A teacher could quite literally go broke buying all the things. But, let’s not actually do that. Supplies new teachers actually need doesn’t have to break the bank though.
You just got hired for your FIRST teaching job! CONGRATULATIONS! Cue the confetti and music! But now, you start asking your teacher friends what you need, and you’re searching on Instagram, and very quickly you realize you need about 4,503 different things, and 6 billion dollars.
I’ve taught at 5 schools, 4 districts, and 2 states, and I’ve needed most of the same supplies at each. So what supplies does every new teacher actually need?
Here’s what you SHOULDN’T buy (at least not at first):
I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t ever buy these items, I just don’t think they should be at the top of your list. You really should wait until you know your official grade assignment (it can change at the last minute), your room assignment, and find out what IS and ISN’T allowed at/in your school and classroom.
- Grade specific items (your grade may change)
- Furniture – Wait on this. Trust me. You may decide that 25 wobble chairs are NOT right for you, your students, or your space
- Decor – Wait on this too. Or at least, spend less than what you think you should.
Supplies New Teachers Actually Need
Teacher Planner
- There are so many different teacher planners out there, and some that aren’t even consider “teacher” planners, but just planners in general.
- I personally LOVE Erin Condren’s Teacher Planner – it’s the best planner I’ve ever used. You can read more about them HERE.
- Find them here: Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planners
- You can save $10 on your very first order by using the referral link below:
Flair Pens
- Why I love them
- Perfect for grading, writing in my planner, notes, pretty much everything!
- They write so smoothly, and have a marker-feel
- Color coding
- They don’t bleed through the paper!
- Where to find them: Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon
- My favorites: “Tropical Vacation” pack…the colors are so dreamy! You can find them HERE.
- If the marker-feel isn’t for you, you may want to try InkJoy Gel Pens
Sticky Notes
- Much like my Flair Pens, I use sticky notes all.the.time. I love the variety of sizes and colors!
- Don’t waste your money on an off-brand – buy Post-It Notes #stickynotesnob
- You can read about lots of different ways I use sticky notes in my classroom HERE
- Favorite Sizes:
- 1 3/8 x 1 7/8 – I like these for my students to use during reading workshop, math, and really anything that I want them to be able to use sticky notes for. They’re a little smaller than the “traditional” size. >>>>>> Find them HERE
- 3×3 – Perfect for everything! >>>> Find them HERE
- 6×4 – Perfect for anchor charts! >> Find them HERE
Astrobrights Paper
- When I first started teaching, I wanted to print everything in color, because colors make me happy. And then, reality set it, and I realized that ink is expensive…especially color ink! So I started printing in black and white, but on colored paper!
- Astrobrights has so many beautiful colors to choose from!
- I order mine from Amazon because most of the colors are around $10/ream, it’s so much cheaper than getting it at an office supply store, and there’s more colors available online that I’ve ever seen in any store.
- Find LOTS of options HERE.
Cardstock
- Anything that I want to last longer than 5 minutes gets printed on cardstock and laminated.
- My favorite place to buy cardstock, both colored and white, is Michaels – it will go on sale 5 packs for $10, and I stock up. Plus, you can use your teacher discount!
- If you want more color options, have need lots of just one or two colors find them HERE.
Laminator // Laminating Sheets
- Speaking of laminating things…I actually purchased my very first laminator while in college, and it’s still going strong!
- I recently bought a new laminator to be able to have one at home and one at school. At just under $20, it’s so worth it!
- Laminator >>>> HERE
- Laminating Sheets >>>> HERE
Mr. Sketch Markers
- Because colors + yummy smells = FUN!
- My students LOVE it when I use Mr. Sketch Markers, and make oohs and aahs! I love hearing their guesses about what they smell like.
- THIS 12-pack is perfect!!! I use them for anchor charts, random happy faces while students are working, and everything else that could use a marker (and a fun scent)!
Reusable Dry Erase Pockets
- These reusable dry erase pockets are pure perfection, and they hold up so well! I like THIS pack from Amazon…I can even color code them for centers or workstations and it makes life so much easier!
Dry Erase Markers
- As far as I can tell, you can never have too many dry erase markers. I only use black ones, mostly because they erase the best, and I only use Expo brand.
- I like using the “bullet” tip rather than a chisel tip – I think they are more consistent in how they write #causeimpickylikethat
- But, I found that the thinner ones are better/easier for my kids to use during center
- Black Bullet Tip >>> HERE
- Black Fine Point >>> HERE
- Assorted Colors >>> HERE
Cordless Hot Glue Gun + Glue
- I only JUST even found out that this was a thing, and I wish I would have discovered it sooner. It’s seriously amazing. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby and used a 40% off coupon! #winning
Hook and Loop
- I use hook and loop on so many different things around my classroom. When I first started teaching I was buying it at Target or Walmart and spending a fortune.
- I found a never-ending roll (not really, but I’ve had it for 2 years and haven’t run out yet!).
Timer
- My classroom runs on this timer.
- It’s loud enough that my entire class can hear it, but not so obnoxious that I want to stomp it into the ground.
Pencil Sharpener
- A really, really, really good pencil sharpener.
- I swear by this one.
- Also, I NEVER let students sharpen pencils – they just don’t understand how to use it properly, and it’s not something I’m willing to have break again and again.
Stikki Clips
- These are life-changing. The have little wax dots on the back that adhere to anything, and leave ZERO residue.
- Buy a pack or two, and tell your friends! Haha!
Swingline Paper Cutter and Stapler
- Yes, it really needs to be Swingline. They are made to last.
Printer with HP Instant Ink – a splurge, but totally worth it!
- I feel like purchasing a printer was a yearly thing for me, and usually not because I wanted to, but because my printer bit the dust, or randomly started printing in funny colors, or wouldn’t print.
- I’ve had HP, Canon, Dell, and Samsung. I’ve had ink jet, and laser. And, I was pretty much unhappy because ink is so dang expensive.
- Once you have your printer, you can use THIS CODE for a month or two of FREE printing!
- Look around online for coupon codes to get a few months free.
- Here’s how it works:
- I pay a monthly fee to print up to 300 pages (color or black and white…it doesn’t matter).
- Ink is sent to my home automatically whenever I need it. It does this automatically without me having to do anything!
- You just have to have a printer that is compatible with the instant ink program.
Gift Card Options
- Scholastic Gift Card
- Erin Condren Gift Card
- Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card
- Amazon Gift Card
- Target Gift Card
Other Options to Consider (although they won’t last very long):
- Wine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
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- Easy Back to School Student Gift
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- 10 Must Read Books for Elementary Teachers
- Books to Build a Community of Learners
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