Array #6 Fall 2025 – Investing in Spaces

Spark curiosity. Ignite learning.

Design rooms that

CELEBRATE STUDENTS Gain valuable insights to

IMPROVE SPACES CREATE SUCCESS

using the Instructional Core

EE 2024 2025 Issue #3

Issue #6

OUR MESSAGE

Bringing learning to life in every classroom As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, I’m continually inspired by your unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. As curriculum standards evolve and student needs diversify, educators are asked to be architects, motivators, and innovators — all while creating environments where every learner can reach their potential.

Because of these immense demands, today’s educators need to be resilient, resourceful, and adaptable. The ability to bounce back, find creative solutions, and embrace change is crucial to students’ success.

That’s exactly why we’ve assembled this collection of insights, strategies, and solutions. In this issue of the Array, you’ll discover ideas about fostering flexible classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles; explore the latest shifts in curriculum and practical ways to integrate new approaches; find creative ideas for designing spaces where students genuinely want to be; and come away with innovative methods for using incentives to boost motivation and engagement.

We’re honored to support your mission of shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Every tool, tip, and technique in these pages is designed with one goal: helping you create learning environments where every student succeeds and every educator can achieve their best!

Celebrating

120 years

With 120 years under our belt, experience and innovation go hand in hand at Demco.

As we celebrate this milestone, it’s only fitting to reflect on our past while looking ahead to the future.

For decades, we’ve adapted and grown alongside you, and we’re looking forward to many more years of creating innovative solutions that keep you ahead of the curve as learning spaces evolve. Here’s to helping YOU thrive for years to come!

Chad Edwards, President

The Demco Array celebrates the role of librarians and pre-K–12 educators in our communities while sharing an array of ideas and inspiration to help you spark curiosity, ignite learning, and transform lives.

Spark curiosity. Ignite learning.

The Demco Difference When you partner with Demco, you gain unrivaled service and support, plus the power of choice through our proprietary solutions and a curated portfolio of on-trend products from other industry leaders.

100% education focused We are a learning environments company with one mission: create environments that empower learners to reach their maximum potential.

Unique proprietary products We offer many proprietary solutions developed through an educator’s lens.

Partnered with top pre-K–12 suppliers We have long-standing relationships with industry-leading suppliers that allow us to offer thousands of solutions, preferred pricing, and quicker warranty issue resolution.

Top-tier interior design team Our in-house team stays up to date on trends, teaching and learning modes, and innovative furniture solutions to create inspiring and effective learning environments.

Guided project management We are with you every step of the way, from initial needs assessment through implementation training and follow-up support, so you can focus on running your schools.

Access to industry experts We partner with industry experts who provide even deeper insight into space design and utilization.

“I would say to any other school or principal that is considering Demco that they can’t go wrong with them. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”

—Sam Glassford, Principal, Foussat Elementary, Oceanside Unified School District (CA)

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Breaking the Mold: When Classrooms Become as Dynamic as Their Students

By Amy Uelmen and Kate Larson

See how the shift from traditional rows of desks to dynamic, responsive environments isn’t just about furniture — it’s about reimagining what education can look like.

CONTRIBUTOR Dr. Robert Dillon Author, Speaker, Educator

With 20+ years in the education space, Dr. Dillon has served as a teacher, principal, technology director, and innovation leader.

Working through an equity lens, he looks to bring excellence to every classroom.

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Katie Grundahl

Director of Teaching and Learning Katie’s instructional philosophy is based on building positive and collaborative learning environments, helping students discover the love of learning, and developing the skills needed to be successful in the future.

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Kate Larson

Writer, Researcher Kate has a background in non-profit communications and is particularly interested in the ways that language drives behavior changes through education, awareness-building, and the power of an irresistible narrative.

Dr. TJ McCray

Deputy Superintendent An experienced educational leader, Dr. TJ McCray is the deputy superintendent at Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI. Servant leadership, honest communication, meaningful relationships, and his overall love for education help guide and shape his experiences and core beliefs each day.

Amy Uelmen Director of Instructional Technology Amy believes a technology-rich environment motivates students, positively impacts achievement, and fosters learning experiences. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for integrating technology with others.

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FROM GOLD STARS TO GENUINE GROW TH: THE ART OF KE E PING KIDS MOTIVATE D TO LE ARN

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BUDGETING SM ART: THE LONG-TERM VALUE OF INVESTING IN Q UALIT Y LE ARNING SPACES

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RE FRESHING HIG H SCHOOL SPACES FOR TODAY’ S LE ARNERS

Creating Kalos: A Kaleidoscope of Possibility

By Demco

10 PRACTICAL WAYS TO ENERGIZE LEARNING SPACES

RS

Explore what went into creating the Kalos Collection, Demco’s brand-new collection of tables and desks designed to inspire.

Making Movement Matter: 4 Practical Ways to Energize Learning Spaces

By Dr. Robert Dillon

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Discover four strategies teachers and librarians can use to embed purposeful movement into daily learning.

