Back to School is a time that triggers anxious feelings for teachers – no matter how many years are under your belt. For new teachers, those feelings are multiplied. And this year, with all of its uncertainties – well, let’s just say we’re all in need of some reassurance. For me, reassurance comes in the form of feeling organized and prepared for whatever the day brings. I wanted to share my top 10 must-haves for new teachers to help you feel confident, capable, and ready for that first day!
1. Teacher Toolbox
The first time I saw a teacher toolbox I thought it was just a cutesy supply with no real purpose. Until I went to set up my classroom for the first time. Before long, my desk drawer was overwhelmed with all the small items I didn’t have a place for – rubber bands, band-aids, sticky tack, staples, erasers, and more. All items that I knew would be used often but took up too much valuable space in my desk drawers.
The solution? You guessed it – a teacher toolbox. Suddenly there was a place for everything and I made sure everything was in its place. I also love how when a student asks for a paperclip or staples, I can quickly point to the drawer and they can access what they need without having to go into my desk!
You can grab these fun – and functional – labels here.
2. 10 Drawer Cart
Would you be surprised if I told you a ten drawer cart completely changed my organizational game? There is no limit to the number of ways you can use these carts in your classroom. Customize the drawers to fit your needs and – voila! Say goodbye to endless stacks of paper on your desk. And say hello to number two on my list of must-haves for new teachers.
Check out this blog post where I tell you exactly how to use a ten drawer cart. Or as I like to call it, “The Modern Day Filing Cabinet.” Have fun setting yours up – and labeling the drawers! I can help – there are numerous labels in many themes available in my store. And you can grab a magical cart of your own here.
3. Introduction Newsletter
Establishing relationships is so important during those first weeks of school. Every year, I leave a newsletter introducing myself on each student’s desk for them to find as soon as they come in on that first day. This gives them a chance to get to know a little bit about me – before I start speaking about rules and procedures. Grab this newsletter and see many others here!
4. Pencil Pouch
Let me tell you about my number one frustration with teaching… PENCILS!
Where do you store them? How to stop students from losing them? What to do when you have multiple classes? PENCILS!
Don’t miss this blog post where I give you all the details on my pencil policy. What really changed the game for me is this hanging pencil pouch for the safe keeping of my class supply of pencils. You can grab it on Amazon. No list of must-haves for new teachers would be complete without this pencil pouch. You’ll thank me for it!
5. Teacher Planner
The options are endless when it comes to selecting a teacher planner. In fact, there are so many options that, as a new teacher, you could find yourself overwhelmed by the choices. Don’t be. The most important thing is to make sure you purchase a planner that you look forward to using. A planner that works for you is an essential item on my must-haves list. And not just because I have strong feelings about organization.
Digital planning is becoming increasingly popular. Choosing this option can have advantages over a paper planner. Check out my blog post about how changing to digital planning can transform your teaching. Paper or digital? You decide. Just be sure to choose the option that is right for you!
Grab the paper planner here and the tie-dye digital planner here.
6. Turn In Bins
So many of my top ten must-haves for new teachers have to do with managing all of the papers!
My first few years of teaching found me constantly drowning in stacks of papers to grade. With multiple classes and sometimes multiples subjects, I needed an easy way to track students’ papers. So I decided to invest in these three bins. Then I developed a system. I place numbered clothespins around the side that students clip to their paper before placing it in number order in the basket. This helps me see who has not turned in their tests or assignments as well as not having to spend time putting their papers in order. Read my blog post on never having to worry about paper organization here.
7. Your Own Space
Having a spot in your classroom that is YOUR space is key! There has been a shift in classroom organization that sometimes involves removing a teacher’s desk. I went without a teacher desk for one year, but still created my own space using my small group table, a shelf, a teacher toolbox, and my 10 drawer cart. No matter the size of your classroom, it is imperative you have a place that is just yours. Securing your belongings, having a spot to sit and breathe at the end of the day or during recess. A spot that wasn’t once occupied by (sometimes germy) students. Whatever that may look like, find your own space!
8. Teacher Bag
When it comes to teacher bags, I have tried them all. Expensive ones with organizers and endless over the shoulder options. Nothing compares to the ease of a backpack. I’m usually carrying my teacher bag along with my purse and lunchbox as I walk into our building. On the way to my classroom, I need my hands to clock in and grab things from my mailbox (let’s not forget the coffee I’m holding). So having a backpack that does not slip off my shoulders when I’m leaning down to grab something or opening a door is a big advantage to me. The bag pictured above can be purchased on Amazon here, but there are plenty of options when it comes to backpacks. My favorite part about this one? The laptop sleeve on the inside along with a pouch for my water bottle on the outside!
9. Weekly Newsletter
Communication is key! You want to establish a consistent line of communication with parents from the beginning. I suggest sending out a weekly or monthly newsletter. No matter what you choose, it needs to be consistent. My students’ parents know that I send home newsletters every Monday no matter what, even if there is not a lot going on. I also text a picture of the newsletter using the Remind App. You can grab a printer friendly newsletter in my store here. I print four newsletters to a page to save on paper!
10. Personal Laminator
One of the first purchases I made for my first classroom was a personal laminator. My school has a lamination machine but it was across campus from my classroom and took nearly 45 minutes for it to heat up! So I found this personal laminator. It was perfect to laminate the small decorations I needed. I also found that the seal on it was much more durable than the industrial laminators. You can grab one for your classroom here.
I hope you found my top ten list of must-haves for new teachers to be helpful! Being a new teacher doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with the right supplies, tools, and systems, you’ve got this!
** This post contains a few affiliate links. If you purchase any of the products I already love and am linking for you, I’ll receive a small percentage of the profit that the website makes from your purchase at no extra cost to you. 🙂 Such a win-win-win! **
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