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Back to school isn’t just about students! From one teacher to another, check out these ten back to school must haves for teachers!
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Back to school is an exciting time. Some mamas are sending their babies away for the first time, while others are sending their big kids off to start their senior year. As parents and kids are getting back into their routines, teachers are as well. Teachers are getting ready to welcome a whole new group of kiddos into their classrooms {and into their hearts}. Saying goodbye to summer is a lot easier when teachers can have a few goodies of their own!
This year, I will be at a brand new {to me} school. In fact, I’m making the transition from public school to private school, so it’s really going to be a whole new world. However, in my last few years as an educator, I’ve curated a list of items I consider “back to school must haves” regardless of where I’ll be or what I’m teaching! I can’t make it through the year {or at least I don’t want to} without the following things. Some of these items are tangible, while others will save you time, energy, or both!
10 Back to School Must Haves for Teachers
ONE // Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
I’m a complete paper goods/planner/journal/pen junkie! However, when it comes to my pens, I’m very particular. I appreciate a medium point tip and these are perfect. My husband likes fine tips and I just don’t get it! Flair pens are the perfect combination of pen and marker and I use them for anything and everything. Plus, they come in so many colors, you’re sure to find a favorite!
TWO // A 10 Minute Hairstyle
My second day hairstyle is my go-to when I need a quick style. The first few weeks are hard and exhausting, so don’t punish yourself by washing all that hair every day! Seriously — learning the fine art of a curling wand and dry shampoo is one of the best things I’ve done for myself!
THREE // A Teacher Bag
You’ve heard all the “teacher bag” jokes, I’m sure. There are some days when I’m bringing so much back and forth to school that I feel like I’m moving. A quality bag is 100 percent essential! My first year, I used a laptop tote that fell apart before May. The next year, I used a Vera Bradley tote and it held up much better, but didn’t have all the room I needed. Last year, I wised up and got a backpack {still Vera Bradley!} and it’s one of the best decisions I ever made. Being able to evenly distribute the weight of #allthethings has saved my back and shoulders. Backpacks aren’t just for students!
Related: Teacher Off Duty: Summer Reading List
FOUR // Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner
Last year, I ordered an Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner. It was beautiful and I loved it! That thing took a serious beating as I carried it back and forth from school to home every single day, in between classes, and everywhere. My first year, I didn’t know what the heck to use for lessons, grades, and documentation! The next year, I ordered a DIY type of planner from TpT, but I realized I want everything to be together for me. With my ECTLP, I just have to fill in the blanks and go.
I know there are other {more affordable} options, but this is working for me right now! New to Erin Condren? Use my referral link for $10 off!
FIVE // Stitch Fix
Have you heard of Stitch Fix? It’s essentially a personal shopper. Fill out some information about yourself and your preferred style and you can have a box shipped straight to your door! Keep what you love, send back what you don’t. It’s that easy. I get one about each quarter and it’s always a special treat when I get that shipment email! There’s nothing wrong with making yourself feel special and pretty before the first day of school!
Evan Moor is an educational publisher that makes a teacher’s life 10,000 times easier. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How the heck am I supposed to start this class?!” then get yourself some Evan Moor daily activities! Because I’m a language and literacy teacher, I usually elect to use Daily Reading Comprehension or Daily Language Review, but there are many offerings for different grades and subject areas! Most of these books feature brief, 5-10 minute activities for every.instructional.day. They will save your life and give you 10 minutes to gather your thoughts at the beginning of class!
Having an established morning routine is one of the best things I’ve done for myself. Yes, I get up ridiculously early {many teachers do}, but those few hours to myself each morning help me take control of the rest of the day. Lucky for you, I blogged about my morning routine and how to establish your own morning routine earlier this week!
Related: Teacher Off Duty: Heat Free Beach Waves
EIGHT // A Meal Plan & Prep Strategy
I’m not bluffing when I say that meal planning and prepping saves my life! It’s quite an undertaking, so I back off of it a lot over the summer, but I’m always eager to get back into when school rolls around again. I’ve learned that I thrive with order and structure. I would rather take the time each week to plan and prep than come home on Monday evening and not even know where to start. If you’re new to weekly meal prep, I have plenty of tips on meal planning and meal prepping!
NINE // A Good Pair of Shoes
Teachers are on their feet all day long. During the year, I feel like I never sit down. Good shoes are essential, and I love stylish sneakers! I can wear them with jeans or dress them up. I’m all about being comfortable and functional, but still stylish. These Sperry Seacoast Sneakers are just my style.
As I mentioned, the first few weeks of school are exhausting! Coffee is an absolute back to school must have for teachers and parents alike. I could go through the day without coffee — I really could — but I just don’t want to. I love coffee and I love it even more when it’s in a cute travel mug.
Question: What are your back to school must haves for teachers {or students}?
I’m linking up with Perfectly Port for 10 on the 10th, though I’m posting this on the 9th since tomorrow isn’t a “regular” blog day for me. 😉
OMG you have a code for Erin Condren?? They are my absolute favorite! I will use your code when it is time to reorder!
I blame my love for EC on you, Kelly!
This is a great roundup girl! The past few years I’ve carried a regular back to work and this year I’m carrying a backpack. I just bought a cute little pineapple one at Walmart, but I’m loving the VB one you shared!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
The backpack will save your life!
So many of these same things are on my list!!
They truly are “must haves” right??
I don’t normally blog on Thursdays either. Ok so I just felt such a kinship to you as I read this. I used to teach first grade before staying home and I nodded my head in agreement to everything on this list. I especially LOVE LOVE LOVE those felt tip pens. They are seriously such a simple pleasure but I love them! My sister swore by the Erin Condron teacher planner when she was teaching. She said it was awesome too! Thanks for linking up with me 🙂 xoxo ERIN
Thanks for hosting! I enjoyed it!!
Great minds!! High five, girl. Our lists are very similar. I am a substitute librarian and never know when I might be called to work, so feel like I have to be ready and in the mindset of going back to school from day one.
Great post!
You’re right girl! Those subs can called in at the drop of a hat!
I love Evan Moor too! I just wished they had more stuff in Spanish. I also use a Vera Bradley bag but not a backpack. Maybe i should. 🙂
My backpack has saved my shoulders. I’ll never go back to a regular bag!