Beyond Programs: Cultivating Rigorous Instruction Through Student-Centered Tasks

By Katie Grundahl

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Learn how to elevate content rigor, deepen expertise, and design tasks that demand high levels of student engagement.

Q&A with Dr. TJ McCray

By Demco

22 D E MCO.COM

Hear firsthand from Madison Metropolitan’s Dr. McCray about supporting others and creating effective learning environments.

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BREAKING THE MOLD:

When Classrooms Become as Dynamic as Their Students

By Amy Uelmen and Kate Larson Educators know that factors such as a strong curriculum, teacher connections, and collective efficacy drive student success. But one often overlooked factor is the classroom environment’s impact on learning. The classroom environment can have a positive impact on behavior, discussion, deliberate practice, intervention, space, problem-solving teaching, creativity programs, and so much more!

The shift from traditional rows of desks to dynamic, responsive environments that honor how students learn best isn’t just about furniture — it’s about reimagining what education can look like when we prioritize student agency, comfort, and diverse learning needs.

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EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM DESIGN: MODULAR FURNITURE IS KEY The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 emphasizes the importance of analytical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and flexibility. To help students develop these essential skills, educators must create classroom environments that support varied learning activities through thoughtful furniture selection, technology integration, and visual design. Students need flexible classrooms with multiple learning zones that can be adapted as needed. If the space doesn’t support multiple zones set up at the same time, then moveable furniture allows teachers to quickly shift the space to support different learning activities and seating options.

The key lies in modular, multipurpose furniture that is mobile, stackable, and easily reconfigured.

Imagine a fourth-grade classroom where students begin their day choosing seats that work for them — one child selects a stool at a tall table to swing their legs, while another settles into a cozy beanbag chair. Throughout the day, wedge-shaped desks roll into clusters for math groups and moveable partitions create quiet reading spaces. During science experiments, desks and tables are pushed against walls to make room for rolling supply carts.

The entire room transforms to support different learning activities.

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INCLUSION THROUGH DESIGN: BENEFITS EVERY STUDENT

Pulaski’s Flexible Classroom Success Story BACKGROUND To help support their students, the Pulaski Community School District in Wisconsin piloted flexible classroom designs, and the data tells a compelling story. Students reported better concentration, improved listening skills, and enhanced communication when given choice and voice in their seating arrangements. Simply allowing students to select their seating based on their needs and the specific learning activity created immediate benefits for focus and engagement.

RESULTS

86% 100%

average improvement in concentration, listening, and communication across all grades*

*Grade levels surveyed: Grades 2, 5, High School

grade 5 classroom engagement* *Students liked being in their classroom, felt creative in their classroom, and were able to find seating that fit their learning style every day and most days.

Teachers also experienced a transformation in their workspaces because they could quickly reconfigure to match learning activities. Whether students needed individual focus time, small-group collaboration, or whole-class discussion, teachers could move freely throughout the room and teach from anywhere — they became true facilitators of learning.

“It’s really made a change for me as a teacher because now instead of always directing the learning, I become a facilitator of learning.

Students are getting information and then helping one another and teaching one another.

Students demonstrated a deeper learning of the content.”

—Mr. O., High School Teacher INSIGHT The benefits expressed by students and teachers in teaching and learning in an active, flexible classroom helped improve skills for learning in the classroom, but also in preparation for the workplace and life.

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The most powerful aspect of flexible classrooms is their inherently inclusive nature. Design features intended to support students with diverse learning needs — noise-reducing materials, ADA-compliant furniture, and movement-friendly seating — benefit all learners. Marie Tate, occupational therapist at Prospect Elementary School in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, observed this inclusivity in action.

According to Tate, ever since fifth-grade classrooms at Prospect Elementary School embraced flexible seating, neurodivergent students feel fully integrated throughout the day. When inclusive furniture integrates seamlessly into the classroom, it allows students with disabilities to experience the same sense of achievement as their peers.

A classroom that adapts to the needs of its most sensitive students is one that can also adjust to meet the needs of its fellow learners.

STUDENT VOICE AS THE FOUNDATION: FURNITURE AND BEYOND Tom Deris, a veteran elementary educator in a Minneapolis suburb, embodies the collaborative approach that makes flexible spaces truly effective. Each year, he adds one new type of seating to his eclectic collection — ball chairs, wheeled tables, wobble stools, office chairs, and scoop rockers — alongside lap desks, standing stations, and traditional chairs.

But furniture alone doesn’t create transformation. Deris introduces students to rules and expectations, lets them explore all options, then asks them to help completely redesign the classroom layout.

Having student input is important to him; he wants them to want to come to school and learn in a space that reflects them.

Students collaborate to write rules for each piece of furniture and choose monthly work spots for different activities. Deris’ goal is always to create a space that’s student-centered, comfortable, and feels like home.

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… flexible classrooms don’t just help students learn better — they help students become better learners.

