Whether you’ve already been offered a teaching position or you’re anxiously waiting for a post-interview phone call, your mind is most likely spinning wondering how to prepare for first year teaching. It might have been 16 years ago, but I can still totally remember that feeling! It seemed like my list of first year teacher must have supplies was endless! Friend, I’ve got you! We all know the first year salary for teachers isn’t going to fund a full-classroom shopping overhaul. So I’ve put together a list of first year teacher must haves that won’t break the bank – even on a first year salary for teachers!
1. Teacher Lesson Plan Book
When it comes to finding the perfect teacher planner, I’ve learned it takes time. There are so many wonderful varieties and options out there. Do you like a simple, clean design or something super cute and themed? Is it important that you can take out pages and move them around or can them be fixed in the binding? How much space do you need to write for each subject? SO MANY options!
The first and most important question you have to ask yourself is: digital or paper. Once you know that, you’ll have a better idea of where to start looking.
Personally, I prefer a good, old-fashioned paper planner.
I like to have it open on my desk so I can see the week at a glance at any given time. When I begin a a new unit, I take out last year’s planner and flip through last year’s lesson plans to see what I did, read, etc.
One downfall is that teacher planners can get expensive! If you’re looking for one that fits your first year salary for teachers, you can always use a binder with planner pages inside. I’m on year 16 and this is STILL what I do! I like the flexibility to move the pages around or take out pages when my plans change. And believe me, that will happen often!
Tip: I’ve found it super helpful to leave a post-it with notes of the good, bad and ugly at the end of each unit. That way I don’t make the same mistakes the next year. I can’t tell you how many times this little tip has saved me!
2. Garage Sale Finds
Okay, this might sound kind of vague, but garage sales and yard sales can be an invaluable resource for finding your first year teacher must haves! Plus your finds will most likely be at a price that fits that first year salary for teachers. Also, don’t forget the online garage sales you can find on Facebook. Many communities have virtual Facebook garage sales where items are constantly being added by community members. Try to keep an open mind when you’re looking. My first year, I bought 2 really ugly shelves. But after some elbow grease, paint and cute contact paper they were perfect for my classroom and lasted me many years!
Some items to look for are:
- books
- board games
- lamps
- shelves
- baskets
- flexible seating options like stools, beanbags, or foutons
- crafting materials like fabric scraps, sequins, buttons, ribbon, etc
- STEM materials like Legos, Magnetic Tiles (This is how I scored my awesome set!), wooden blocks
- office supplies
Tip: When searching online, try searching for teachers who are retiring. You might hit the jackpot!
3. Classroom Theme
Story time: My first year teaching I went ALL IN on a frog theme in my classroom. At the time, the teacher stores were filled with these adorable frog covered borders, bulletin board set, labels, stickers, name plates, etc. You name it, they had it and I bough it ALL! And yes, it was super cute … at first. But before long, I grew tired of seeing this frog’s bulging eyes staring at me from every corner of my room. If only I had known a veteran teacher who could have warned me not to go all in on a theme I didn’t LOVE!
Fast forward, one of my favorite things to do is to transform my classroom to match various units I teach. Because of this, I like to keep my day-to-day theme simple and timeless. I decided on a rainbow theme. I love the way my classroom always looks so bright and cheery. Here is the theme I’m currently using:
I made this set because I’m picky. Every set I looked at was missing something I use in my classroom – desk plates, tens frames, word wall letters, library book basket labels, etc. I also wanted an alphabet line that had the print and script letters lined up so the kids could see the two letter versions together. Plus, how cute are these mindset posters? I absolutely LOVE how everything turned out!
You can check out the entire theme or each item separately at my Teachers Pay Teachers store HERE.
4. Teacher Lunchbox
I have some bad news and some good news for you new teacher.
Bad news: You didn’t pick a career that will allow for company covered business lunches at Panera.
Good News: Remember how exciting it was when you got to pick out a brand new lunch box for school every August? Well, still get to do that for the rest of your life!
You might think this sounds kinda lame, but I still get really excited to pick out the perfect lunchbox! There are so many fun options out there. Extra points if it has a matching water bottle. Isn’t that such a teacher thing to say? Here a couple of my current favorites on Amazon that I’m thinking about for next school year:
I like how simple and stylish this one is. It looks small really does hold a good amount. Plus, at $12.99 you can’t beat the price! You can find it HERE.
This one is a little more expensive at $37, but it comes with these awesome Bento containers. I’m all about saving on plastic waste and saving room in my cabinets with less storage container mess! You can find it HERE.
I’m in love with the color of this one! Isn’t it cute? Bonus! Right now it’s on sale for $11.99. You can find it HERE.
5. Student Grouping Sticks
I know you don’t think you’ll have a favorite student. Really, I don’t want to either. But without you meaning to (and sometimes without you even realizing it) there WILL be a student you tend to gravitate toward. We’re human so it’s hard to stay 100% unbiased. These sticks are a must for making sure you’re being fair when calling on volunteers.
You can buy these online. Amazon and teacher stores have many options. Personally, I like to have the students make their own stick for the year. It’s a simple first week of school activity for the kids. Just make sure you keep the kids’ names on one side. That way once you call them, you can flip the stick over so you know who still needs to be called on.
6. Electric Pencil Sharpener
You won’t regret this purchase. You’re going to be amazed at how many pencils needs to be sharpened every single day! Most electric sharpeners should last a long time – especially if you keep it in a “teachers only” space away from all tiny hands! I’ve had this one and liked it:
7. Classroom Sign with your name
There’s something about walking up to your second home – I mean your classroom and seeing your name to welcome you. Really though! Your classroom is where you spend most of your daytime hours. It should have touches that make you smile just like your home. I’m loving so many of the designs on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorites:
I’m thinking about buying this one for next year. It matches my rainbow classroom theme perfectly!
I think this one is so simple and beautiful.
First year teacher, I’m so excited for you! This is going to be a year you’ll always remember. It WON’T be easy, but you’ll learn so much about yourself and what you’re able to accomplish when you put your heart into something. I hope this list of just a few first year teacher must haves is helpful in some way. Just know, there’s no way to know exactly how to prepare for first year teaching perfectly. Just believe in yourself and know that you’re doing great every step of the way!
Go get ’em teach!