Flexible Seating: Choice, Engagement, and Classroom Culture
Biography
My name is Stephanie Karalis, and I am a fifth-grade teacher at a public elementary school in New York. I currently teach and work with a diverse group of learners with varying academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I am passionate about creating student-centered classrooms through intentional classroom management, flexible seating, and routines that promote independence, accountability, and engagement.
As an alumna, I enjoy sharing real-world classroom experiences with future educators and believe strongly in balancing structure with flexibility to support student success. My areas of expertise include implementing flexible seating, classroom organization, student motivation, and practical behavior management strategies that support all learners.
Presentation Type
Presentation
Location
Casey 108
Start Date
28-2-2026 10:50 AM
End Date
28-2-2026 11:35 AM
Description (Abstract)
Flexible seating has become increasingly popular in K–12 classrooms, yet many preservice teachers express uncertainty about how to implement it effectively while maintaining strong classroom management. This presentation explores flexible seating through the lens of real classroom practice, highlighting how intentional routines, clear expectations, and reflective decision-making support student engagement, independence, and accountability. Drawing from firsthand experience in a fifth-grade classroom, the session examines what flexible seating is and what it is not, all while addressing common challenges such as overstimulation, equity, and consistency. Participants will gain practical strategies for introducing flexible seating, establishing expectations, and adjusting practices to meet diverse learner needs. By emphasizing that flexible seating is a tool rather than a trend, this presentation provides future educators with realistic, adaptable approaches to student-centered classrooms and effective classroom management.
Keywords
flexible seating, classroom management, student engagement, student-centered learning, classroom environment, teacher practice, elementary education, preservice teachers
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
Flexible Seating: Choice, Engagement, and Classroom Culture
Casey 108
Flexible seating has become increasingly popular in K–12 classrooms, yet many preservice teachers express uncertainty about how to implement it effectively while maintaining strong classroom management. This presentation explores flexible seating through the lens of real classroom practice, highlighting how intentional routines, clear expectations, and reflective decision-making support student engagement, independence, and accountability. Drawing from firsthand experience in a fifth-grade classroom, the session examines what flexible seating is and what it is not, all while addressing common challenges such as overstimulation, equity, and consistency. Participants will gain practical strategies for introducing flexible seating, establishing expectations, and adjusting practices to meet diverse learner needs. By emphasizing that flexible seating is a tool rather than a trend, this presentation provides future educators with realistic, adaptable approaches to student-centered classrooms and effective classroom management.