St. Vrain Valley’s Systematic Approach to Flexible Learning BACKGROUND Colorado’s St. Vrain Valley Schools provides a powerful example of systematic change. Rather than simply purchasing new furniture, the district offered a course on research-based practices for creating flexible classrooms and accommodating different learning styles. Educators studied sensory integration and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

RESULTS The results were immediate and measurable. Emily Scott, Director of Special Education, reported that both students and teachers in redesigned rooms felt more engaged in learning. Teachers simplified wall displays to reduce visual noise, created quiet spaces for students needing sensory breaks, and experimented with student choice in seating during lessons.

THE PATH FORWARD: ACTIVE, FLEXIBLE CLASSROOMS The flexible classroom advantage extends far beyond comfort and engagement.

Flexible learning environments prepare students for a world that increasingly values creativity, curiosity, and adaptability.

When students learn to assess their needs, choose appropriate tools, and shape their own learning environment, they develop metacognitive skills that serve them throughout their lives.

As more schools embrace this transformation, the evidence continues to mount: flexible classrooms don’t just help students learn better — they help students become better learners. In a world where the only constant is change, perhaps the greatest gift we can give our students is the knowledge that their environment can adapt to serve their growth, rather than constraining it.

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Learning witho

Table Shapes

Tables

Desks

Desk Shapes

A kaleidoscope of possibility The Kalos Collection, named for one of the root words in “kaleidoscope,” celebrates the beauty of possibility and change. Its versatile pieces can be used alone or combined into an attractive, functional mosaic of workspaces for groups of any size.

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out limits Kalos & Tidal unlock your spaces

Why educators choose Kalos & Tidal: Seamless reconfiguration between layouts and activities Age-appropriate, ergonomic designs that promote focus Scalable for small classrooms or expansive common areas Material and color options for any function or aesthetic Durable designs that withstand years of daily use

Shop Kalos Shop Tidal

Height‑Adjustable Task Chairs & Stools

Stack Stools

Stack Chairs

Cantilever Chairs

Choose from five chair heights to customize your spaces for any age group

Mobile Chairs

Watch Overview Video The next wave in ergonomic seating Tidal empowers you to create the space you need on-demand with comfy, supportive seating options for every age group and aesthetic. Alongside Kalos, Tidal chairs and stools are designed to meet the diverse needs of learners and educators.

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A Kaleidoscope of Possibility

DEMCOʼS NEW COLLECTION OF TABLES & DESKS IS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

By Demco

Classrooms have come a long way, but many still fall short when it comes to meeting the needs of today’s learners. We’ve moved beyond the rigid, one-size-fits-some desks with bolted-on chairs, but too often, furniture still limits flexibility, ignores inclusivity, and struggles to keep pace with evolving teaching styles. When students are learning in spaces that weren’t designed to adapt to them, something’s not working. That’s where Kalos comes in.

Named for one of the root words in “kaleidoscope,” the Kalos Collection reflects its inspiration in both its range of colorful options and its changeability.

Like the shifting symmetry of color and light when looking through a kaleidoscope, Kalos adapts seamlessly to reflect your vision.

Read on to see how Kalos brings beauty, quality, and choice into learning environments.

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EVERY DETAIL IS DESIGNED TO HELP SCHOOLS EVOLVE From early learners to teens, from group work to solo study, Kalos supports it all with a system that adjusts to fit students, classrooms, and teaching styles. Each piece comes with adjustable-height legs (with extended height available on tables and select desks), providing the perfect work surface level from pre-K and up. Legs can be outfitted with optional 360° swivel locking casters, allowing tables and desks to be arranged and rearranged effortlessly.

The surfaces themselves are either markerboard or high-pressure laminates, available in a broad range of colors and surfaces, that wipe clean and resist marks, stains, and scratches. Edgeband colors can be selected to match your school colors, define workspace uses, or elevate spaces.

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Each Kalos table or desk can be accessorized further with optional backpack hooks, powder-coated steel book boxes, or sliding undermount totes, thoughtfully engineered to slow rapid tugs and prevent accidental supply spills.

EVERY STUDENT CAN FIND THEIR KALOS One Kalos desk of note is the “Share” desk (opposite page). This Demco-exclusive shape is designed such that, when assembled into collaborative groupings, individual desks can be reversed to comfortably accommodate left-handed students while still fitting well with the other desks. It was important to expand accessibility; similar desks in the market are designed primarily for righthanded students and don’t comfortably accommodate those who are left-handed or allow both to collaborate with one another.

Collaboration has become a crucial aspect of contemporary learning environments. By engaging in organic peer-to-peer teaching and learning, collaboration allows students to interact with one another, to ask questions, and to share ideas as they work together. Offering students workspaces like tables or desks that can be assembled together promotes healthy collaboration.

Sr. Product Innovation Manager Kaitlin Reese explains, “Flexibility is so important for our school and library partners, we wanted to include desk and table shapes that can be used in many different configurations. We know that many classrooms are rearranged regularly to accommodate active learning and different sized group work. Our goal was to make a collection that can support every teaching and learning style.”

Our goal was to make a collection that can support every teaching and learning style.”

