The start of a new school year is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between lesson planning, classroom setup, meetings, and preparing for students, teachers have a lot on their plates before the first bell even rings.
I am starting my tenth year of teaching this year and over the years, I’ve discovered that having the right supplies doesn’t just make teaching easier—it helps reduce stress, saves time, and keeps the classroom running smoothly. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, these are the back-to-school essentials that teachers actually use every single day.
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1. A Reliable Teacher Planner
A planner is one of the most valuable tools you’ll own during the school year. Keeping track of meetings, lesson plans, deadlines, parent communication, and important dates in one place helps you stay organized and reduces last-minute stress.
The Happy Planner is trusted by many teachers! The reason we love it so much is because it’s customizable and the cover can be used year after year. It is strong, durable, and beautiful! It uses discs for the spine that hold all of your pages in place, that can be interchanged with different colors and styles to your liking. This planner keeps planning fun!
Choose your Happy Planner Here!
2. Composition Notebooks
Composition notebooks are classroom staples. Use them for interactive notebooks, student writing journals, professional development notes, staff meetings, student data, or lesson planning.
If you love beautiful school supplies, explore the collection of Eleven Dragonflies Composition Notebooks featuring charming nature-inspired and seasonal designs that make everyday note-taking a little more enjoyable.
3. Flair Pens
Perfect for lesson planning, grading, color-coding, and creating eye-catching classroom materials.
4. Sticky Notes
Teachers use sticky notes for reminders, student feedback, reading groups, and quick classroom organization.
- Lined sticky notes
- 3×3 for everything sticky notes,
- Mini sticky notes for quick notes, labels, or feedback
5. Dry Erase Markers
A classroom can never have too many dry erase markers. My students use them on their personal whiteboards for learning and I use them all day long under my Elmo! We go through these things like crazy! This pack is definitely the best bang for your buck with a great variety of colors!
6. Personal Laminator
Hopefully your school has a big laminator, but many schools limit their teachers on how much they can laminate. Having your own personal laminator is essential for any little project you need it for. When choosing your laminator, you also need to consider the price of lamination sheets.. Those can get expensive quickly! This is the most affordable, but also an amazing choice for any teacher!
Amazon thermal laminator (available in different sizes)
200 pack basic clear laminating sheets
7. Door Bell
I know it sounds crazy, but you will wish you had this sooner! This is the perfect way to take control of your classroom and your sanity! Save your voice and set the expectation with your students. You can change the volume and tone to whatever you like! This has 58 chimes and 2 remotes to keep on opposite sides of the room, or put one on your lanyard.
8. Rolling Teacher Cart
Perfect for transporting supplies around your classroom and organizing daily teaching materials. This one has 15 drawers and is beautiful!
9. Desk Organizer
Keep pens, paper clips, sticky notes, and office supplies within reach. This desk organizer is simple, but is all you will need for your most important go to items you use daily. Pens, scissors, highlighters, sticky notes.. It holds it all and you can keep it at an arms reach!
Amazon Basic Mesh Desk Organizer
10. Teacher Bag
Carry your laptop, planner, lunch, and everything else you need daily in this backpack teacher bag. This is the one I use, and I love that it’s easy to carry, freeing up my hands for my coffee in the morning!
11. Extra Crayons
Hear me out… I know you are thinking, but the kids bring their own crayons.. Why would I need these… Trust me, you do! The black and white crayons ALWAYS get used up first. For art, directed drawings, or activities, you will at some point need a black or white crayon, but many students will most definitely not have one! You are welcome…
1.) Crayola 256 count with all colors
2) 80 count single color crayon pack
12. Wireless Presentation Clicker
Ideal for interactive lessons and presentations. This makes it so much easier when working with Google slides or Powerpoint. No need to go back and forth to your computer to change slides.
13. Desk Calendar
Every teacher needs this on their desk to organize and keep track of every IEP meeting, in service day and special events! This one is SO CUTE!
