Whether you’ve been teaching online for years or venturing into it for the first time, you’re probably looking for ways to capture your students’ attention. Virtual teacher backgrounds can give you a boost, and also help to protect your privacy at home. Check out this list of eye-catching designs that you can change depending on your mood or the subject you’re teaching! (Note: Links to instructions for changing your backgrounds are at the bottom of the article!)
1. Welcome Back to School!
Set the tone with this sweet, welcoming background.
2. World’s Best Teacher
We love these backgrounds created by the team at WeAreTeachers. (Click for more!)
3. At The Virtual Chalkboard
Recreate that classroom feel from anywhere!
4. From Outer Space
Teaching astronomy? Make your lessons out of this world!
5. From the Library
We can’t get enough of our books!
6. From the Studios of Pixar
Lift your spirits UP!
7. When Life Gives You Lemons…
Make lemonade!
8. Turtle Power!
Your students will think you’re turtle-y awesome with this zoom background! Especially fun for oceanography units.
9. Wonderful Watercolors
There’s something so calming about pastels.
10. Let’s Get Started!
Greet the day in a colorful way!
11. Feeling Froggy
Can you find a cuter teaching assistant than this?
12. Under the Sea
You might find Nemo and a lot more!
13. One Plus One
Equals a pretty cute math zoom background for teachers!
14. Get Jurassic
Modern technology gets a prehistoric makeover.
15. In the Lab
Experiment with your science lessons.
16. Welcome to the Jungle
What could be lurking in the shadows?
17. Head to Hogwarts
Perfect for Harry Potter fans!
How to Change Your Background
The instructions change depending on the online video platform you’re using. Here are links to instructions for some of the more popular platforms:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Skype
- Google Meet: Does not currently allow for virtual backgrounds but you can use a workaround with a Chrome extension or Chromacam
Once you’ve figured it out the first time, you’ll be changing backgrounds like a pro!
We’d love to see your virtual teacher backgrounds! Come share your photos in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out our Zoom 101 for teachers!
