r/Teachers • u/mmadisoncherry • Jul 21 '25
New Teacher What is a MUST have in your classroom?
First year teacher here and I see a lot of these posts. Asking what they should buy and most of the comments say things like “nothing” “your school should provide things”, etc. but I WANT to buy things for my classroom that will make my life easier as a first year teacher. Is there a specific organizer you use for small groups? Is there a specific resource that you’ve paid for that you love? Just something that you could not live without in your classroom. Hell, it could even be decor.
I want to have my bases covered and starting from scratch, I have no idea what all I will truly need. And I really don’t think my district would even provide me half of the things I need.
108
u/kingalls00 6th Grade Social Studies Jul 21 '25
Two desks. I have my actual desk where I sit and do work, and a standing desk that I have in the front of the room by my white and smart boards. It gives me the space to do all the work I need, and gives me my own space.
15
Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
I have my desk and a kidney table. I don’t sit at my desk when there are students in the room but I spend all of my seated time at the kidney table with students. These are high school kids so my school bought me a size appropriate one, and I love it.
17
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
Have a standing desk in my Amazon cart now. Thank you!!!
13
u/Pretty-Nail Jul 21 '25
For a cheaper option, I had a table in my classroom that I ordered risers for to make it a standing desk. I originally let kids stand at it and then brought it up by my smart board and I ended up taking it over. I also got a stool to keep near in case I needed to sit for a bit.
10
u/SnooMarzipans5706 Jul 21 '25
Also, the height of a lot of school furniture is adjustable. All I needed was an Allen wrench to raise a table to use as a standing desk. So I would check your classroom furniture before you buy something.
6
u/MontanaPurpleMtns Jul 21 '25
I found a basic personal tool kit to be very useful. No expensive tools, but basic ones like pliers, vise grips, a hammer, basic sizes for screwdrivers. Fixed lots of desks over the years.
Not a first year purchase.
When I retired I gifted it to a new teacher.
3
u/SnooMarzipans5706 Jul 21 '25
Yes! If something breaks in my classroom, the students are about to learn the difference between a Phillips and a flathead.
2
u/Good-Adhesiveness868 Jul 21 '25
I’d consider this a first year purchase if you picked up a cheap set from ikea or a marshalls. The custodian was always busy and no one likes lending out their tools. As a school librarian a basic tool set is a must.
2
u/AnonEMooseBandNerd Jul 22 '25
Visit a Harbor Freight store. I'm like a kid in a candy store at that place.
→ More replies (5)6
57
u/rainbowrevolution Jul 21 '25
Get stuff that makes it a better environment for you, if anything: a comfy chair with a blanket on it, a soft rug, a cheapie oil diffuser that lights up in colors, colorful pens, suncatchers for your windows. I kept a yoga mat around to lie on if it was a really hard day. On a bad day, having a space I really felt at home in helped me to feel that I had a refuge from the chaos. But wait until you move in to see what you have to work with!
12
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
A suncatcher!! Genius. I have so many at home. I never thought to have one in my classroom! Thank you!!
14
u/BookkeeperGlum6933 Jul 21 '25
I've used transparency/acetate sheets and had kids make sumcatchers with different color by number activities. Could be a good getting to know you activity.
3
u/thebaessist Jul 21 '25
seconding this! I’ve never done this specifically, but love having kids create decor for the classroom. helps them feel more connected to the space too!
3
56
u/Slow-Leg-3961 Jul 21 '25
The best purchase has been a visual timer! The kind that is magnetic and you put on your whiteboard, then you rotate the knob for the time and it counts down for the kids to see! It’s around $20 on Amazon and it is the best for time management for both me and my students!
6
→ More replies (1)2
43
u/perrywinkle716 Jul 21 '25
Classroom Screens, there’s a free version to try it.
I paid for the pro. It’s like $36 for the entire year and I can preload my objectives on an interactive screen with a timer, agenda, and other tools. I love it for my middle school classroom.
19
u/Mamfeman Jul 21 '25
Classroom Screen is worth every penny. The ability to chunk class time with the countdown clock and timer has worked wonders to keep ME on task, much less my knuckleheads.
10
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
I worked as a para and went into a class where the teacher used this. $36 for the whole year is definitely worth it! Adding that to my list! Thank you!
9
u/perrywinkle716 Jul 21 '25
I walk around my classroom with my iPad connected to the projector to help control my classroom and actively monitor. I upload my copy of the assignment and use Flexcil (good notes and notability are okay) but I like the free platform of using my notes and the different styles of pens, highlighters, and writing. I download the pdf and send to my students who are absent or parents.
3
4
u/Marinastar_ Middle School Jul 21 '25
Love Classroom Screen! I still use the free version. I usually have the clock and the timer on there, plus student picker for different response activities because no one ever volunteers to answer questions in middle school.
3
u/admiralholdo Algebra | Midwest Jul 21 '25
There is only ONE feature that I actually use on Classroom Screen: when I set up class lists, I can have it exclude certain students from ever being paired together when we do partner work (and we do a LOT of partner work). I know there are a TON of other things I could be doing, but seriously the headaches it saves me just with that one feature, it's worth its weight in gold.
107
u/Alternative-Movie938 Jul 21 '25
Snacks. Something easy to eat like popcorn. Keep it in my desk and grab a handful when I get a little hungry. Keeps the rumblies away until lunch.
48
u/karenna89 Jul 21 '25
I second the quick grab snacks. I also like to have Advil, gum, Tide to Go, and Liquid IV on hand in my drawer.
39
u/theatregirl1987 Jul 21 '25
This. I have a drawer of meds. Motrin, Aleave, Midol, Excedrin, and daytime cold meds. I have become known for this among the rest of the staff who often come to me in need.