—Kaitlin Reese, Sr. Product Innovation Manager, Demco

Designing tables and desks that work both together and alone allows classrooms to better serve students and instructors, which is ultimately what successful learning environments need. That these tables and desks come in colorful, durable, and beautiful options is just the icing on the education space!

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Making Movement Matter: PRACTICAL WAYS TO ENERGIZE LEARNING SPACES

Educators understand that movement enhances learning. It boosts focus, increases oxygen flow to the brain, reduces stress, and elevates student engagement. Yet, despite the growing consensus on its importance, many classrooms remain static. Constraints like limited space, rigid furniture layouts, and clutter often prevent movement from becoming a regular, productive part of the school day.

By Dr. Robert Dillon

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But with intentional planning, movement can be integrated seamlessly into classroom routines, no matter the space. Below are four practical strategies teachers and librarians can use to embed purposeful movement into daily learning.

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1. WHOLE-GROUP LISTENING WHILE STANDING Not every learning moment has to happen while seated. Standing and listening as a class, during read-alouds, brief lectures, or storytimes, gives students a welcome and healthy change in posture. It naturally encourages micro-movements, lifts the eyes from distractions on desks, and provides a subtle energy boost. Consider carving out a standing zone or simply asking students to push in their chairs and rise for short periods of direct instruction. This shift supports attentiveness and helps reset student energy levels during transitions.

2. SMALL-GROUP COLLABORATION AT WRITABLE SURFACES Writable surfaces, whiteboards, butcher paper, or chalkboard paint on walls or tabletops, invite active engagement. Invite students to stand and collaborate in small groups around these surfaces to brainstorm, summarize learning, ask questions, or sketch new ideas.

Movement becomes a natural part of thinking.

If space is tight, even rotating one group at a time through a vertical board space can encourage motion without disruption. Libraries can adapt this by using whiteboard easels or mobile dry-erase boards to keep the activity flexible and accessible.

3. SEATING MOVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES There are times when students must remain seated, but that doesn’t mean they can’t move. Seated movement can include chair yoga, breathing exercises, or guided hand and arm motions. This simple shift supports attentiveness and re-energizes students during transitions. Many tools and videos offer short, structured sequences that can be easily woven into routine, which can help students release tension without disrupting instruction.

4. MOVEMENT AS A MENTAL RESET Cognitive overload is real. Regular movement breaks support emotional regulation and renewed focus, especially for younger learners and those with sensory needs. These breaks might include walking to a window for natural light, shifting to a carpeted area, or doing simple stretches. When embedded consistently, even a few minutes of movement can help students stay grounded and engaged.

Making movement part of your daily rhythm doesn’t require a complete redesign — just a mindset shift and a few intentional choices. Start small, build routines, and observe how your students respond. A learning space that invites motion is one that better supports wellness, creativity, and joy.

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YO U R D E C I S I O N I S B LAC K A N D W H I T E .

Our choices are colorful.

Only at

Demco ColorScape® Furniture Collection Choose from a variety of rich colors, comfortable heights, and unique shapes to create a warm space.

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Beyond

Programs CULTIVATING RIGOROUS INSTRUCTION THROUGH STUDENT-CENTERED TASKS

By Katie Grundahl

In education, we often speak of high expectations and rigorous learning. But are we truly asking enough of our students? And more importantly, who is doing the heavy lifting — teachers or learners?

Does this sound familiar? You knew you could do better, but you didn’t follow your training plan.

Your performance will only ever be as high as your engagement with the task.

A TRAINING PLAN FOR LEARNING

The principle here is simple: task predicts performance.

This truth extends far beyond personal goals, resonating deeply in the educational and instructional world. This idea emphasizes that the type of work we ask students to engage in during instruction directly influences their learning outcomes. If we want students to perform at a rigorous level, we must actively engage them in rigorous activities. This rigor is not only important in academic standards but also in work and life skills like collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, and inquiry.

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Consider the idea of taking a leap and signing up for a half marathon in three months. Your goal is to run the whole race. You research a training plan and connect with others who have run a similar race. For the first month, you follow the plan and run three to four times a week, including a longer run. As the race gets closer, you start to fade on your consistency and training.

On race day, you run a few miles and then need to walk. You are disappointed with your performance.

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THE INSTRUCTIONAL CORE

Student Teacher

Improving teachersʼ instructional practice

IMPROVED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Content Providing academically challenging content

THE INSTRUCTIONAL CORE Richard Elmore’s Instructional Core is the dynamic interaction between teachers, students, and content. It provides a framework for teachers and instructional leaders. We are directly responsible for elevating content rigor, deepening our own expertise, and — crucially — designing tasks that demand high levels of student engagement. The solution isn’t more programs or resources; it’s cultivating a culture of highly impactful instructional practices.

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Engaging students in the learning process

CULTIVATING RIGOROUS LEARNING Rigorous learning doesn’t require more programs.

It requires a change in practice and mindset.

