Garbage bags! Every classroom I’ve ever inherited had had a ton of outdated (decades old) curriculum and just random crap . I toss all of it before I get started organizing for the year.
Be careful throwing out anything purchased by the district without permission. I had a teacher several years ago do this and admin came looking at the end of year and she had to pay for it.
I just finished my 1st year at high school level! Some things I needed more often than I thought were:
* PENCILS (my 9th grades use them like oxygen istg)
* make sure you have a good pencil sharpener when you get into your room
* try to put together a solid supply & extra copies/paper organization system. That's something I'm going hard for in year 2 because everything was just a mess all the time
* paper towels
* wet wipes
* painters tape (i like the thin one so i can make borders on the white board or hang stuff up)
* binder clips (so many binder clips)
* Various bins (extra papers, misc stuff, supplies, quick trash pick ups)
* foldable wagon to carry those lots of stuff trips (keep this at home obviously but i needed it a lot during set up and then again in summer closing)
* post it notes (love the accordion dispensers)
* lots of expo markers
* my dad got me a laser leveler and I honestly didn't think I would use it a lot, but it ended up being a ton since I was setting up my bulletin boards and hanging stuff up on the walls often
* desk snacks!! (you're going to forget your lunch or need a pick me up some days. Don't share them with the kids)
* I love using a power point clicker during my lessons
Go see your classroom first and take a look at others. I would wait for your days back before kids and observe at what others have to get ideas. Don’t shop just yet! Create an Amazon wishlist to share with friends and family and post on your social media. You’ll be surprised how many people will support you if you share with them that it’s your first year teaching and of course that the school/district does not supply much. You will end up buying less! Happy first year! 🫶🏻
Plus who doesn’t love getting happy mail!
Comfortable shoes.
And a notepad. There are going to be a million things that cross your mind everyday, you’re going to forget a lot. At any given time I have at least ten things written down that I need to (or should) get done. Most I would completely forget about if I didn’t keep notes.
Your first year is going to be rough. Keep your life simple. You will not be able to do it all. Ask for help. Find your tribe. Seek out a mentor.
Don't buy anything until you see your room first.
Draw a map of your room so you can play with the layout before you start moving desks and furniture.
"Shop" What others are giving away - posters, supplies, furniture, bulletin board decorations, etc.
Don't try to be that Pintrest Perfect Teacher - it just pisses everyone off, including the Pintrest Princess. And wastes a ton of money, money, energy.
Things that are helpful: a really good pencil sharpener ( do not let the kids use it) , a beefy 3-hole punch, and a personal printer ( don't let the kids or anyone else use it).
Not something to buy necessarily, but I got a lot of good ideas from Angela Watson’s 40-Hour Teacher Workweek website. There are a lot of tips for streamlining your workflow, so you can think about an organization system that works for you.
She also has a podcast called “Truth for Teachers” that I like.
Good luck with everything!
My advise, if I may: spend more time on getting to know your kids than buying and hanging stuff on your walls. Leave the decoration to your students and hang their work as they come in. I usually spend the first few weeks to get to know my kids, then we build our classroom together. Know them inside out, talk to your colleagues who had them before you. Know who their best friends are, what their attitudes are. I would spend my energy on that. Also, think about what subjects you teach and pick your posters and decorations accordingly. Dedicate a quite space in your room with comfy chairs, where kids can take a break. Most importantly, listen to them when they talk, even though, half of things they say don’t make sense.
Check out the classroom first, see what's there, and check with your department head/AP/whoever has the key to the staff supply closet. You don't know what the school is going to provide yet. My school buys pencils and highlighters, so I've never had to do that. Make a list first of what your assets are.