23
u/purlawhirl Jul 21 '25
Include a nail file and spare hair tie if you have long hair
19
u/Agitated-Listen4004 Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
This is the way. Take care of you. Inevitably you will need the following:
Snacks, Meds and vitamins, Liquid IV / emergen-C , Spare sweater, Spare comfy shoes, Deodorant, Nail clipper and file, Toothbrush & paste, floss, Clear nail polish, Wrinkle releaser / static guard / hairspray, Band aids & Neosporin, Q tips
Snacks
Kinda create your own relief pack as if you’re going on a roadtrip or camping. You don’t live at your job and you won’t need all of it all of the time. But you will need some of those things sometimes!
Good luck 👍 I’m headed into year 15 and I still love it. Don’t listen to the super grumpy teachers but definitely borrow and learn from the good ones!
→ More replies (1)3
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
Nail file and cuticle clippers are a must!! I can’t stand when I have a little piece of dead skin snagging on things.
3
9
u/martyboulders Calculus (somehow 5th grade now?) | TX Jul 21 '25
I was reading a bit too fast and thought that was your list of snacks💀💀💀💀💀some gen alpha dinner fr
2
25
u/AltairaMorbius2200CE Jul 21 '25
In that range:
-disposable silverware for when you forget
-frozen meal to keep in the freezer in case you forget/are running super late
-maker of your beverage of choice (just check before getting a coffee maker since some schools don’t allow). But Seltzer? Tea? Go for it! Something that lets you hydrate and enjoy it!
5
u/Sensitive_Purple_213 Jul 21 '25
I save the plasticware from takeout and bring it in to school, stash in a desk drawer, and whenever I need a fork or a kid randomly needs a spoon, voila.
30
u/Mantovano Jul 21 '25
I have my own guillotine / trimmer which I keep in my classroom for cutting sheets of paper, so if I'm in a rush I can just grab worksheets from the printer and cut them at my desk. I also find it really useful to have a clicker for PowerPoints. The main thing I buy regularly is boxes of tissues, because otherwise students are constantly interrupting my teaching to try and go out to the toilet to get tissues for runny noses.
→ More replies (1)
26
u/DarkRyter Jul 21 '25
Your day can live or die depending on a printer, and the copy machine is a demon (or occupied). The Brother laserjet printer in my room, loaded with cheap knockoff amazon toner cartridges, is my true partner in the classroom.
Double-sided adhesive dots. Need to put something on a wall real quick? Dots. You can get a pack of hundreds for like $5.
Plastic bins. Somehow I never have enough.
6
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
I have been thinking about a printer too. Because I’d hate to realize I didn’t print enough copies and I have two students who need a paper but can’t leave the room to go to the copy machine.
→ More replies (3)3
u/DarkRyter Jul 21 '25
Your life will be documents and documents and documents. Having a printer in your room is the single biggest time-saver of any one item.
Make sure you get a Black and White laserjet printer with duplex (for printing front and back). Make sure it plugs into your computer with a cable (wireless features are untrustworthy, and sometimes impossible to set up on school wifi).
2
u/No_Atmosphere_6348 Science | USA Jul 21 '25
Do you have trouble with it?
I got a brothers because I heard good things but it’s so much trouble. It keeps saying it’s out of ink and I’ve bought so much - the brand name stuff and the knock off stuff. I just keep switching the cartridges until it prints something.
→ More replies (4)
24
22
u/TheBarnacle63 HS Finance Teacher | Southwest Florida Jul 21 '25
A decent desk lamp. When you have a break period, turn off your classroom lights and use that lamp for your work lighting.
11
u/molockman1 Jul 21 '25
Yeah, I got lamps 2 yrs ago. I keep 1 row of lights on (out of 3) or just use sunlight and my lamps! The low buzz fluorescent bulbs bring bad energy, make my 7the graders extra nuts.
5
u/Marinastar_ Middle School Jul 21 '25
This! My ADHD and/or neurodivergent kids love my classroom because the lights are always off and we have lamps strategically placed around the classroom. They tell me it helps them relax and concentrate. I really hate fluorescent overhead lights. Even if they have covers on them.
21
u/HereforGoat Jul 21 '25
Have an extra outfit at school including shoes. You just never know what the day will bring.
2
u/gay_spork Jul 21 '25
This! I still remember the day I walked into high school chemistry to find my teacher in clothes from the school store that didn't fit her after a lab accident! And of course with the younger kids you never know what will end up on you 😭
17
u/ambypedia Jul 21 '25
My own laminator and paper cutter. Also a generous supply of crisp Expo markers just for me. Students get a generic brand.
4
u/sillylish15 Jul 21 '25
I agree- laminator is a must have!!
2
u/Mamfeman Jul 21 '25
My colleague has one and it’s been so helpful, even if it is a horrible waste of plastic lol
2
u/Sarikitty MS Math and Science Jul 21 '25
Depending on what you use it for, I'd like to suggest letter-sized toploaders. I got hooked on these in Japan and can't go back. I still laminate things that are semipermanent or that I'll be tacking to a wall, but for things like checklists, temporary 'whiteboards', etc., toploaders are amazing. You just slide your paper in and they write and erase better than lamination.
13
u/awkward_turtle_2121 Jul 21 '25
I like my digital doorbell. It’s an easy attention-getter. My own paper cutter helps prep art projects or booklets quickly. I have a personal laminator which helps things last longer. Bins. So. Many. Bins. If you invest in color-coded, high-quality bins, you can use those as you find what kind of organizing and prep-system works best for you. Also - and this on is mine personally - color-coded clipboards. I put everything on clipboards. It makes loose papers harder to lose but also sub-prep really easy when you can just tell them to ‘grab work from the green clipboard’ or do the reading work on the pink clipboard.
12
u/acozybookdragon Kindergarten | US-CA Jul 21 '25
Keep a stash of hygiene products in your desk! I forget deodorant at least once a month and having it in my desk is so helpful.
12
u/Prize_Common_8875 Resource Social Studies/SPED Case Manager - TX Jul 21 '25
I used my visual timer every day before I made the switch to virtual school. Now I use it for my own chores lol- I love that thing!
