Yahoo Lifestyle Teacher runs her classroom like a corporate office—with PTO and performance reviews
High school teacher Leslie Rob knew something had to change.
Her students weren’t just distracted—they were disengaged. Assignments were left unfinished, participation was at an all-time low, and traditional disciplinary measures weren’t making a difference. “My high school students were refusing to complete assignments, taking zeros, and disengaging entirely,” Rob explained on her website. “I wanted to create a system that would help them understand how these behaviors would impact them beyond the classroom.”
So, she reimagined her classroom—not as a typical lecture-based environment, but as a workplace-style setting that gave students more autonomy, responsibility, and accountability.
The result? A dramatic shift in student motivation—and a viral moment. A video clip where she describes her classroom model has racked up over 715,000 views on TikTok, igniting a heated debate among educators and parents.
A workplace-inspired classroom model
Rob’s students “clock in” at their desks—reframed as cubicles—where they’re responsible for completing their assignments, staying on task, and managing their own workload. Instead of issuing traditional discipline, Rob gives “performance evaluations,” and instead of automatic penalties for tardiness, students receive written “job status updates” that go home to parents.
One of the most unique features? Students earn PTO (paid time off) based on participation and engagement, which they can redeem for a break—no questions asked. If they haven’t accrued enough, they can still take time off, but it comes at a grade deduction, much like an unpaid absence in the workforce.
The result? Rob says students are showing up, taking ownership of their learning, and staying engaged in ways they weren’t before.
How students are responding
Despite the unconventional structure, students say the approach has been a game-changer.
“This class is one of the least stressful environments I’ve been in. We’re constantly working, but none of it feels heavy. Knowing I can take a break when I need it makes all the difference,” one student shared.
Another student, who balances school with a part-time job, appreciates the real-world tie-ins. “Ms. Rob makes us feel like we have control over our own work. It’s like real life, but with training wheels.”
And for some, the shift has instilled a greater sense of confidence and independence. “In school, teachers have babied us forever. It feels nice to be treated like an adult.”
Educators weigh in
Many teachers have praised Rob’s approach as an innovative way to boost student investment.
“I love this because it gets the kids INVESTED in themselves,” shared @mrsjones_class on TikTok. “They aren’t being punished for other people’s poor choices, they get to do what they need to do to get their work done, and they’re learning valuable skills on delayed gratification.”
Another educator, @WicketandKneesaa, added, “I teach HS and wish my admin could see it like this.”
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some educators worry the model prioritizes workplace conditioning over creative learning. User @Contrarian questioned, “While I think this is great in a way, in another it confirms school is simply training to life chained to the corporate job… knowledge is power… free your mind and self.”
Another took it a step further, arguing that the model reinforces outdated systems: “This just sounds like we’re creating workers… instead of fostering learning. I’m not impressed.” – @criticalteacher123
The internet reacts
While many educators see Rob’s model as a creative way to boost engagement, others worry about what it teaches kids about the future.
Some critics argue that structuring a classroom like a workplace limits students’ aspirations. “I understand her perspective, but she’s essentially training these kids to be employees rather than employers and entrepreneurs.” – @futureceo
Others question whether it prepares students for a workforce that no longer follows a strict 9-to-5 model. “The jobs we see emerging now don’t follow that structure.” – @careercoachmom
Supporters counter that learning time management and accountability applies to any career path—whether students work for themselves or someone else. “I appreciate what you’re saying, but before they can own their own businesses or become entrepreneurs, they will be employees & the one thing school lacks is preparing kids for the real world.” – @balancedview
And then there are those who believe the backlash is missing the point entirely: “This is creative and a way to pivot from the traditional humdrum of school culture. If PARENTS do their job, none of what she’s sharing should matter.” – @realteacherthoughts
A step toward real-world readiness?
Beyond social media debates, education researchers have explored how autonomy-driven classroom models impact student motivation and engagement.
A systematic literature review published in Frontiers of Psychology found that autonomy support significantly enhances student engagement across various educational settings. Another study published in the Journal of School Health links classroom structures that promote autonomy with improved school connectedness and active participation. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, on adolescent autonomy in classrooms shows that a sense of independence and accountability predicts higher student engagement and academic success.
While many praise Rob’s approach for fostering autonomy and engagement, some education experts caution against the overuse of extrinsic rewards in learning environments. A 2023 analysis published by End Seclusion warns that reward-based models—such as performance evaluations and PTO-like incentives—can diminish students’ intrinsic motivation over time. Research suggests that when students work primarily for external rewards, they may become less invested in learning for its own sake, instead focusing on short-term gains.
However, Rob’s classroom design isn’t solely structured around rewards—it also prioritizes autonomy, accountability, and real-world decision-making. Unlike traditional behavior charts or token economies that condition students to comply for prizes, her system allows students to make choices about their workload, manage their time, and experience natural consequences—elements that research suggests can enhance long-term motivation.
As a result, experts remain divided: Does Rob’s approach provide a structured, autonomy-supportive environment that strengthens self-management skills? Or does it shift student motivation away from the joy of learning and toward workplace-style incentives? The answer likely depends on how it’s implemented—and how students perceive the system in practice.
Sources:
Teacher support boosts engagement. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022. “Teachers’ autonomy support and student engagement: A systematic literature review of longitudinal studies”
Effective classroom management matters. J Sch Health. 2022. “Classroom Management and Facilitation Approaches That Promote School Connectedness”
Adolescent autonomy shapes learning. J Youth Adolesc. 2011. “The Pivotal Role of Adolescent Autonomy in Secondary School Classrooms”
Incentives may harm learning. Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint. 2023. “The Dark Side of Rewards, Part 1: Why Incentives Do More Harm Than Good in the Classroom”