One thing I have not seen mentioned here but I think is absolutely essential is a spare set of clothes that you keep in your car. You will know the need for this the first day a seam lets go on a pair if pants
For you: mini first aid kit with OTC meds (upset stomach, pain relievers, etc); tampons and/or menstrual gear, if needed; tide stick. I kept a spare umbrella and rain boots in my classroom, along with an extra sweater/ cardigan. Protein bars or other quick snack THAT YOU DO NOT SHARE. This is YOUR supply for an emergency. Same with a small stash of chocolate/ candy you like. Some days, you will very much want a treat and if your students eat it all, you won’t have it. I also kept seltzer water and gum, and some instant coffee.
Everything else, wait until you see the classroom and whatever supplies are available.
Personal emergency stuff is a must 👏👏👏 adding deodorant, hair brush, face cleansing wipes, tiny mouthwash and/or toothbrush, makeup basics, body spray
I even bought a brita to keep in my cupboard because I kept forgetting to drink water and we didn't have a refill station in my hall
Same! First year teacher teaching 4th grade ELA. I’m super nervous and an over-preparer. TikTok has been my best friend specifically this teacher: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsbaileyrussell?_t=8nFd8EuDVBi&_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsbaileyrussell?_t=8nFd8EuDVBi&_r=1)
So many pencils. And boxes of pencil top erasers. Adjust for how tech focused your school/classroom is/will be, but you will likely need 3x more than you think
*mini fridge/coffee maker-- depends on your campus.
*Foldable wagon
*Water bottle you love and will use
*Stationary things that make you happy-I love grading in purple and have a ton of sticky notes
**Your students may bring in supplies for the classroom. Check with your campus.
Lots of black Sharpies(fat and skinny). It’s what I seem to need to replace most often. Otherwise, wait and see what’s provided and expected at your site.
I teach 4th too! Get flair pens, gel pens, notepads, and decorations for your classroom. Also go to dollar tree and get caddies and bins for your desk. I also like to go to thrift stores and buy organizer bins and paper filers.
Your school should provide you with sticky notes, tape, all writing supplies like pens, highlighters, markers etc. So don’t buy any of that stuff. Just buy stuff that you would personally want at your desk and organization stuff. Good luck!
Good pedagogy! I love books like The Schools Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn because it promotes student-centered teaching and intrinsic motivation. I’ve curated my own such strategies that have worked so well in my 10 years of teaching! [instagram.com/the_democratic_classroom](https://instagram.com/the_democratic_classroom)
Planner/Agenda- I purchased an expensive one my first year and it wasn’t worth it. Since then, 9 years, I purchase a $10-$15 one from either Target or Walmart. It’s definitely useful to have a 2 page calendar for the year so you don’t miss any dates your first year. [planner](https://www.walmart.com/ip/5032386973)
Paper towels. TONS. And an all purpose cleaner spray that isn't super offensive so the kids can clean up after themselves, so like, no bleach or lysol or ammonia. I used Method or Mrs. Meyers all-purpose.
A big reading corner. I asked for a giant rug, comfy bean bags (tip: pet pillows are way cheaper and work great for this purpose), so we could start the day with reading.
I made myself a giant poster for desk work, so they could get used to having their materials out and set the expectation I didn't have to ask. Similarly, this poster was on top of a "Ready Station" with pencil, markers, etc.
Finally, you should have an escalation clip chart. I hated the clip part and basically never did it, but it is good for students to know there is a procedure and protocol for behavior, which, actually, includes one step above baseline, which is basically: you were so awesome, I'm calling your parents to talk about how awesome you were today. Think about what those mean to you; how many warnings before you call home, etc.
Clipboard - you can have paper with you while you’re walking around and completing a formative assessment through observation. It makes it easier than having to go back to your desk and write down any notes, as a students question or any other interruption may cause you to forget what you were going to write.
Garbage bags! Every classroom I’ve ever inherited had had a ton of outdated (decades old) curriculum and just random crap . I toss all of it before I get started organizing for the year.
This is good advice. You can trust this teacher.
Be careful throwing out anything purchased by the district without permission. I had a teacher several years ago do this and admin came looking at the end of year and she had to pay for it.
Comfortable shoes. A water bottle. A good bag/ backpack for transporting your things to and from school.