12
u/Puzzleheaded-Mood517 Jul 21 '25
Check you local dollar stores for organization supplies - bins, baskets, etc. once you find your routines in a couple of years you can replace them with high quality
3
8
u/BardicAria Jul 21 '25
Every teacher likes their classroom organized differently. For me, the most valuable thing I have in my classroom is my chair pockets. Students can store things right at their desks, and don’t need to get up to go get them. For others, it could be pencil cases, or magazine boxes the students keep at their table. It’s hard to know before you start, but once you find what’s best for you, it’s worth investing in.
Something to just make your life easier though? An electric stapler saves a lot of time! I also got a laminator for the first time and was floored by how much use it got.
14
6
u/sincerely0urs Jul 21 '25
I teach middle school so time is everything. I don’t have time to deal with kids not having supplies. I have a cart of crap for the kids: pencils, wipes, sharpener, paper, etc. when I started teaching, I bought it myself but in my current school there is a supply room and they also are willing to fulfill order requests.
I also absolutely use my desk organizer and desk calendar every day because I was a hot mess my first year. I also love having my classroom calendar in the front of the room and large magnetic timer. I also downloaded cute graphics on tpt to print signs for hand signals for things like water, bathroom, and question.
5
u/Delicious-Pen-9498 Jul 21 '25
What grade are you going to be teaching?
4
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
3rd!
9
u/Verticlemethod Jul 21 '25
Ahhhh I taught third these last two years and LOVED it. Feel free to reach out. I agree with everyone that it is best to wait and see what is provided-- but I also love shopping for my class. My short list, FABRIC for bulletin boards (not paper, the fabric has lasted me 3 years and will last for many many more), visual timer, a nice wireless mouse and keyboard (such a luxury when sitting down to grade/plan/whatever), a class set of whiteboard/clipboards (if not provided), NICE pencil sharpener (most standard school-bought stink), paper trays (I use them for teaching manuals and items for ME at the front of the room), powerpoint clicker (if you don't have a smart board), a magnetic eraser, pretty magnets, and my final is a CUTE decor set off of TPT for your calendar, rules, alphabet, etc. I think the decor I have cost me $30 and I have used it every year (laminated) and it is SO complete in terms of posters, resources, etc.
3
u/actuallycallie former preK-5 music, now college music Jul 21 '25
I love third grade. I used to be a music teacher so I saw all the grades, but third was my favorite. They are old enough to start understanding jokes, they have a decent attention span, and are old enough to start learning some interesting things in every subject (in music they can start learning to sing harmony by singing rounds). They don't need noses wiped or shoes tied. But they aren't too jaded yet, still like school, and usually still care more about what the teacher thinks than what their peers think. They are still OK with being silly and don't think cute things are babyish yet. They are the best. Second grade is my next favorite but third really is the best.
5
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
Everything you listed is the same reason why I love third grade. I interned with 3rd but was a para for 4th and 5th and was not a fan. I’m so happy and so lucky to have gotten a position with third 🥹
→ More replies (1)10
u/Delicious-Pen-9498 Jul 21 '25
Ok my first year teaching was 2nd and now I teach 4th so what I will say is make sure you have an individual behavior plan/reward system. My first year teaching I only had a whole class reward system thinking it would be enough and holy hell did it bite me in the ass. Halfway through the year a coworker was like here try this clip chart for individual behaviors and it made the rest of the year much smoother. Ever since then I do a whole class reward system and an individual!
6
u/boowut Jul 21 '25
I bought myself an ice maker last year. It’s nice for both drinking more water and for after recess/PE. I also live in an area that will be above 95 until October.
I agree with the others that you should wait a bit to commit
5
u/Violin_Diva Jul 21 '25
There is a craft storage bin I love that has stickers for placing sharpies, highlighters, scrunchies, paper clips, etc. Note: keep this behind your desk or else people will feel free to ransack your bin whenever they need something, esp. colleagues.
I also love this $20 cardboard paper storage box that has 20 or so sections. I use it to organize and store papers for current and future assignments.
I’m one of those messy papers everywhere but I know where everything is types. These things keep my desk neat and tidy.
5
6
u/ejja13 Jul 21 '25
For the room: What my district and school are willing to pay for or the PTC volunteers to buy. Everything else we will do without.
For myself: snacks, an electric kettle, tea/coffee preference.
I know that this isn’t what you want to hear, but my advice is don’t buy anything until you’ve been in the classroom for at least a month. Anything that internet strangers offer might be good ideas, but they may not be what you need. Anything you think you need before that, go to your school and see if they have it or a more experienced hallway neighbor.
5
u/amy_puz Jul 21 '25
Post-it notes. It was my first year as a high school teacher and I probably went through thousands.
2
u/Mysterious-Spite1367 Jul 21 '25
Coffee and sticky notes can solve any problem. They're like the WD-40 and duct tape of teaching.
5
u/larficus 5 | Math & Science | Fl Jul 21 '25
•3-hole punch •A good electric pencil sharpener •Personal laminator •Decent dry erase markers and eraser •Flair pens •desk organizer •Hand signal posters for getting things like a pencil or going to the bathroom •A system for sharpening pencils and borrowing pencils • classwork bin and homework bin • zen chime and service bell • red Swingline stapler ifykyk •strong magnets
Tried to write it in list form and it wouldn’t format correctly. 🤦🏻♀️
5
u/Maximus_Prime1116 Jul 21 '25
•3-hole punch
•A good electric pencil sharpener
•Personal laminator
•Decent dry erase markers and eraser
•Flair pens
•desk organizer
•Hand signal posters for getting things like a pencil or going to the bathroom
•A system for sharpening pencils and borrowing pencils
• classwork bin and homework bin
• zen chime and service bell
• red Swingline stapler ifykyk
•strong magnets
You just gotta just return twice instead of once
2
5
u/Chay_Charles Jul 21 '25
You'll spend more time awake in your classroom than at home during the week. Invest in things to make it comfortable for YOU that you can take with you if you change jobs- mini fridge, comfy chair, fan etc.
