Why Teachers Are Putting Pineapples on the Wall and You Should Too
May 08, 2025
Imagine this: You're stuck trying to introduce a new tech tool in your class, and the teacher across the hall has mastered it—but you’d never know it because the doors in your building stay closed. You both want to collaborate, but time, planning periods, and lack of visibility keep you apart.
That’s where a simple idea—Pineapple Charts—can revolutionize your school.
The Problem: No Time for Peer Observation
Teachers know the value of seeing each other teach. It’s how we learned in the first place—observing mentor teachers and borrowing strategies that worked. But in the daily grind, we rarely get into each other’s classrooms. We’re too busy. We don’t know what’s going on next door. We don’t want to interrupt. And we definitely don’t want to sit through irrelevant PD when what we really need is just five minutes in a colleague’s classroom.
The Hack: The Pineapple Chart
Not just a great-tasting fruit, the pineapple is also a symbol of welcome. Put it on whiteboard, hang it on your wall, and what do you get? A fabulous opportunity for professional learning.
A Pineapple Chart is a weekly schedule posted in a central area (near mailboxes, the copier, or in the staff lounge). It looks like a basic whiteboard or poster divided by days and class periods. Teachers write their names and what they’ll be teaching—especially lessons worth seeing—so colleagues know they’re welcome to visit. The pineapple, a universal symbol of hospitality, marks the invitation!
Image from Hacking Education: 10 Quick Fixes for Every School
It’s a powerful yet low-pressure system. There’s no paperwork. No post-observation conference. No administrative oversight. Just teachers learning from each other when and how it works best for them. Best of all, it doesn't cost a thing!
Why It Works
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Informal, low-stakes peer learning: No stress, no judgment—just open doors and curiosity.
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Customized professional growth: Teachers choose what and when they observe, tailoring learning to their needs.
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Celebration of everyday excellence: It’s not about perfect lessons—it’s about real classrooms doing meaningful work.
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Builds culture and community: Teachers see themselves as learners again and build trust with colleagues.
Learn more in Hacking Education
What You Can Do Tomorrow
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Put up a poster with a basic question: “What’s happening in your class today?” Include times and lesson topics.
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Be the first to write your name and lesson.
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Invite a few colleagues to join in.
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Use an all-staff email or PA announcement to let others know they’re welcome to observe.
From Idea to Culture Shift
At Woburn Memorial High School, once a few early adopters posted their lessons, others followed. ESL teachers observed science classes. Math teachers sat in on art lessons. They built a network of inspiration that crossed subjects and grade levels. With each visit, the school community grew stronger.
Teachers sharing the impact of the Pineapple Chart
A Final Word
In a world where PD often feels one-size-fits-all, Pineapple Charts let teachers take control of their learning. They foster organic, ongoing professional growth rooted in real classrooms. With just a dry-erase board and a little curiosity, we can build a culture of collaboration that lasts.
So the next time you’re doing something worth seeing, draw a pineapple on the board, prop open your door, and invite your colleagues in.
Resources
Some content in this post is excerpted from Hacking Education, with permission.