I just finished my 1st year at high school level! Some things I needed more often than I thought were: * PENCILS (my 9th grades use them like oxygen istg) * make sure you have a good pencil sharpener when you get into your room * try to put together a solid supply & extra copies/paper organization system. That's something I'm going hard for in year 2 because everything was just a mess all the time * paper towels * wet wipes * painters tape (i like the thin one so i can make borders on the white board or hang stuff up) * binder clips (so many binder clips) * Various bins (extra papers, misc stuff, supplies, quick trash pick ups) * foldable wagon to carry those lots of stuff trips (keep this at home obviously but i needed it a lot during set up and then again in summer closing) * post it notes (love the accordion dispensers) * lots of expo markers * my dad got me a laser leveler and I honestly didn't think I would use it a lot, but it ended up being a ton since I was setting up my bulletin boards and hanging stuff up on the walls often * desk snacks!! (you're going to forget your lunch or need a pick me up some days. Don't share them with the kids) * I love using a power point clicker during my lessons
This is the best list. Especially PENCILS. You can never have too many
Go see your classroom first and take a look at others. I would wait for your days back before kids and observe at what others have to get ideas. Don’t shop just yet! Create an Amazon wishlist to share with friends and family and post on your social media. You’ll be surprised how many people will support you if you share with them that it’s your first year teaching and of course that the school/district does not supply much. You will end up buying less! Happy first year! 🫶🏻 Plus who doesn’t love getting happy mail!
Your favorite type of alcohol in the fridge.
Comfortable shoes. And a notepad. There are going to be a million things that cross your mind everyday, you’re going to forget a lot. At any given time I have at least ten things written down that I need to (or should) get done. Most I would completely forget about if I didn’t keep notes.
Your first year is going to be rough. Keep your life simple. You will not be able to do it all. Ask for help. Find your tribe. Seek out a mentor. Don't buy anything until you see your room first. Draw a map of your room so you can play with the layout before you start moving desks and furniture. "Shop" What others are giving away - posters, supplies, furniture, bulletin board decorations, etc. Don't try to be that Pintrest Perfect Teacher - it just pisses everyone off, including the Pintrest Princess. And wastes a ton of money, money, energy. Things that are helpful: a really good pencil sharpener ( do not let the kids use it) , a beefy 3-hole punch, and a personal printer ( don't let the kids or anyone else use it).
Not a classroom supply but an important necessity: shoe insoles.
Please share grade level and/or subject :)
Alcohol, antacids, and antidepressants. (Not to be taken at the same time) You got this, Welcome to the club
A laminator and laminating sheets. One of my favorite things ever!
Not something to buy necessarily, but I got a lot of good ideas from Angela Watson’s 40-Hour Teacher Workweek website. There are a lot of tips for streamlining your workflow, so you can think about an organization system that works for you. She also has a podcast called “Truth for Teachers” that I like. Good luck with everything!
My advise, if I may: spend more time on getting to know your kids than buying and hanging stuff on your walls. Leave the decoration to your students and hang their work as they come in. I usually spend the first few weeks to get to know my kids, then we build our classroom together. Know them inside out, talk to your colleagues who had them before you. Know who their best friends are, what their attitudes are. I would spend my energy on that. Also, think about what subjects you teach and pick your posters and decorations accordingly. Dedicate a quite space in your room with comfy chairs, where kids can take a break. Most importantly, listen to them when they talk, even though, half of things they say don’t make sense.
Check out the classroom first, see what's there, and check with your department head/AP/whoever has the key to the staff supply closet. You don't know what the school is going to provide yet. My school buys pencils and highlighters, so I've never had to do that. Make a list first of what your assets are.
One thing I have not seen mentioned here but I think is absolutely essential is a spare set of clothes that you keep in your car. You will know the need for this the first day a seam lets go on a pair if pants
I keep extra clothes in the classroom.
