PALM COAST, Fla. – For Evana Fretterd, an activities director at Flagler Palm Coast High School, her vision for a dream classroom extends far beyond basic desks and chairs.
Fretterd’s classroom concept is centered on adaptable zones that empower students to learn, lead, and explore their unique talents. Now, thanks to a national contest hosted by furniture maker KI, that vision might soon come to life.
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Selected as one of 12 national finalists from over 500 teachers, Fretterd is vying for a grand prize of $40,000 in classroom furniture. With the contest now in a public voting stage, Fretterd is calling on the community to help her turn her design into a reality.
“Creating student engagement in the classroom involves cultivating an environment where students feel empowered to take initiative and contribute to meaningful projects,” Fretterd shared. “By facilitating whole group discussions and breakout sessions, students can select topics and projects that resonate with them, focusing on themes such as school spirit, community service, environmental awareness and recognizing the achievements of their peers.”
Her design features a dynamic floor plan divided into several distinct areas, including spaces for group collaboration, creative projects, and quiet study. The zones are meant to foster a hands-on learning environment that supports everything from art projects to decorating for school events.
“From 10 a.m. to the end of the day, I’m in the classroom with my leadership classes,” she explained. “They’re the ones that will build projects and plan projects (for the school). They do the budgeting and all the processes that go along with that.”
The public can cast their vote at KI’s website through Sunday, Nov. 17. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Fretterd’s hope is that her design will inspire a classroom culture of leadership and autonomy for her students.
“This will be a great way to show my students that everything they do and the time they spend, this is the community giving back to them,” Fretterd said.
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