Top 10 Teacher Must-Haves (Not Supplies!)

Is it really that time? I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for that 5:30 am alarm to ring. I love my job, but I really HATE getting up early! However, there is something that gets me in the mood for back-to-school: shopping. And I’m not talking about classroom shopping here, I’m talking about “for you” shopping with a twist! These will be things to buy for you, but it’s ok to buy them because you “need” them as a teacher. You can probably even use a few of these as tax write-offs (depending on your state of residency), so save your receipts. And without further ado, here are the top 10 teacher must-haves to get your school year started off right!

1. Water Bottle– In fact, you’ll probably need more than one. It’s important to stay hydrated during the school day! Also, I find during those first 2-3 weeks, I talk ALOT. And my throat gets dry. Having a water bottle handy is a lifesaver in those moments, when you just need a moment. The best ones are the stainless steel ones that keep your water cold all day, but I, also, love a good Tervis!

2. Insulated Lunch Bag w/ Reusable Containers- You’ll want a decent sized cute lunch bag to haul your lunch to school each day and keep it cold. And it’s great when they come with an ice pack and containers for packing your food. I really like the ones they have at Sam’s Club! Packing your lunch is healthier and more budget-friendly. For lunch ideas check out my post 10 Super-Easy Teacher Lunch Ideas.

3. Bag/Backpack– Use whichever you prefer, but you will want something to carry back and forth between home and school. It just needs to be big enough to hold your laptop and a couple other small items. My other small items are a pen, notebook, and folder. This bag tends to go with me to off-campus PD as well. Tip: Don’t get too large of a bag/backpack. This will help you limit what you bring home to work on. For more on not bringing your work home check out my post How To Leave Your Work at Work.

4. Comfy Shoes- You’ll want at least one go-to pair of comfy shoes, but, more likely, two. I like to have a pair I wear with socks and a pair of sandals for the warmer months. Brands like Skechers and Clarks are great! Tip: Always make sure your sandals have a back strap, especially elementary school teachers. You never know when you’ll have a runner.

5. A Cardigan- Schools get chilly! And sometimes they’re sweltering. It depends on the day. So it’s best to keep a cardigan in your classroom. Something neutral and easy to wash is best. Be sure to bring it home once in a while to wash it.

6. Chair Lumbar Support Cushion– This one becomes more of a must-have the older I get. Do yourself a favor now and invest in one. Your back will thank you. Teachers spend more time sitting than you would think and, let’s face it, the chairs at school weren’t made for prolonged sitting. In fact, sitting in some of them feel like downright torture! So, now, the chair I sit in most has a cushion attached to it and it really does help lessen some of the aches and pains I used to go home with.

7. Ergonomic Mouse– All that computer work takes a toll on the tendons. Since switching to the ergonomic mouse I have much less of an issue with finger, wrist, and arm pain that would creep up at all the benchmark times when I was spending hours at a computer. So, if you’re having any unexplainable pain in those areas, give an ergonomic mouse a try!

8. Wrist Rest– Another way to save your tendons from overuse that cause pain! I don’t use the keyboard one because it’s difficult to use with a lap top, but the one for the mouse is wonderful!

9. Laptop Stand– More pain prevention by getting a laptop stand. This makes it so you can raise your computer to eye level. This alleviates neck and eye strain. This was a newer purchase for me and it has made a world of difference!

10. Coffee Mug– I’m sure you already have one or ten of those! 😂 However, I point this out because I tend to bring my gift mugs home and, then, don’t have one at school when it’s needed. I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I know many teachers are! And I still keep one in my classroom within easy reach (for hot chocolate on a cold day).

While I can’t guarantee the behavior of the students you’ll have in class, I can guarantee that if you get everything on this list, you will have a more comfortable school year! Let me know in the comments which items you’re trying this year or add one of your must-haves! If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out 10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies.