Here is a list of some of my favorite teacher “must-haves”. After moving from school to school every few years, I’ve come to realize some of my favorite teacher items. Coming to you in no particular order…
#1 Teacher Bag
I was gifted a Thirty-One bag by one of my former students and it’s been my go-to ever since. I even upgraded to an even bigger size last year, because, ya know, I gotta be able to transport papers that will never be graded back and forth from school to home.
#2 Book Stamp
My first few years of teaching I had stickers made to put inside each of my books, but once I got married I realized I didn’t want to keep having stickers made. So, I got a custom stamp off Etsy.
#3 Marker Pens
Ask any of my former collegues, students, or student teachers, I LOVE Stabilo 68 pen/markers. They are perfect because they are a little thicker than a normal pen, so when I’m writing under the document camera it’s easier to see. And it makes grading so much more fun!
#4 Lanyard
I’ve always had to wear a school ID and have my classroom keys on hand, so this makes wearing them a little more stylish.
#5 Yeti Mugs
Walking into school is always a little like juggling. I’ve got my tea in one hand and my ice water in the other. Keeping my liquids hot or cold all day is a must. Even if it’s not till 3pm when I actually get to enjoy them!
#6 Notebooks
I like having a notebook on hand for many different reasons. I make to-do lists, jot down classroom ideas, bring them to IEPs, and write notes during staff meetings.
#7 Comfy Shoes
I live for “Feet Up Friday”! I get to wear jeans and my comfy shoes and it’s almost the weekend. There’s just something so classic about Converse sneakers.
Converse Chuck Taylors All Star in white
#8 Lunch Tote
I found my lunch bag at a local thrift shop and I love it because it looks like a brown sack lunch, but it’s fully insulated on the inside. I linked some similar styles below.
#9 Apple Watch
The last classroom I taught in didn’t have a class phone or clock on the wall. My Apple Watch was a lifesaver. I use the stopwatch, so that we can graph our transitions. I use the alarms for knowing when to send kids to speech, ELL, or to get their meds. I use the timer to make sure our math and reading centers run on time.
#10 Blue Light Glasses
This last one is my most recent “must have”. I had been getting killer headaches during distance learning and staring at my screen all day, so I bought a pair of blue light glasses and my headaches went away. My husband liked them so much for WFH that he ordered a pair for himself as well.
You can find more of my teacher favorites HERE!