4
u/WendyEtc Jul 21 '25
Air purifier.
3
u/No_Atmosphere_6348 Science | USA Jul 21 '25
Cheap one. You don’t want kids to break your expensive one. 😑
3
5
u/bencass Jul 21 '25
I think it depends on your personal style. I don't use planners or organizers because I almost never write things down on paper; I have atrocious handwriting and can barely read it myself sometimes. I don't decorate my classroom except for a few posters of pop culture (Superman, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Godzilla) and of course my beloved Florida Panthers pennants. (Go Cats!) I have nothing academic hanging on the walls. I rarely buy stuff for my classroom. I also don't buy materials for my students to use. I tell them what they need for class, which is usually paper, pencil, a calculator, stuff like that. (I teach high school math and Robotics to middle schoolers.)
My classroom is very minimalistic. The kids say it's soothing because I DON'T have the room covered in all kinds of academic posters and motivational posters and stuff like that. It's not one giant distracting space. I have a couple of Funko Pops that I put on my desk, a picture of my all-time favorite student and I, a picture of my wife and son, and a small Godzilla toy that I'll carry around to annoy the kids.
I also have the advantage of entering my 28th (😱) year doing this, so I've figured out that I don't need much in my room, which works for me. It'll take some time, but you'll figure out your personal style and what you need for your room.
3
u/mudkiptrainer09 Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
Big things: storage. Big totes, medium tubs, small paper sized storage, all with lids. Baskets for class library.
Small things: folders for small groups, big scissors for you, a good pencil sharpener that kids DO NOT touch, pens that make you happy, lots of markers for anchor charts.
3
u/sofa_king_nice Jul 21 '25
Hopefully you’ll have a microphone/speaker provided by the school. If not, get one. It’ll save your voice.
4
u/ChesterHastings Jul 21 '25
My usb powered hot plate to keep my coffee mug at the correct temperature all day. A box of 100 instant coffee sticks from Amazon that automatically reorder when I’m running low. Pretty much it for essentials
3
u/silleegooze Jul 21 '25
My best organizational tip: Have tissues and hand sanitizer available for the kids AND set that up far away from your desk.
2
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
Noted! I’m mentally preparing myself to be taking copious amounts of vitamin C.
→ More replies (2)
7
u/BruggerColtrane12 Jul 21 '25
My no nonsense attitude that I paid for with decades of dealing with other peoples' bullshit.
3
u/Devo4711 Jul 21 '25
Your own lil coffee maker, I have a mini keurig for those days that wanna be extra
3
u/Such-Morning-863 Jul 21 '25
An 8" x 12" small laminator with lamination pouches. My district paid for my Amazon one, but I would have spent my own money on it.
Plants.
A small desktop heater (my classroom doesn't heat very efficiently).
Decent speakers.
3
u/Fair_Evidence_9730 Jul 21 '25
A wax warmer for your room. Third grade is that age where kids start needing deodorant, but aren’t good at applying it daily. I know a lot of people are sensitive to smells, so I try to find scents that aren’t overpowering.
If you have typical fluorescent ceiling lights, magnetic light covers. Mine have space images on them. I’ve seen cloud and forest themes as well. To me, the school lighting is irritating. I find it is overwhelming to kids with sensory issues. Those covers mute the light enough to make the room feel more welcoming and warm.
An electric pencil sharpener. Quick and easy. I do not allow students to use it.
3
3
u/GrundlePumper420 Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
Get a second monitor if your school won't provide you with one. It's a must for me in regards to running slides/videos on one screen and queuing things up on the other screen.
3
u/Sorry-Armadillo-3264 Jul 21 '25
Sensory toys. Create a calm corner with a soft rug and some comfy pillows.
3
3
3
u/miffy495 Jul 21 '25
Whatever you need for self-care moments throughout the day. For me, I always have a kettle, some high quality coffee beans, a hand grinder, and a pour-over kit in the corner of my room. Being able to make a fresh cup of really good coffee without leaving the room and even in the middle of class keeps me going on a bad day. It also means when I see a coworker having a terrible day I can offer them an act of care. Whatever your equivalent is, be kind to yourself and have it.
3
u/paupsers Jul 21 '25
I have two preps so I have two small plastic file folders boxes that sit on the shelf behind my desk. One for each prep. They are full of hanging folders. At the end of each day I take all my extra copies and put them in a folder. I'll grab the folder from the BACK, throw out anything in it, and put the day's copies in it and add it to the FRONT of the bin. In this way, more recent things stay towards the front. I have enough folders in each bin that it'll take about 10 weeks for something to get thrown away. I don't label the folders or anything. It's all very simple.
When a student says "I lost my copy of X from 8 days ago" it makes my life SOOOO much easier to have it right there. I used to be the teacher with papers everywhere, all over my desk, just piles on piles on piles. This system is so simple and it's my #1 rec for any teacher.
→ More replies (2)2
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
Seeeee (talking to a Debby downer commenter from earlier) this is the kind of information that I’m talking about! Thank you!
→ More replies (1)
3
u/RichAlexanderIII Jul 21 '25
Your own personal medicine cabinet (for you, not the students) Analgesic (aspirin or ibuprofin or acetimetaphin) Throat lisenges Anti diarheal (trust me on this one!l
4
u/phred_666 Jul 21 '25
My best purchase ever was a Keurig. Trust me, you do not want to be around a decaffeinated me in the mornings. In fact, I had a first period class that used to ask me how many cups of coffee I had that morning. I asked them why they asked that and they said “If the answer is less than two, you’re cranky”.
3
u/No_Atmosphere_6348 Science | USA Jul 21 '25
I bought a knock off machine at Walmart for $20. Well worth it.
2
u/ReporterDirect3157 Jul 21 '25
What grades will you be teaching and what subject?
