Are you a teacher that struggles to know how to make your life easier and be ready to teach? If the answer is a yes then you must read on to find out some top teacher tools that are must-haves in my teacher toolbox.

All teachers have tools in their teacher belts for classroom management, social skills, problem-solving, and organizing materials. Some of the tools on the list might not seem like a big deal; however, the small things can and do make a big difference when used to save time. These tools might look like everyday items that you have or that you already use daily.

This list is not exhaustive but; what I have found to be essential to my teaching system. If you are a new teacher; please do not get overwhelmed I have come up with this list over time. Please take some of the advice and save yourself the struggle and have more of your time back. I learned some of these the hard way. I want you to not go through the pain to feel like you can be the successful teacher that you are. 

   Top Teacher Tool: The laminator

     Yes you can buy a cheap laminator however this is where most teachers make a mistake yes we have a budget but this is worth the investment over time. This might be the number one tool for teachers. Especially if you teach little ones. I love the Fellowes brand for many reasons the ease of use, the short warm-up time, and the quality can’t be beaten. The laminator that I have is the Fellowes 2 125 laminator. I bought mine on amazon because it had the best price and arrived quickly. This laminator warms up in less than 5 seconds. Now, this is a time saver and who wants to save time? Heck yes for me! This laminator can do both heat and cold lamination.

Teacher Tool: Lamination Sheets

Not every lamination sheet is the same and with that said Fellowes is the best and the most durable for longevity and durability. I love the Fellowes brand for this as well. I have used other brands and let me tell you some of them are flimsy and hard to work with. Some of the other lamination sheet brands that you might have used may be the reason why you might hate to laminate resources. That’s because you are using the wrong laminator and the wrong sheets. The Fellowes 5 mil lamination sheets are the best. I love amazon for the price for these also; staples can also have some good deals. 

I also love the Fellowes self-lamination sheets. These are great for putting labels on and sealing the labels onto bins. An added bonus is they do not leave a residue when taken off of surfaces so there is less clean-up.    

Teacher Tool: Five File Organizer

Each folder is a day of the week. I also put my lesson plan for the week in the top folder to help a substitute if needed.

This tool for myself was my first true teacher tool that changed my mindset for the day. This organizer has helped me to prep ahead of time and keep my focus at the moment on supervision. 

My toddlers need a fast pace transition and do not always like to wait.  This is a huge time saver and will allow you to have the time to teach the skills that are needed.

Teacher Tool: Markers and Pens

   This might seem a little unnecessary but treat yourself to some new markers and pens for back to school. This might seem ridiculous but this will help with your mindset for the new year. I love getting new markers and pens that are just for myself to use in the classroom. I started this when I found that most of my favorite items for prepping happened to be at home. Now I have two sets and I never miss a beat. This helps me to look forward to coming to school when I have the proper tools to work successfully,

Teacher Tool: Scissors and Paper Trimmer

 Paper trimmers come in handy in so many ways. I use them when I want a crisp look that you just can’t get with scissors. The trimmer gets the job done with one slide of the blade. With teaching toddlers, I cut activities then laminate, and then cut again. Make sure I have straight lines for special projects, and bulletin boards, with cutting pictures the trimmer always makes them stand out. I love the  Fiskars SureCut Portable Paper Trimmer, 12 Inch Cut is the perfect tool to get the job done.

For other jobs where scissors are needed do not buy the cheapest pair. You will not like them and they will hurt your hand if you use them often and for long periods of time. A good pair of scissors will last you years so pay a little more upfront and your hand with thank you later. You deserve to have tools that help and not hurt you. 

The next few tools for teachers that I like are small items that you might not think of but come in handy and once you start to use them you will not go back. These tend to be on the cheaper end.

Teacher Tool: Velcro dots and command hooks

I use velcro dots with file folder activities and other matching activities throughout the year.  In preschool classes, some teachers put velcro dots on the chairs and put name tags on them for the placement of kids at the tables. These come in handy and keep pieces together and not lost.

 I use a variety of command hooks in my room. They are convenient and easy to use. I use them to hold up the string to display artwork, the bigger hooks I use to hold my teacher bag and jacket up, and to keep other tools off the counter. Command hooks are also great for small books to add to a center for their ideas. If you teach young toddlers with pacifiers the hooks can hold those pacifiers and a label maker can make the name. 

Teacher Tool Bonus: Double-sided tape and binder clips