Must-Have Teacher Essentials

With all the excitement of getting our kiddos backpacks full of goodies for the school year, what about teachers? Don’t teachers need school supplies too?

Every year, throughout the summer, I slowly restock my small list of teacher essentials. It’s important for me to feel ready on the first day of school, just like my students.

Here are my teacher essentials to go back to school.

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Notebooks and Planners

I always restock my notebook and planners for the school year. Having go-to planners, and a journal ready to take notes and make plans when inspiration strikes is a MUST.

I have used the same type of teacher planner for nearly a decade. Keeping all my classroom’s day to day plans in one place within this planner is something I love.

I also have grown to require a durable journal for note-taking. Investing a little more than is typical is okay with me because I try to make my journals last one or even two years. To do lists and notes from trainings, podcasts, and books are kept in my journal. It has become an essential must-have for me.

This year, I am adding one more planner to complete this little teacher essential trio. My Infinite Agenda just released a new mid-year agenda to complement their line of planners and I love it! It’s the perfect size, and is ideal for me to use during the academic year. It’s actually specifically written for August to August planning. As a mom and teacher I plan to merge both my teaching calendar and family schedule in one place. Due to its ideal size, I can take it with me to and from work.

Footwear and Fitness

Last spring I dealt with a bout of plantar faciatis. Unfortunately, I now know that my feet are likely prone to the issue. So I did a lot of research and found a few products that have a made a huge difference (see the shoppable post below).

Also, I’ve learned that keeping my body strong through weight lifting, stretching and yoga I’m also able to keep the foot pain at bay. So I try to do a simple work out of weight training, yoga, or spin a few times a week.

Nutrition and Hydration

One of the most important things I can do as a teacher is keep myself healthy. So I prioritize nutrition and hydration daily.

I have invested in a vacuum sealed water bottle and coffee tumbler in addition to a slightly larger lunch bag. I like to eat as carb-free as possible throughout the day. So I try to have a few extra healthy snacks in my lunch bag if I get the munchies at work.

Instead of an afternoon coffee I enjoy a sugar free vitamin enriched energy drink. The b12 gives me natural energy and the additional vitamins help me stay healthy.

In general, water consumption is really difficult for a teacher with limited bathroom break opportunities. But I’m thankful to teach in a building where self-care is prioritized and this year my hope is to maintain healthy hydration.

Teacher Bag

I’m always hunting for the best teacher bag so I decided to invest in a nice backpack. I found a great computer backpack that is also wonderful for travel. Now I can easily take my computer back and forth from my classroom. It’s wonderful being hands free when I am lugging my gear in and out of meetings and various buildings around the district.

You can shop my list of teacher essentials right here.

Lunch bag set 2. Coffee Tumbler 3. Zipfizz 4. Vacuum Sealed Water Bottle 5. Wristlet wallet 6. Computer Bag 7. Note-Taking Journal 8. Brooks Anthem Shoes 9. Teacher Planner 10. Plantar Fasciitis Heal Seats 11. Teacher Lanyard 12. My Infinite Agenda Mid Year agenda—use PDH20 for 20% off!

I truly love this time of year. It is full of so much anticipation and excitement. Getting myself ready with a few teacher essentials is just another way I prepare my heart and mind for the school year ahead.