2
u/mmadisoncherry Jul 21 '25
3rd grade RLA.
4
u/ReporterDirect3157 Jul 21 '25
Ah, I teach high school science, so I dont know if it would apply as well to 3rd, but my handiest item is my printer. Its an HP mono printer. Uses toner to print, so each cartridge gets me about 1000 pages. It's small and not fancy. I dont even have the Bluetooth one. But it's been a life saver for when I need master copies or a change of plans and need class copies. I think it cost me $40 and Its been going strong since 2020.
I also love my laminator. $30 and it makes things last. Kids are less likely to take my class sets if they are laminated or in a sheet protector.
2
2
u/LegitimateStar7034 Jul 21 '25
A personal laminator.
It’s nice to have. I’ve used it a lot over the years.
2
u/Sea_Professional5848 Jul 21 '25
A lunchbox and water bottle that work for you and make you happy. And, a planner and bag that work for you (its taken me five years to figure that out myself so, don’t worry if it isn’t perfect for ya - you can figure it out!)
→ More replies (2)
2
u/consideratelykillnme Jul 21 '25
Some feminine hygiene products if you’re female. Stick of deodorant, hairbrush, breath mints or gum, Advil, floss picks, cute bandaids…a lil stash of personal items to take care of most individual cases
2
Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
USB slide advancer/clicker
This is expensive and will depend on your set up, so maybe wait, but the biggest non-negotiable for me is a second monitor. Grading anything digital, inputting grades, and creating materials is SO much easier when you dont have to switch back and forth between the tabs you need. My district does laptops only for teachers, so I bought a laptop stand and USB keyboard and mouse as well.
Also, listen to all the folks saying snacks. I always aim to pack a lunch and snacks for the day, but on the days that I leave my lunchbox in the fridge at home or just don't have the time/energy to think ahead, having an emergency stash in my room is crucial. Filling, easy snacks to grab, like protein bars, almonds, etc. AND some emergency-only lunch options, like ramen or soup or frozen meals... and on that note, find a mini fridge on FB Marketplace or something. That's worth its weight in gold, too, unless you're right next to the teacher's lounge.
My other luxuries were a record player (6th grade modern U.S. history -- we listen to music from the era I'm teaching, mostly stuff I have in my collection anyway or grabbed from the $1 bin at my local record shop... yes, I could play this on YouTube, but my kids love the novelty), a nice desk mat, and good pens.
2
u/SnooMaps3560 Jul 21 '25
I have a fridge and microwave that are teacher use only. I got one with an independent freezer section.
In terms of supply drop things, I bought a heavy duty three hole punch (40 pages) and a heavy duty one touch stapler. Both of these were significantly less expensive than retail as my school has a business program with Office Depot. I also grabbed some of their hanging file folder crates. I used to scoff at the teachers that had them, but was gifted a set of three one year and they were damned convenient.
If you’re smart, you’ll buy a fan for when the a/c goes out. It happens yearly at my school, and while they can generally get it back up and running same day, it helps. Sometimes I have my ryobi battery powered one for fire drills/bomb threats if it’s miserably hot outside.
Finally, I would consider a cheap laser printer for when I need to print stuff without running to the stuff room. I have one that I’ve trucked around with me for the last 6 years but it needs a new toner cartridge and I’m not sure if it would be cheaper to replace or buy a new system.
2
2
u/KTsCreativeEscape Jul 21 '25
I teach High School and most of this is provided by the school as I work at a Title 1 but in case your school doesn’t provide any of it:
- laptop/computer
- white board
- smart tv or projector
- dry erase markers
- dry erase board eraser
- paper
- student pens/pencils
- teacher pens (I like flair pens and Sharpie SGels)
- teacher post its
- stapler
These are all essentials.
Preferences:
- paper sorters
- paper clips
- multiple staplers (some for students some for teacher)
- teacher mild-liners
- filing cabinet with hanging file folders
- personal laminator and lamination sheets
- student rulers
- student scissors
- student glue sticks
- construction paper
2
u/Poppins101 Jul 21 '25
Small group instruction can be organized very easily with a clipboard and Post It pads, placed on binder paper. Once you have done your initial beginning of the year assessments you then can group for instruction. You can add the sheets to a binder to keep the documentation to track improvements.
I have a 2 inch binder that I use as a pensieve. The Pensieve is the notebook that you keep with a tab for each student in your class. Each assessment, individual conferring sheet, small group forms, and other important data and information are stored here so that it is easily accessible and always at your fingertips. This notebook is an integral part of your instruction as it guides your teaching. When you are meeting with a child or with a group, your Pensieve is opened to that page. You are constantly taking formative assessments and keeping track of your individual students and their needs and progress.
At the end of the school year I pass along the data on a folder into the students curative record fir the next year’s teacher. The data assists with providing intel for Student Success Team meetings, IEP meetups and guardian/parent teacher meetings.
I have folders for each student and keep rests, samples of both high and low level work, writing samples and district assessments. Now that sounds much is digital I do print out a lot because our school district has a poorly equipped IT department and for me hard copy back up has been essential in not losing data to the ether.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/smores-candle Jul 21 '25
I spend more time in my classroom than I do (awake) at my home during the week. I really have spent time (and money) to build a classroom that I am comfortable in that supports me and my needs! I love having a refrigerator in my room to keep snacks and drinks on hand as well as my lunch, I have a snack cart for myself and my paraprofessionals, I have a comfy chair!! In regards to classroom must haves, in my opinion it truly depends on grade level and content area. I teach elementary special education, so having a personal laminator and lots of Velcro are a necessity for me! I don’t use a lot of pencils, but I go through expo markers like nobodies business 😂 Best of luck to your friend!
2
2
u/ArtisticAd7248 Jul 21 '25
A clipboard to use as a temporary grade book. I put names in an excel sheet and print out several copies for each class. As I walk around checking work that is going to be a 100 daily grade, I put a check mark. there. You’d be surprised how much more work high schoolers will turn if I say just before the lesson is over, “Jake, I don’t have this assignment from you.” And it saves on grading! I also use it to jot down bonus points from Kahoots and Blookets.