Effective teachers and instructional leaders focus on three foundational elements:

1. Student engagement

The critical question is: Who is doing the work?

Who is talking, reading, and writing? If teachers are shouldering most of the intellectual labor, students are not genuinely engaged. The shift must be from traditional direct instruction and passive learning to practices that immerse students in inquiry and collaboration.

2. Classroom environment

The classroom environment must actively foster the very instructional tasks we expect students to undertake. This means cultivating a climate where students feel safe to take risks, where collaboration and problem-solving are not just allowed but encouraged. Safety is built through strong relationships, clear expectations, and consistent positive interactions. The physical design — layout, furniture, and routines — should also reflect this student-centered approach. Are students in flexible groups? Is the classroom’s energy centered on the teacher or the vibrant work of the students?

3. Accountability

Accountability is paramount for students, teachers, and instructional leaders. Student assessments must closely align with content standards and essential skills. Knowing that we are preparing students for rigorous assessments, our learning tasks must be designed to be even more demanding.

Instructional leaders, in turn, must hold teachers accountable for teaching to these high standards and implementing practices that genuinely increase student engagement and responsibility. This requires providing targeted professional learning, like instructional rounds and intentional professional development, to ensure teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills. Furthermore, leaders must be prepared to have courageous conversations and provide specific, constructive feedback when classrooms aren’t fostering these vital learning opportunities.

SHIFTING THE LOAD OVER TO STUDENTS If we truly want students to read critically, we must engage them in active reading across all content areas. If we expect them to use writing to clearly communicate their thinking, we must ask them to write in response to their reading and learning consistently. And when we don’t believe that students have the skills to collaborate, we must create structured opportunities for them to learn and practice these essential skills.

Ultimately, student performance will only ever rise to the level of the learning tasks we ask them to engage in. Our teachers possess deep instructional knowledge, but unless we fundamentally shift the role students play in their own learning, teachers will continue to do the heavy lifting and student performance will remain below the transformative levels we all envision for every learner. Like training for a marathon, teachers need to create tasks that will ensure that students are engaging in a rigorous instructional core.

The principle here is simple: task predicts performance.

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CalmScape Acoustic Collection

Only at Experience perfect harmony with Demco’s sound-dampening solutions, where vibrant design and tranquil acoustics blend seamlessly.

Learn More. Shop Now.

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From Gold Stars

to Genuine Growth:

THE ART OF KEEPING KIDS MOTIVATED TO LEARN

By Kate Larson Remember those glorious days in the ’90s when earning a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut felt like winning the lottery? If you participated in the “BOOK IT!” program, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Twenty books later, you weren’t just stuffed with cheesy goodness — you were hooked on reading. And research shows that the program actually increased students’ love for reading rather than diminishing it. Who knew that the path to lifelong literacy could be paved with pepperoni?

This ’90s nostalgia brings us to an ongoing debate in education: should we use incentives in the classroom?

It’s like asking whether pineapple belongs on pizza; everyone has an opinion. Some educators strongly advocate for elaborate classroom economies and prize boxes, while others prefer to focus on positive feedback and community building in the classroom.

However, it’s not about whether you use incentives, it’s about how you use them. Here are a few guidelines to support your students’ love for learning.

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AMPLIFY ACHIEVEMENTS Use incentives to shine a spotlight on those moments when students overcome obstacles, show kindness, or push through challenges. These are the victories that won’t show up on report cards but matter infinitely more.

What to look for: • Staying focused on work without reminders • Helping classmates learn a new concept or solve a problem • Managing big emotions during frustrating tasks • Following directions or making good choices • Showing persistence despite challenges • Demonstrating kindness in small, everyday moments Educator Darri Stephens poses a key question when she asks: “How might you call out the expected, the typical, and the everyday?”

These small moments are the ones that transform your classroom into a well-oiled machine of positivity. You’re not creating artificial motivation — you’re amplifying the natural goodness that's already there.

A simple “I noticed how you took a deep breath and tried again when that problem got tough,” paired with a small token, can make that student feel seen and valued.

AVOID CREATING WINNERS AND LOSERS Here’s where things get complex. The moment you tie incentives to meeting specific standards, you’ve essentially created a “rich get richer” system. Excelling students will collect rewards like trophies, while struggling learners watch from the sidelines, feeling even more defeated.

TRY “NOW-THAT” INSTEAD OF “IF-THEN” Instead of the traditional “if-then” approach (“if you get an A, then you get a reward”), try the “now-that” method recommended by Instructional Coach Angela Watson: • Now that you helped your classmate with that math problem, here's recognition for your kindness.

• Now that you persevered through that difficult passage, I want to acknowledge your effort.

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• Now that you showed respect during our class discussion, you've earned this appreciation.

Why this works: • Every student can show kindness, persistence, or creativity • You’re recognizing effort and character, not just achievement • Students aren’t competing against each other for limited rewards • Struggling learners have equal opportunities for recognition Watson used beads in her classroom, which students could trade for rewards at the week’s end. She loved the system because it kept her focused on the positive things kids were doing. This approach celebrates choices students can make, not outcomes they can’t always control.