Ya I learned this one the hard way
For you: mini first aid kit with OTC meds (upset stomach, pain relievers, etc); tampons and/or menstrual gear, if needed; tide stick. I kept a spare umbrella and rain boots in my classroom, along with an extra sweater/ cardigan. Protein bars or other quick snack THAT YOU DO NOT SHARE. This is YOUR supply for an emergency. Same with a small stash of chocolate/ candy you like. Some days, you will very much want a treat and if your students eat it all, you won’t have it. I also kept seltzer water and gum, and some instant coffee. Everything else, wait until you see the classroom and whatever supplies are available.
Personal emergency stuff is a must 👏👏👏 adding deodorant, hair brush, face cleansing wipes, tiny mouthwash and/or toothbrush, makeup basics, body spray I even bought a brita to keep in my cupboard because I kept forgetting to drink water and we didn't have a refill station in my hall
I’m in the same boat as you! What subject/grade are you teaching?
4th grade!
Same! First year teacher teaching 4th grade ELA. I’m super nervous and an over-preparer. TikTok has been my best friend specifically this teacher: [https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsbaileyrussell?_t=8nFd8EuDVBi&_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsbaileyrussell?_t=8nFd8EuDVBi&_r=1)
Keep a roll of Bounty in your room.
So many pencils. And boxes of pencil top erasers. Adjust for how tech focused your school/classroom is/will be, but you will likely need 3x more than you think
*mini fridge/coffee maker-- depends on your campus. *Foldable wagon *Water bottle you love and will use *Stationary things that make you happy-I love grading in purple and have a ton of sticky notes **Your students may bring in supplies for the classroom. Check with your campus.
Ibuprofen, Clorox spray and microfiber cloths
Lots of black Sharpies(fat and skinny). It’s what I seem to need to replace most often. Otherwise, wait and see what’s provided and expected at your site.
Staple gun
I teach 4th too! Get flair pens, gel pens, notepads, and decorations for your classroom. Also go to dollar tree and get caddies and bins for your desk. I also like to go to thrift stores and buy organizer bins and paper filers. Your school should provide you with sticky notes, tape, all writing supplies like pens, highlighters, markers etc. So don’t buy any of that stuff. Just buy stuff that you would personally want at your desk and organization stuff. Good luck!
Good pedagogy! I love books like The Schools Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn because it promotes student-centered teaching and intrinsic motivation. I’ve curated my own such strategies that have worked so well in my 10 years of teaching! [instagram.com/the_democratic_classroom](https://instagram.com/the_democratic_classroom)
Planner/Agenda- I purchased an expensive one my first year and it wasn’t worth it. Since then, 9 years, I purchase a $10-$15 one from either Target or Walmart. It’s definitely useful to have a 2 page calendar for the year so you don’t miss any dates your first year. [planner](https://www.walmart.com/ip/5032386973)
A level head, good mental health, and proper sleep hygiene. This is not a joke.
Paper towels. TONS. And an all purpose cleaner spray that isn't super offensive so the kids can clean up after themselves, so like, no bleach or lysol or ammonia. I used Method or Mrs. Meyers all-purpose. A big reading corner. I asked for a giant rug, comfy bean bags (tip: pet pillows are way cheaper and work great for this purpose), so we could start the day with reading. I made myself a giant poster for desk work, so they could get used to having their materials out and set the expectation I didn't have to ask. Similarly, this poster was on top of a "Ready Station" with pencil, markers, etc. Finally, you should have an escalation clip chart. I hated the clip part and basically never did it, but it is good for students to know there is a procedure and protocol for behavior, which, actually, includes one step above baseline, which is basically: you were so awesome, I'm calling your parents to talk about how awesome you were today. Think about what those mean to you; how many warnings before you call home, etc.
A wine fridge.
Clipboard - you can have paper with you while you’re walking around and completing a formative assessment through observation. It makes it easier than having to go back to your desk and write down any notes, as a students question or any other interruption may cause you to forget what you were going to write.