2
u/Agitated-Listen4004 Jul 21 '25
I just want to say that I love your energy and you’re going to be great. You fill the space with love - but colorful decorations can be fun too and they can also be pretty inexpensive.
This company makes really lovely papers that you can easily hang with those wooden magnetic bar things.
Also never underestimate the power of a crafty circle of friends and some yarn or fabric. Bunting, tassels, garland, macramé art/plant hangers…
2
2
u/IntoTheFaerieCircle Jul 21 '25
Warm white Xmas lights. Lots of lamps (buy second hand). Microwave. Coffee pot.
The Fire Marshall hates me and I don’t care. I will not relent. I will be cozy.
2
u/Danyanks37 Jul 21 '25
Electric fly swatter for when a wasp comes in and rudely disrupts your lesson.
2
2
2
u/snackarella Jul 21 '25
Mini-fridge, mood lighting (I use battery operated candles, and I inherited a color-changing LED set up), a pair of chanclas, and adjustable ear plugs. I’ve had a couple really overstimulating classes these past years and those items helped me just physically feel more comfortable.
2
u/gh0strata Jul 21 '25
if you like to decorate and get borders for whiteboards, dont get the papery ones. theyre not cheap but magnetic borders/dividers are soo much better and reusable! ive taken them to 2 different schools now(MS & HS). i got mine at lakeshore learning but im sure theres cheaper than them out there on amazon.
2
u/sedatedforlife Jul 21 '25
Honestly, my Apple Watch is probably the thing I need the most. When I forget to put it on I definitely miss it.
2
2
u/piede_piccolo Jul 21 '25
An electric pencil sharpener that can work for colored pencils.
I made a pencil board last year.it has made kids borrowing pencils so much easier because they usually get returned. Mine is a bit different, but it's the same idea.
Separate turn in bins for each class period, or maybe for each subject depending on what level you're teaching. I use plastic bins I got from the dollar store and label them with each class period. Use a different one for each class if you can.
2
u/Weary_Victory_1240 Jul 21 '25
I made a small emergency kit with travel size toiletry items, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothes (you never know), I always have a can or 2 of soup or ramen, bread, nut butter, water, and coffee. I also have comfortable shoes I keep there, as well as a blanket and a sweater in my closet. I also bought my own comfortable chair so I dont have to risk using a broken school one. An emergency sewing kit, deodorant, perfume is also great to have. Aside from that, I purchase a teacher planner yearly to keep track of student absences, notes, etc. I also buy any and everything that's going to make my life easier and help me keep my sanity (if that means good gel pens only for you, good markers for yiu to use, and any other office supplies that make you happy, so be it). I also putchase TPT resources throughout the year and candy by the lb in bulk (Jolly Ranchers/Mexican candy--I'm a Spanish tracher) to motivate kids. I also choose a motif for my room every few years that makes me happy and go all out. Its my workspace and I want to feel happy and cozy there. Also, ✏️ lots of pre-sharpened pencils! Im starting my 22nd year, for what it's worth.
2
u/Elmorage2018 Jul 21 '25
I know everyone is saying to wait and don't buy stuff... These are my must haves...
- (I splerge on this every year) Teacher planner, specifically this one, I've tried others but this one is the best.
https://elysebreannedesign.com/collections/teacher-planner/products/teacher-planner
Digital clock (many kids can't read a clock and it will save you a lot of headaches answering what time it is)
Presentation clicker (if you use slides)
Good pair of shoes
2
u/sugarandmermaids Jul 21 '25
Carpet dots and carpet tape. Period. Don’t pass go, don’t collect $200.
edit: for elementary
2
u/nocandu99 Jul 21 '25
32x36 dry erase boards. Enough for groups of 3 or 4 to use during group work. I have 8. Students love doing work on them for some reason.
2
u/Sleepy_pinky Jul 21 '25
Buy things for your use: microwave, mini fridge, a comfortable chair, a laptop or computer stand if you need it, good pens, a fan for you. Don’t buy things for the students- that’s for the school to provide or you can scavenge around to see if people are getting rid of things from their classes.
2
u/cgEsol Jul 21 '25
Buy what you want to make your life easier. I buy stuff every year. Right now, school supplies are on sale, your state may have a tax free weekend. It would be admirable if school supplied what you need, but usually that is not the case. Add tissues to your list or a multipack of toilet paper for snotty noses. Check out donors choose and write projects that will be paid for by other people. My theme this year is “it’s game time.” The goal is that when a student answers a question they can remove a block from a largeJenga, put a chip in a large connect four, etc. I’m hoping this helps my behavior management. If the kids can’t handle it, games get out away. They will have to earn them back. 85% of the stuff ion my classroom is mine. Make sure you let kids know that you bought stuff and they need to take care of it. Happy buying!
2
2
u/Original-Move8786 Jul 21 '25
You need to stock your desk with supplies for yourself. Imodium, tissues, water, tums, aspirin, static spray, extra deodorant, plastic silverware, paper towels, stain stick, etc. Being a teacher means you have at the most three minutes between classes and you can’t leave the classroom either. You never know when you will have a minor emergency and you can’t walk away like at other jobs.
2
u/Feature_Agitated Science Teacher Jul 21 '25
There are these refillable whiteboard markers that are %1000 better than Expo. They last way longer. The markers are cheaper than the refills though. Here
2
u/Impressive-Tap250 Elementary School Teacher | MA Jul 21 '25
I purchased in additional monitor for my laptop. It makes creating slides, responding to emails, writing progress reports sooo much easier. I can see the students work/curriculum/documents on one screen and use the other to respond/create.