FLIP THE SCRIPT ON HARD DAYS Sometimes the best incentive isn’t about achievement at all — it’s about turning a terrible day around. Your students might not remember every lesson you taught, but they’ll absolutely remember how you made them feel on their worst days. Dr. Laura Phillips from the Child Mind Institute reminds us that “kids respond really well to social reinforcers like praise, hugs, high-fives, and those kinds of things. Then they start to achieve because it feels good for them.”

It’s like emotional first aid — a small act of recognition can bandage a wounded spirit and get a student back on track.

Quick morale boosters: • Notice their level of effort, even if the outcome isn’t perfect • Admire a creative choice they made in their work • Thank them for sticking with it despite feeling frustrated • Give a high-five for attempting something challenging • Acknowledge their patience during a difficult moment

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Reward inputs, not outcomes A better approach to student motivation

Instead of rewarding: • High test scores • Perfect attendance

• Grade improvements • Finished assignments

Try rewarding: • • • • •

Reading a certain number of books Participating in class discussions Helping classmates understand concepts Trying different problem-solving strategies Asking thoughtful questions

Why this works: • • • •

Students have complete control over these behaviors It builds confidence through manageable goals Focus shifts from performance to the learning process It reduces anxiety about outcomes beyond their control

REWARD THE PROCESS It seems counterintuitive, but rewarding an outcome (like a test score) is largely ineffective, while rewarding an input (like reading a book) can be powerful. A 2011 study found that paying students for good grades had zero impact on achievement, but paying them to read books significantly increased their reading volume — without damaging their intrinsic motivation. The key?

When you incentivize behaviors students can fully manage, you’re setting them up for success and building their confidence along the way.

SPOTLIGHT WHAT MATTERS MOST The most compelling aspect of thoughtful incentives is how they help reinforce your classroom values. When you catch a student embodying kindness, teamwork, or responsibility, that’s incredibly valuable.

You’re not just recognizing an individual, you’re broadcasting to everyone what matters in your learning community.

By offering recognition tickets for positive actions, she could highlight small successes and nudge students toward their better instincts. More importantly, it helped her connect with students in new ways and understand their needs better.

CREATE A CULTURE OF RECOGNITION Incentives are about celebration and creating a classroom culture where effort is valued, kindness is noticed, and every student feels seen. When done right, they don’t replace intrinsic motivation; they nurture it.

Whether bookmarks, stickers, or a personal pan pizza (by the way, BOOK IT!® is back!), the magic isn’t in the reward itself — it’s in the message it sends: “I see you. I value you.

Keep being amazing.”

Teacher Hannah Ogden discovered that her classroom reward system provided “some of the most rewarding moments in teaching.”

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An experienced educational leader, Dr. TJ McCray is the deputy superintendent at Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI. Skilled in learning management, educational technology, instructional design, public speaking, and curriculum development, Dr. McCray has held several key roles since first joining the school district in 2017. The prioritization of servant leadership, honest communication, meaningful relationships, and Dr. McCray’s overall love for education help guide and shape his experiences and core beliefs each day.

with

Dr. TJ McCray

Read on to see what Dr. McCray has to say

about his own experiences and what advice he has for supporting others, creating effective learning environments, and more.

Q: Can you tell us about your background, what drew you to the education space, and how that plays into your current role?

A: Believe it or not, I didn’t think I’d be in education.

Growing up, I always loved reading, and I remember reading a book about Thurgood Marshall. So, for a very long time, I remember telling others that when I grew up, I wanted to be Thurgood Marshall, thinking “Thurgood Marshall” was a job. Later, when I was older, I realized I actually wanted to be in law, and I wanted to teach law.

While in school in D.C., I needed to take a course outside of my department, and I struggled with what to do. I asked my advisor, and she said, “Well, since you want to teach law, perhaps you could take an education course?” I took an education course, and I learned about educational programs, including Teach for America.

I applied for Teach for America, taught in an inner city, and I got really into it. There were days when my students told me I needed to be at a more affluent school. I’d say, “But you don’t think you deserve good teachers, too?” It made me fall in love with education and realize that this is my purpose.

I’ve been in education since, and I’ve taught in the classroom, both private and virtual schools, and now here at Madison Metropolitan.

Q: What do you appreciate about your daily work as a deputy superintendent?

A: The biggest thing I enjoy about my role is that

no two days are the same. I thrive with change. I’m also a strong advocate for public education, and I get the chance to make choices and decisions that impact 26,000 students each and every day. I get to be involved and make sure that as a school district, we’re making the right choices for our students.

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity when

it comes to school districts retaining their educators?

A: The opportunity itself. In education, we’re

sometimes confined to a box, but we also get to

define the box. If school districts across the country, including ours, get to be creative in how we retain others, we can retain talented educators. Yes, it’s about salary and paying others, too, but it’s also about being creative. Educators want professional development opportunities and an equal voice.

Q: How does curriculum complement or strengthen learning environments?

