A science teacher’s creative classroom decoration continues to inspire in the new school year

We would love to be in your classroom!

Yennifer Castillo is a FAMU graduate and aerospace student who has become known on social media for her creative classroom decor. Castillo, a fifth-year teacher, said it has always been her dream to become an educator. PEOPLE reports.

“I have a picture of myself when I was 7 or 8 years old. In the picture I have a white board and I’m teaching my dolls. I always tell people that I’m living out one of my answered prayers. One of my dreams has now come true,” Castillo said.

Castillo said she fondly remembers her teachers going above and beyond in class, and one memory in particular from fifth grade, when she learned about Greek mythology, stands out in her mind.

“One of my teachers set up pillars around the classroom and wore togas. It was so cool and I knew I wanted to do that when I started teaching,” Castillo explained.

It’s a habit she picked up after graduating from Florida A&M University with a degree in biology. For the past five years, Castillo has decorated her classrooms every year. First, she worked as a middle school teacher and now with high school students. For her, personalizing the experience and setting the tone for the school year helps students maintain a positive attitude.

“I have taught a variety of sciences – earth science, space science and physics. Now I teach marine and environmental science… I teach a subject that can be less exciting, so I wanted to create an environment that would excite my students,” she added.

@queenyennifer_ From here to there and I’m so PROUD! My Proud Family Movie Classroom was a success 🎨 #artistsoftiktok #classroomdecor #proudfamily ♬ to the salon – inactive

Each year, Castillo chooses a unique theme that fits her theme and creates everything from Dexter’s Laboratory-Themed rooms for The Proud family. She initially started sharing her process for transforming her classrooms on Twitter, and someone suggested she post on TikTok. Her classroom makeovers have since gone viral, and Castillo now has an Etsy shop where she creates printables that other educators can buy to bring creativity into their own classrooms. Castillo wants to make it easier for teachers who typically buy their own School supplies and are responsible for the design of their rooms.

“One thing I would say to other teachers is that given our limited budgets and salaries, you should always try to do what you can… Don’t listen to others. Don’t listen to people who say you’re doing too much… Don’t feel bad if you want to give it your all, but don’t feel bad if you can’t… At the end of the day, we’re here to teach, and there are other ways we can make it fun,” Castillo said.

@queenyennifer_ Stay tuned for a special message for my students from the original Kim Possible (@thechristycarlsonromano)! I’m Miss Castillo and you’re watching Disney Channel! 📺💙 #kimpossible #highschool #backtoschool #teachersoftiktok #teacher #science ♬ Original sound – Yennifer Castillo

The lesson topic this year is Kim Possibleand Castillo even dressed up as the character on the first day of school. The theme was so good that actress Christy Carlson Romano, who voiced the cartoon, praised Castillo for all her hard work and sent a special message to Castillo’s students. But for the talented teacher, it’s all totally normal and just another fun way to connect with students from day one!

“Since I’m teaching oceanography and environmental science this year, both subjects that focus on the Earth and how we can take better care of it, I thought the most iconic cartoon would be Kim Possible. In her theme song, she says she’s just a regular girl and she’s here to save the world. I thought that was fitting,” explained Castillo.

@queenyennifer_ Summer is over, I’m in the classroom now so call me beep if you want to reach me! 👩🏽‍🏫🌍📞📱 let me know if you want to see my first day of school fit! #kimpossible #backtoschool2024 #firstdayofschool #classroom #teacher #classroomdecor ♬ Original sound – Kids’ Shows >>

To support Castillo by donating to her classroom wishlist or to spruce up your classroom by purchasing items from her Etsy shop, visit her Linktree HERE.

Cover photo: A science teacher’s viral creative classroom decoration continues to inspire the new school year/Image credit: Yennifer Castillo/@QueenYennifer_/Instagram