The single-most important factor of a classroom is the teacher. I don't say this because I am a teacher, but because I've seen the good and the bad. I've seen what teachers can do with little and what they can do with a lot.
The teacher who is a good steward of resources they have will always find the greatest possible successes with students. For example, I often have resorted to making students use their bodies just to show or demonstrate answers. I have them regularly show me with their hands on a scale of 1-10 how well they understand a concept. They know I will reteach if necessary, and caring about their education and enjoying my class, they do make me reteach sometimes.
A well equipped classroom and a nice size is beneficial, no doubt. I currently have one. I can have my students check out laptops for use in the room and I have wireless internet in my room. I have classroom sets of novels, grammar books, literature books and dictionaries but cannot check them out to students. I have a projector and a computer that is loaded with software programs. These are all great features, but I honestly do not use all of them everyday.
Teachers often need training on the technology toys they receive for these types of equipment to be beneficial. Students benefit only when a teacher knows how to use what they have.
Quite often, in times of contract negotiations, teachers cry out for these features: class size and supplies. While relevant, teachers can and should be survivors.
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