A: The environment outside our schools is everchanging. As educators, we must acknowledge this.

Our students live in both of these worlds. When we’re not afraid to bring some of those outside changes into the classroom, it complements our curriculum and learning environment.

We used to talk about transferrable skills, but we’re at a place now where we need to ask, “What are kids learning at home that we need to be reinforcing at school?” That change can be hard, but we need to embrace it. For us, an example is that we’re undergoing renovations at some of our schools, and I think we’d be doing our students a disservice if we didn’t teach our students about those things.

Those kids should be learning about what’s going on. What’s the math involved with the renovations?

How is science involved?

Q: What does it mean to create a learning

environment, and why are they so important?

A: The learning environment itself can impact curriculum, and I appreciate that Demco recognizes that. For example, my 13-year-old son appreciates the flexibility to read lying down versus at a desk.

Those flexible spaces and classrooms where students can learn how they truly learn, not how educators tell them, are critical.

Q: What are the important components of an effective learning environment?

A: Voice. Voice of the educator and voice of the

student. In education, desks used to be in rows, and students had assigned seats. That just doesn’t work now, and voice helps us ask students, “How do you Continued on next page >>

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want to learn today?” Voice helps our students respond and figure out for themselves how they learn best, too.

Q: What advice do you have for other school

districts struggling with learning environment limitations?

A: Trust educators. All of my teaching experience

has been in inner cities, and I often knew that money wasn’t coming my way, but through creativity, I created unique spaces for my students.

Educators need to feel empowered and know that it’s okay to try new things. For example, in Teach for America, I taught my students “Of Mice and Men,” and the book’s setting is in a field. For that first week, I taught our students “Of Mice and Men”

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in an empty field next to our school. It was about giving students the ability to take it all in.

Another time, I remember teaching my students about being resourceful, and I took out all the tables and desks in our room. We had a quiz that day, and I reminded them to be resourceful. The kids used books and each other’s backs to take the quiz. Now, I want to note that I did let them retake the quiz with desks, but it was a great learning opportunity.

Q: What can other administrators

do to support educators in their spaces?

A: Be flexible, and don’t forget what it was like to be in that teaching role. Sometimes, we forget that struggle.

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they go through. The decision is up to them. That’s why we emphasize and truly believe in our mission of preparing students for college, career, and community readiness at Madison Metropolitan.

Q: What do you hope for the future of education?

A: I have a 13-year-old son, and here’s one thing

I know: he’s going to be okay. However, the work I do today isn’t for my son. Instead, it’s for the little student sitting next to my son who might not have the same opportunities. I hope that every child has a fair shot at the same opportunities. Education is about us building and providing opportunities, engaging parents, and letting them know about those opportunities.

When we’re not afraid to bring some of those outside changes into the classroom, it complements our curriculum and learning environment.”

—Dr. TJ McCray, Deputy Superintendent, Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)

Public education prepares you for what’s next. For some, it’s college or trade school. For others, it’s the military. Our job is to show students all of the doors, and the students themselves decide which door

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The destination

connection and rela From a bustling common area to a quiet reading corner, Demco’s Restination Lounge Furniture Collection can turn any space into a comfortable place to unwind and recharge.

A range of soft seating and tables, thoughtful designs, quality materials, and a palette of inspiring colors means inviting spaces with endless possibilities.

Discover Restination

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n for

axation Only at

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Budgeting Smart THE LONG-TERM VALUE OF INVESTING IN QUALITY LEARNING SPACES

By Demco In today’s ever-changing educational landscape, schools are facing mounting financial pressure — from enrollment shifts to fluctuating funding. It’s tempting to delay big-ticket purchases or settle for cheaper, short-term solutions. But when it comes to student learning, well-being, and teacher satisfaction, one thing remains true: investing in quality, long-lasting learning environments pays off — now and in the future.

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Here are seven strategies that can help your school stretch every dollar without compromising on the environments that support student success and teacher retention.

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1. INVEST IN WHAT LASTS When budgets are tight, the instinct may be to buy what's affordable right now. But low-cost, shortlife furniture and materials often result in repeat purchases and increased maintenance. Instead, consider prioritizing durable, flexible furnishings designed for years of use. These pieces reduce replacement costs, support a variety of learning needs, and reflect a commitment to excellence.

When students and staff feel valued by their surroundings, engagement and morale rise— helping boost retention and performance.

2. ALIGN SPENDING WITH LEARNING GOALS Start every discussion about budget by asking: “Does this investment enhance learning, wellness, or equity in the long term?” Comfortable, flexible, and accessible spaces encourage collaboration, focus, and creativity. Prioritizing furniture and layouts that allow for different teaching styles, student movement, and inclusive practices ensures every dollar spent supports the broader mission of helping students thrive.

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3. LOOK TO GRANTS OR ALTERNATIVE FUNDING There are many funding sources that specifically support capital improvements, learning environments, and mental health initiatives. Designate a team member to seek out and apply for grants that align with your space and furniture needs. Foundations,

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local businesses, and even crowdfunding can help make transformational upgrades financially possible — even in leaner times.

