10 Essentials That Every Teacher Needs

1. A really good laminator- Maybe your school has one, but maybe your school is like one of my old ones, where you have to talk to the office manager to get your items laminated, and maybe they will laminate your projects before you need them, but maybe not. I recommend scotch brand. It easy to use, small, and affordable.

2. Mr. Sketch Markers are the best poster markers, plus they smell great. Use it for anchor charts, signs, and for all your poster needs. I have my own set. None for the students. I am a little selfish with these.

3. Slide Show Remote- My computer is in the back of the classroom. These remotes let me project from anywhere and allow me to navigate through my slides with ease. It includes a laser pointer. Anything that makes technology easier to use is a plus in my book.

4. Tubs- You have a lot of supplies, and those supplies need to be organized. I have a tub for extra tape, rulers, scissors, colored pencils, markers, dry erase markers, pens, protractors, compasses, and measuring tape. You may need some for other things. You are trying to manage supplies for 20+ students. Those supplies need a place to be housed and plastic tubs are the way to go. Avoid the dollar stores for the same reason as the paper trays. Buy them once and then never again.

5. Pens- this may seem obvious, but grading is part of the teacher life. Colorful pens help make grading a little bit more fun. (just a tiny tiny little bit). Plus, they help you organize all your notes and information in that teacher planner of yours.

6. Mini fridge- your classroom becomes your second home. You need a place for cold drinks and a place to store your lunch and extra snacks. During those 7am prep sessions and the late night grading days, you will be glad that you have a place to store your stuff.

7. Rolls of Paper- I love chart paper, but these rolls of paper will save you money in the long run. I use them for posters in my room. For a group activity, I have my students complete the assignment on a poster. They are able to present the information and now I have made something that was an individual activity into a collaborative group assignment.

8. Cleaning Supplies- your classroom really is your second home. Even though you may have a custodial staff, they may not get through every nook and cranny. Students are messy and they are going to add to the mess of your classroom. You need to make sure that your space is contained so that it is a peaceful place for you to spend your time. I have a basket of cleaning supplies but my favorite are these. I use them to clean my white boards and wipe down tables.

9. Paper trays- they are my life saver. You need to organize all your papers, and as a teacher, we get a lot of paper. I have 1 tray for each of my periods, 1 for papers that need to be copied, 1 for my papers that need to be graded, and 1 for all the papers that need to be passed out. My first year teacher mistake, was to buy the ones that were a dollar. They are flimsy and are not able to pass the test of time. Splurge a little and get the ones that are not completely made out of weak plastic. These from amazon will do the trick.

10. A diary- It seems silly. But teaching is hard. Get yourself something that you can write down your thoughts and musing from the day. Write down something that a student said that made you laugh. Write down the silly question that someone asked you. Jot down the inspirational quote. Keep track of your goals. And definitely take note of when a student learned something new, and you helped them along that journey. When you are in year 10 or when you are retiring, or even when it was a difficult day, you will want to look back on all those moments.

Links to all my recommended supplies on Amazon #CommissionsEarned

Microfiber Cleaning Mitten Rabbit Bunny Animal (Pink)- https://amzn.to/43uRJsm

Microfiber Mitten Cute Hedgehog 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 Pink Green Blue (Set of 3) -https://amzn.to/3MWcupR

Scotch Thermal Laminator and Pouch Bundle, 2 Roller System, Laminate up to 9" Wide (TL901X) with Scotch Laminating Pouches, 100-Pack (TP3854-100)- https://amzn.to/3qtOhjc

Presentation Clicker Wireless Presenter Remote Clicker for PowerPoint Presentation Remote, RF 2.4GHz USB Presentation Clicker PPT PowerPoint Clicker for Mac, Computer, Laptop- https://amzn.to/3WTLAU2

Supeasy 5 Trays Paper Organizer with Handle - Mesh Desk File / Letter Organizer,Black Paper Sorter for Office,Home or School- https://amzn.to/3J1THbG

White Kraft Paper Roll | 24" x 200' (2400") | Best Craft Paper for Wall Art- https://amzn.to/3oSK4Fi