A Virginia high school teacher is revolutionizing classroom management by running her class like a corporate office, giving students bi-weekly paychecks, paid time off (PTO), and job performance evaluations to prepare them for real-world responsibilities.
Leslie Robinson, known as “Leslie Rob,” has spent 17 years developing strategies to keep students engaged in learning. But after years of seeing students dismiss failing grades and parental intervention, she knew she needed a fresh approach.
“Today’s students need a different approach,” Rob explained to TODAY.com recently. “This was the only thing that seemed to work.”
Classroom Cubicles, PTO, and “Clocking In”

Rob runs her classroom as if it were a corporate office, with desks acting as cubicles where students manage their own workspaces.
“If they’re listening to music, on their phones, or eating snacks—that’s their office,” Rob said on the Teachers Off Duty podcast. “As long as their space is clean, it’s their responsibility.”
Students are required to clock in and out, keep up with their tasks, and maintain a job performance score that impacts their “paycheck.” Every two weeks, Rob updates their grades—aka their salaries—and students accrue paid time off, mirroring a professional work environment.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
Rob’s system isn’t just about engagement—it’s about preparing students for the real-world expectations of jobs, deadlines, and personal accountability.
“I am preparing these kids for life,” Rob said. “They will enter the workforce understanding professionalism, time management, and accountability.”
The approach has gained widespread attention on TikTok and Instagram, sparking discussions about modernizing education to better equip students for adulthood.