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4. MAKE DATA-BACKED DESIGN DECISIONS Before investing, use data collected through surveys or an audit from ergonomics specialists to understand how your current spaces are functioning. Are students engaged? Do teachers have the flexibility they need? What’s missing in terms of comfort, accessibility, or safety? Use this feedback to prioritize improvements that will make the greatest long-term difference.

Savings from digitized operations (like paperless systems, online communications, and digital curriculum tools) can be redirected to fund muchneeded upgrades to furniture, lighting, or acoustics.

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5. THINK HOLISTICALLY ABOUT STAFFING AND SPACE Efficient use of space can stretch both staffing and budget. For instance, furnishing a multipurpose room that serves as a library, STEAM lab, and collaboration hub maximizes impact. Thoughtful layout and storage solutions can also help paraprofessionals or aides support more students more effectively.

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6. USE TECHNOLOGY TO FREE UP FUNDS FOR PHYSICAL UPGRADES Savings from digitized operations (like paperless systems, online communications, and digital curriculum tools) can be redirected to fund muchneeded upgrades to furniture, lighting, or acoustics.

These physical changes have lasting, tangible benefits for focus, comfort, and learning outcomes.

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7. INVITE STAFF INTO THE PROCESS Teachers and staff understand the day-to-day needs of students. Involving them in budgeting and planning for learning spaces builds buy-in and brings practical, creative ideas to the table.

They’ll help identify what tools and environments truly support teaching and learning, making every investment more meaningful.

Even in financially challenging times, it’s not about spending more — it’s about spending smart.

Prioritizing high-quality, adaptable furnishings and environments not only enhances learning and supports teacher retention, but it also saves money over time. Students deserve spaces that inspire them, and educators need environments that empower them. When schools invest in both, everyone wins.

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Refreshing High School Spaces for Today’s Learners CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIEGO, CA Operated by the Diocese of San Diego, Cathedral Catholic High School (CCHS) is a private high school situated just north of Torrey Pines and San Diego in Carmel Valley on 54 acres. The school serves about 1,700 ninth- through twelfth-grade students spread across ten buildings on a Tuscan-style campus.

Built more than 20 years ago, the school’s current facilities required some muchneeded updates, so CCHS partnered with Demco to refresh several spaces across the school. The initial work with Demco went so well that additional phases were added, with a total of eight projects completed in 2024 and more coming up.

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“Demco has been great. Good communication, good service, and if something was broken, it was immediately handled.”

—Dr. Kevin J. Calkins, President, Cathedral Catholic High School (CA) PROVIDING FLEXIBLE OPTIONS CCHS President Dr. Kevin J. Calkins noted that a key goal throughout was creating special and flexible spaces for students with ergonomic and reconfigurable furnishings, better supporting students’ different learning styles. The refreshed spaces included a mix of traditional classrooms, science classrooms, art and theater rooms, and music rooms.

“A lot of the furniture was broken, mismatched, or even unsafe,” said Calkins. “Part of our facilities management plan included replacing furniture.”

In addition, Calkins and the CCHS team wanted to better support their staff and create spaces that encouraged collaboration and improved workflow, but also provided opportunities to relax, unwind, and recharge.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT Together, CCHS and Demco accomplished both goals, refreshing the athletic director’s office, faculty break rooms, and the school’s Kolbe Center (administrative building) as well. Early on in the process, Calkins recognized that investing in the school’s dedicated educator spaces was just as important as investing in the student-centered spaces.

The school’s student spaces relied heavily on furnishings with castors and could be reconfigured to accommodate different arrangements. CCHS chose 116 height-adjustable Demco desks with locking wheels and stacking Smith System® Groove® Chairs.

For the staff spaces, Calkins and the CCHS team selected a palette of earthy browns, creams, and cool blues to reflect the region’s earth and ocean and the relaxing vibe of the school’s mission. The result is a fresh and clean space outfitted with comfortable JSI™ Bourne Chairs and JSI Teekan Sofas. In addition, JSI Bourne Tables in a light finish keep the lounges feeling bright, despite being windowless.

EMPOWERING LEARNERS FOR YEARS TO COME “I think the students feel a sense of pride in their school,” said Calkins. “I think all of the furniture looks great, but the work in the Kolbe Center has really helped transform that space.”

Overall, Calkins and the CCHS team couldn't be happier with their updated spaces and recognize that the updates will strengthen the school’s enrollment and retention, making a great first impression for visitors.

Ready to transform your spaces? Learn more about partnering with us.

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From disorganized to distraction-free Adaptable

The customized system adjusts to your dynamic environment.

Focus-boosting

Hidden storage eliminates clutter and confusion.

Collaborative

Magnetic, dry-erase doors serve as a canvas to share ideas.

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A smart design turns 18 ft2 of floor space into 110 ft3 of storage.

This adaptable, collaborative, and focus-boosting storage solution maximizes your space to make room for everything — including creativity!

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