Creative classroom — Bianca Pecina, a fourth-grade reading teacher at Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. STEAM Academy, proudly displays her lauded classroom décor. Pecina, who was recently featured in “People” magazine for her classroom designs, said a complete classroom makeover can take anywhere from one week to a month. (Courtesy photo)
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
Bianca Pecina, a fourth-grade reading teacher from San Benito, was recently recognized by “People Magazine” for her innovative classroom transformations that have inspired educators and students across the country.
As a social media influencer in the education community, Pecina has attracted attention for her unique and inviting learning environments.
A complete classroom makeover can take anywhere from one week to a month, she said. This year, Pecina’s “Emotional Rollercoaster” theme featured soft pastel colors, smiley faces, and playful pencil motifs that create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.
“My favorite part is all the colors and all the little pencil accents I added! I love a good pencil-themed item!” Pecina explained in the article.
“I didn’t come up with the theme; the brand Schoolgirl Style is the one who created this theme! I bought my products from them and used them to decorate my entire classroom! It was amazing! The colors and smiley faces in the theme are what caught my attention!” she added.
The article highlighted Pecina’s thoughtful approach to decorating. She combines purchased items with DIY projects, adding personal touches like magnetic bookshelves, grass walls, and custom pencil lamps to infuse her classroom with personality and charm.
Pecina told her followers that these transformations usually cost between $500 and $2,000. She has received strong support from her family, husband, and generous donors who have contributed to her Amazon Teacher Wish List over the years. “There’s a lot of planning, shopping, and prep that goes into it,” Pecina explained. “But it’s all worth it when I see the kids walk in and light up.”
The comment sections on her social media showcase the positive influence her classroom environment has on students’ mindsets.
“Beautiful classroom! So glad I got to see it in person. My baby’s so excited to have you as one of his teachers!” wrote Destanie Medrano.
In response to recent recognition from “People” magazine, June Chirinos said, “Congrats! I truly always look forward to your classroom setup every year. Hope you have a great year! Your students are lucky to have a teacher like you.”
Pecina’s social media presence quickly went viral. “The first viral video happened overnight,” she said. “I woke up to so many messages, questions, and followers. I didn’t know how to process it, but I was so excited that other teachers loved my classroom as much as I did!”
“I get a lot of ideas from social media! I love scrolling and seeing the fun ideas that other teachers come up with and then I use those ideas to fit the needs of my classroom!” she explained.
Pecina’s influence now extends beyond her school, inspiring other educators to pursue their passion for teaching through creative classroom design.
Her main advice for other teachers: “Do not overwhelm yourself by gradually filling up your classroom from one year to the next. Take your time and enjoy the process of finding things that work in your classroom space! Definitely come up with a color scheme and use it for years to come so that way you build up a collection for your classroom!”
Recognition by People magazine underscores the increasing significance of thoughtful classroom settings and the positive influence of sharing inspiration online. It also demonstrates that a teacher from a small community can have a wide-reaching impact, with one idea in a South Texas classroom inspiring creativity among educators nationwide.
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