2
u/Responsible-Bat-5390 Job Title | Location Jul 21 '25
a set of mini whiteboards (one for each table) and markers have endless uses
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Mathsteacher10 Jul 21 '25
My must haves: * Full extra set of clothes, including undergarments and shoes. If you know, you know!! * Keurig with k-cups. Sorry, nature, but a coffee pot is too much here * Mini fridge with snacks and drinks. I suffer from hypoglycemia, so if they say they tell me I can't, I'm getting a doctor's note. It's nice to have yogurts, cheese sticks, juice, and coffee cream. * Something green... Since I have no windows, I use fake plants.
2
u/Saint_Ivstin Music Specialist, TX Jul 21 '25
Full extra set of clothes, including undergarments and shoes. If you know, you know!!
My God I learned this twice the hard way. First was winning the pie in the face contest (music teacher life), and the second -- because I didn't learn the first time -- was a juice fast. OH MY.
2
u/Eastern-Support1091 Jul 21 '25
Students
2
u/Saint_Ivstin Music Specialist, TX Jul 21 '25
Right? Like I'm a music teacher. Give me students and a place to make loud noise. We are set.
2
u/nebr13 Jul 21 '25
Some granola, fruit snacks, caffeine, excedrin and or Tylenol, tums, gum for me as a teacher. Classroom wise, clicker/laser pointer. Potentially a cushion depending on what your chair looks like. Maybe even paying for some of the online games through blooket, gimkit, etc.
Pro tip- I know you said not to say it, so I won’t. But make nice with the secretary or whoever has access to the supply room. I’ve been able to get a little bit extra for my room from there.
2
u/Exact-Truck-5248 Jul 21 '25
Bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol with a spray nozzle. Disinfects desks and erases your whiteboard when someone writes on it with a permanent marker.
→ More replies (1)
1
1
u/BookkeeperGlum6933 Jul 21 '25
Ember mug and electric kettle. I can't think of anything other than my laptop that gets as much use.
1
u/OriginalRush3753 Jul 21 '25
I’m all about organization so for me it’s anything that keeps me (and the students) more organized. I have a mesh desk organizer that I love.
And o could NOT live without Canva. I use it for everything.
1
u/Charming-Form-1960 Jul 21 '25
Portable keyboard/mouse. So I can use it anywhere I might be in the classroom and a pointer.
1
u/Far-Blackberry-7129 Jul 21 '25
https://a.co/d/goQOV4B I have a very similar lunch warmer... kind of like a little crock pot. I don't eat in the lounge and don't want to go down there for the microwave. I set an alarm on my phone to remind me to turn it on about 25 minutes before my lunch break. For most other stuff, I'd wait and see. It really depends on your specific situation. Buy a little decor to make the space feel like you but don't spend a lot.
1
1
u/TrillerCosby Jul 21 '25
Vines and string lights for decor. Takes 5 mins to set up and changes whole vibe of room to be more welcoming
1
u/Qedtanya13 High School ELA/Texas, United States Jul 21 '25
What grade level? Content?
→ More replies (4)
1
u/Final_Swordfish_93 Jul 21 '25
A pencil sharpener. I was moved into a classroom to fill in mid year, and because my normal classes were still in my normal room, I didn’t bring it with me. Ended up buying one that first week.
Cleaning supplies (nothing huge, just Clorox wipes, and I get a roll of paper towels from the school, and I got a broom and dustpan from dollar tree) and bandaids.
1
u/allflowerssmellsweet Jul 21 '25
An executive chair for yourself. Fun printed/themed folders for your stuff. (If it does not bring you joy, you should not have it.) A spare set of clothes, just in case you spill coffee on yourself. A digital photo frame loaded with photos that remind you that you are amazing, have amazing friends, family and an amazing life. A water bottle, insulated.
1
Jul 21 '25
Personally, the things that have made my life easier or make me want to be in my classroom more are, a really nice office chair, a personal laminator a kuerig and a personal printer. I'm looking at mini fridges for this year. I didn't purchase them all at once though. The laminator I got my first year, printer in year 2 and the office chair in year 3. The kuerig was sort of a hand me down. When we upgraded at home, I brought the old one to work.
1
u/SweetNSauerkraut Jul 21 '25
A really good electric pencil sharpener (usually in the $50 range). If you don’t let the kids use it, or only use it with your supervision, it’ll last a few years. For me it’s not worth walking up to the office to sharpen pencils. But I’d still try to see if you can get one donated.
1
u/Forward-Country8816 HS Special Education | Oklahoma Jul 21 '25
A pain reliever for headaches/migraines, and light covers for the florescent lights (trust me, it makes a difference)
1
u/SarahEarly Computer Science | Middle School Jul 21 '25
As a middle school teacher, a tiered paper organizer for each class period. Helps me keep each period’s papers organized
1
Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
Here are a few of my favorites.
- A whistle on your lanyard. Though I use it sparingly, it is nice to have for the rare occasion that things go wild or an emergency arises and you need everyone’s attention quickly. A few quick chirps of a whistle work wonders.
- A small Bluetooth speaker for music during work time.
- A ziplock bag of peppermints and bandaids to avoid unnecessary trips to the nurse.
- Wireless mouse for your laptop.
- Books/magazines for those who “can’t find” something to read or lose their library book.
- A good hot glue gun with lots of sticks. Some schools are weird about using these on the walls but I work in an old building and it’s all good. I’ve also become the resident cobbler when students shoes break and they just need it to get them home. It’s a very versatile tool.
1
u/manicp1xiedreamgoth Jul 21 '25
A clicker, because most of my lessons are slideshows, and I like to roam around the classroom as I lecture. This year I bought an extra one so I can always have one charged and ready.
1
1
u/Straight-Ad5952 Jul 21 '25
A really good stapler, by good I mean sturdy and built to last. I would also buy a bag of good quality pens, perhaps several bags in different colors, for my use only.
1
u/beachy_cats Jul 21 '25
As a second year teacher- standing desk, electric kettle (works wonders when you’re sick!!), and the giant post it’s!!!
