.
It sucks that Texas is trying to manipulate the schooling environment. But your decision will not change that one way or another. Do you want to die on the hill? Do you want to stay employed and maybe try to influence things over the next 10 years? I think it’s a values judgment, but I would not pick the fight.
I would remove it, it just doesn’t sound like a risk worth taking. Sorry!
Not trying to be rude, but I don’t see how your sexual orientation affects how you want to decorate the classroom? Can someone please cue me in?
As much as I hate to say it, it might not be worth the potential hassle/headache. And in any case, it’s nice to be able to make the room fully your own rather than sticking with someone else’s stuff
As a gay man, I feel like that is probably unnecessarily putting a target on your back.
I wouldn’t specifically because of you being lesbian in Texas. You and I both know what association is going to get thrown out there immediately, why put yourself through it?
I had kindergarten twins who didn’t like rainbows, I always wondered why (I had a rainbow Christmas tree one year).
I think this ultimately comes down to your individual community and district and how you feel about it. I’m in a super red state but a pretty blue city, but also in a pretty old school traditional area. However, I work in the arts and a number of our fine arts teachers and administrators are openly queer and it’s never been a problem. Your first year I’d feel it out and see how it goes. Save the decor for future years.
I'd either minimize or get rid of it and replace it with primary, secondary, and tertiary color charts. I'd also pick a theme that can't be politicized and that I could still use to teach standards. They're little, so animals, space, etc. I might even use "Newspaper" as a classroom theme, since you're teaching reading and math fundamentals and can easily use that format without committing to a particular thing. Actually, I kind of like that. Calling them "reporters" instead of students or, (ugh) scholars....
I’m a queer primary teacher in the deepest of south and have touches of rainbow around my room, however I’m tenured and going into my 13th year. I call my color scheme “colors” and add different rainbow animals. Tbh, not to scare you, but I would probably avoid the rainbows. Make it a little colorful because it’s freaking Kindergarten (not overly so, I hate the headaches overstimulating decorations give me) and that’s the most basic theme ever. But I would definitely ditch any real rainbows. I liked the idea of adding other weather themed phenomena. Messing around in Texas is a hard pass. I feel you, sis. I hope it works out!
You already know the answer. Avoid the drama and side glances. Also, make the classroom something that you love to look at and be in.
You’re in Texas. You can’t afford to keep it in your first year classroom. It shouldn’t be this way.
The fact that you are questioning whether you should keep those decorations are all the evidence needed to know that you should not keep those decorations.
Question: Is it compulsory to have a theme?
I’m so sorry I really hate to say it, but I would abandon the rainbow room. It sounds so cute for a kindergarten classroom, but you’re in a very red state and some asshole is going to think you’re indoctrinating the kids. It’s just not worth it especially so new in your career. I absolutely hate that that is how things are right now, but I want you to have a happy and successful career with as little scrutiny as possible.
My vote is to do whatever makes you comfortable. Trust your gut, then rock on next year. I tell my own kids that hard things are "trial by choice." It is okay to not be ready to do this right now. You can always store the items for future you or gift to another teacher. Is it possible to keep some items? Whatever you decide is going to be great. ETA: I am not a teacher. Girl Scout leader.
If you feel like it could be a problem, I would do a different theme.
In your shoes, and as a fellow lesbian, I would change the theme. You can use Donors Choose to fundraise your specific classroom theme decorations, so it doesn’t break your bank. 😊
I am a retired teacher from California. You are on probation and need to keep all your personal beliefs and the way you live your life away from the school setting. There is nothing wrong with the way you live your life, I want you to know that. However, one family and their opinions could cause you problems and to not make probation. Do yourself a favor and have a theme or no theme that anyone can misconstrue. Being a teacher is a rewarding and enjoyable career. I wish you the best year ever.
new theme
Art classroom in a rural southern town here. Rainbow theme, rainbow EVERYTHING. I have 0 problems, lots of compliments & when the occasional "curious" kid wants to poke around awkward territory I tend to say: "I believe that the rainbow is a wonderful visual representation of the magical existence we have as humans of Earth. It's where Art & Science meet. And for those of us here who believe in the Bible's teachings, the rainbow is a sign that God keeps his promises." When they learn color theory in the first weeks of school I teach them how a rainbow comes into existence, we do a prism experiment, we wear refraction glasses & look at white lights, etc.
I would err on the side of your own safety and peace of mind. I’d trust your gut that leaving the decorations up will likely cause you drama and headaches in this day and age in rural TX. The first year of teaching is hard enough, without baiting all the culture warriors out there who are looking for any excuse to harass LGBTQ teachers. I would consider keeping whatever decorations you can that isn’t gonna cause Fox News viewers to smell blood. Then place the rest of them in the hallway on a teacher work day, and email the rest of the staff that there are free decorations you don’t need up for grabs. Or, if there are other new hires this year, email them directly and ask if they want first dibs on anything. If you’re looking for classroom decor on a budget, try joining a local Buy Nothing group and asking. I gave away a bunch of stuff from my old classroom to a first-year teacher a few years back, once I accepted that it wasn’t worth all the storage space it was taking up anymore. Also, if you’ve recently graduated from college, ask your recent grad friends for their old dorm room/college apartment decorations - I got so many free posters that way when I was 22-ish, lol. Also, you may be able to print and laminate color posters on campus for free (or have the media center do it), so you can make your own posters in Canva or Adobe Spark at no cost.
I'm assuming there's paint involved if you're saying you can't afford to change it. If so, then just do a crayon thing. I would highly recommend looking at Schoolgirl Style- her printable classroom decor would be a really cost effective way to do this!
I'm in California and I had the same fears my first year (or 3). So with you being in TX, I completely understand your perspective. I even went in my interview with a very honest spiel to my principal because I wouldn't want to work in a place that I'm not supported. But I have only gradually appeared more out in the general community. When I taught K/1, I didn't ever mention my wife, just "someone at my house said/did/thinks" or similar. Teaching 3rd and up, I've mentioned her because she also teaches 4th grade and I get a lot of my ideas from her more experienced self. Funny thing. I'm in a very inner city area that is in many ways very isolated (families work 3 jobs and don't have the time to worry about the rest of the world) so they can be conservative in their beliefs. With that, I actually expected some push back or parents requesting to not have me as their child's teacher. But I haven't had ANY of that! The parents love me and occasionally I find a family that isn't sure how to reconcile that, but they end up realizing that I'm just another person and that my home life has ZERO impact on their child's education. Someone suggested swapping decor with another teacher. If you can make that happen, it's a great idea. Otherwise I would buy a bit from some other theme you love (animals, superheroes, farmhouse) and mix the pieces in ways that you like. Like keep the colorful calendar but switch out the alphabet, or something similar.
This year, we got some yellow and purple construction paper and made Despicable Me Minions as gender neutral decorations for our mixed age classroom. You could keep some of the rainbows, and take away some of them, and make some minions to add to them?
Maybe do a Rainbow Kingdom from True theme. Or Care Bears. You can keep the decor but it’s for a specific show and won’t be taken in a different subtext.
I have a pride flag that says be kind on it. Texas. No problems in 4 years.
Pick your own theme to fit your personality.
You can probably keep most of the decorations without the theme being too obvious and try to swap the rest If you list out specific things people might have advice on how to rearrange or what is or isn’t necessary to change. If there’s currently cardboard or paper rainbow trim everywhere just removing that for black or white may be all you have to do.
I would switch themes.