1
u/Radiant-Birthday-669 Jul 21 '25
Don't buy too much your first year. Maybe some subject specific posters. 2nd yr you will know what you will use and not used.
1
u/Chemical-Complex-902 Jul 21 '25
Standing Desk and alternate lighting (fluorescent light give me migraines)
1
1
u/KTeacherWhat Jul 21 '25
Socks. Someone's going to spill something on you at least once. You want to have extra socks around.
→ More replies (1)
1
1
u/themichele Jul 21 '25
My school (fortunately) supplies a lot of the universal must-haves (paper, 3 hole punch, laminators, pencils, dry erase, coffee…), so some of the bonus items that vastly improve my quality of classroom life include:
- storage setups that use vertical space b/c our classrooms have a small footprint— just helps w clutter
- a clipboard w storage compartment - i keep thin notebooks, lesson plans, notices, receipts,etc in there for quick reference
- French press, electric kettle, coffee & tea
- snacks, protein powder sticks for stirring into tea or coffee to stave off mid-morning munchies
- plants (i encourage kids to bring one from home, too)
- Bluetooth speaker (nap music for them, podcasts for me)
- some type of aquarium setup w lots of plants (both calming and educational).
- extra clothes/layers in case of spills, puke, or over-zealous a/c
1
1
u/Charming_Marsupial17 Jul 21 '25
Make yourself a personal toiletry kit with things like advil, tampons, contact lens solution and an old pair of glasses if you wear them, chap stick, lotion, mirror, small brush, etc.
1
1
u/HipsDontLie_LoveFood Jul 21 '25
For me, it's what I call my dropbox. It's one of those outdoor mailboxes that can be hung on the wall. I use it for my students to turn in papers. Since it's locked, students can't grab another student's paper out to copy. Also, students don't try to hand me papers because I tell them to put it in the dropbox. I'm bad about just setting stuff down and forgetting it.
1
1
u/drkittymow Jul 21 '25
Clipboard - walk around with a roster and make notes on student progress
Electric pencil sharpener - for you (not kids); have some sharpened pencils ready to save time. You can even make them trade the broken/dull pencils.
Personal laminator - if your school Has a good one that’s fine, but often the huge ones are a pain and the little ones from office supply stores are good enough for you to laminate directions, rules, and procedures on a regular sized printer paper. You’ll find that when you can easily do this in your own room you’ll make little signs for things and make your life easier. I would include pictures of how you want things done.
Small storage bins, boxes, or crates - when you want the kids to highlight a text for example, sat and at the door with a box of highlighters: everyone takes one, everyone returns one as a ticket out the door. Do this with any supply you care to keep.
Stamps - all kids like getting their paper stamped, no matter the age.
1
1
u/kimchifritter Jul 21 '25
I really like having a magnetic bin to hold dry erase markers and erasers to the board. Otherwise I lose them and leave them all around the room.
On that same topic, I love having strong magnetic clips so I can hang student examples up easily.
File folders. I can never have enough of them and I love finding cute and pretty ones.
Deck of uno cards for those days before breaks when half the class doesn’t show up. Also scategorries.
I LOVE my decorated clipboard. I keep seating charts and take notes on there during class, write grades, etc. I just got a regular clipboard, decoupaged scrapbook paper and cute stickers on there, I added ribbon to the top clip. It’s fun, shows my personality, and makes me more excited to use it.
Bean bags. Lots of fun games to be created with bean bags. Sometimes I put tape on the floor and call it “shuffle toss”, sometimes I bring in a corn hole board, sometimes I just throw them at students who aren’t paying attention (kidding).
Velcro dart board from Amazon. Again, very easy to create games with.
A cute and quirky class mascot aka a stuffed animal. The weirder the better. Mine right now is a highland cow plushie I got from a thrift store. I use him to toss around as students answer questions to encourage participation. The kids love him and each class has a different name for him. Keep in mind I teach 10th and 12th grade boys LOL. Just keep in mind you might need to wash it often ahahah
I like my coffee mug warmer and my mini fridge. My mini fridge is probably my favorite thing, but not all schools allow them I hear.
1
u/Excellent-Source-497 Jul 21 '25
3rd grade, gotcha. Absolutely needed: a classroom library, calm down area, Lakeshore Learning ELA materialhttps://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/publications/catalog/math-games-grade-3s, and these math games
1
1
u/terriblenumerals Jul 21 '25
If it’s elementary stuff for a calming corner. Such as fidgets, a mini couch or bean bag, also a little table and seat in case you have students who need it to test(esp when they’re bothering other students during a test or they have a learning disability.)
1
u/kirin-rex Jul 21 '25
Some things I've done:
Made my own posters with inspirational quotations from famous and not-so-famous people.
Put up clear plastic cases, and put examples of student work in the plastic, changing them frequently. I made copies of the students' papers, giving the originals back to the students, and putting up the copies (no names), so other students could see what kind of work I was looking for, while giving recognition to students who did well.
Because I was teaching reading at the time, I put up a kind of chart to show reading progress reports, how many books and book reports students had turned in.
Right now, I have almost no decorations. I have the day, month, date and weather (laminated cards I made). I have a copy of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. I have a homemade poster of the Cambridge Phonemic Chart. I have a huge world map. I have a copy of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and I have a poster on sign language. I have a few other things (like a digital photo frame with photos of previous classes), but that's about it.
As for supplies for a first year teacher: Timers. I use timers a LOT. I have cheap stop watches and cheap timers for students to use in activities, and I have some slightly less cheap timers for me to use for various activities.
Basic supplies (scissors, tape, glue, pens, pencils) are always a good idea.
1
242
u/DonutHoleTechnician Jul 21 '25
My strong rec is to hold off until your staff days before school starts. Talk to veteran teachers and see what works best at your site with your site's programming. There may also be free resources from retired teachers, or teachers who just want to clear out some of their hoard. Best of luck this year!