18 month 2026-27 Large Desk Calendar
14. Electric Pencil Sharpener
By far, the absolute BEST pencil sharpener that I have every used! This thing is not only efficient, but it’s fun to use! If mine ever breaks, I will be purchasing a new one IMMEDIATELY!
AFMAT automatic pencil sharpener
15. Poster Markers
These markers are not only essential for teaching, but they are fun to use! I use these to make posters with my class and for jotting down their thoughts and ideas during lessons. Plus they smell amazing! There is nothing more nostalgic!
16. Highlighters
An absolute must.. For teachers AND students. There is always something to highlight. I love having a variety of colors rather than the same highlighter yellow every time… I also love having both small and large sizes for different uses. Check out these beautiful colors!
Large Sharpie Colorful highlighters
Sharpie Pocket Pastel Highlighters
17. Heavy Duty Stapler
I don’t know how many teachers have borrowed this from me! I use it all the time as well! The main thing is for student packets, which I love to have for students throughout the year. This has come through for me (and my teacher friends) so many times! It goes through about 40 sheets and takes minimal effort.
18. Reusable Water Bottle
Teachers need to stay hydrated to keep up with those kids! I might have a water bottle problem, because I love them all! Here are my top 2 favorites because of their size and functionality.
19. Insulated Coffee Mug
Because every teacher deserves warm coffee. I just love Owala products! This insulated mug is perfect. It comes in multiple sizes, colors and with or without a handle! Customize it to what you want!
20. Blue Light Glasses
Save the headache and use these blue light glasses to prevent the regret later! Many blue light glasses you buy online and small, so I love these oversize large frame glasses. They are practical and adorable!
21. Compact Wireless Mouse
Having a computer mouse makes work more efficient and productive. This particular one has a small USB that doesn’t stick out far to get broke off, fits my hand comfortably and is easy to pack around.
22. Magnetic Marker Holder
Looking for your whiteboard markers will be a constant occurrence! Having this holder on my whiteboard has been a game changer! I am no longer looking all over for them after I have put them on my desk or wondered off with them… As long as I stock this thing and remember to put them back that is…..!!!
It even comes in multiple colors!
23. Comfortable Shoes
The most comfortable, adorable and versatile shoes you will own! These honestly go with any outfit and your feet will thank you at the end of the day. Many different colors to choose from too!
24. Wooden Clip Push Pins
These are the best thing for bulletin boards to display student work or for pinning things up on in your classroom. Keep the pins up and change out the papers. It makes your life so much easier in the long run!
25. Monthly Organization Bins
This is the best thing I have ever added to my classroom! This is the best way to organize everything, and you will find that there is A LOT of things each month. I have one for every month (minus July), which is labeled and easy to grab. Every time I have a project, special activity, or papers that are specific to that month, I throw it in the bin, so I can have it again next year. Game changer! When searching for totes, make sure they are at least 9″ wide so you can fit papers and folders in it. Check these out! I recommend these 12 quart bins. They come in a 12 pack!
Bonus: Come with a Positive Attitude!
The most important thing you’ll bring into your classroom isn’t something you can buy. A positive attitude, flexibility, patience, and grace for yourself and your students. This will carry you through the craziest school days.
Remember, you don’t have to have the perfect classroom. Students will remember how you made them feel far more than perfectly coordinated bulletin boards.
Make This Your Best School Year Yet
Preparing for a new school year doesn’t have to be stressful. Having dependable supplies, staying organized, and creating healthy routines can make a tremendous difference in how your year unfolds.
If you’re looking for practical tools to stay organized while adding a little beauty to your daily routine, don’t forget to explore the Eleven Dragonflies collection of composition notebooks and the Guided Self-Care Journal & Planner. They’re designed to help teachers stay productive, organized, and inspired throughout the school year. This planner is designed to help you organize your schedule, track healthy habits, practice gratitude, meal plan, and keep your busy life running smoothly.
Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with growth, learning, and moments that remind you why you became a teacher in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school supplies do teachers use most?
Teachers rely on planners, composition notebooks, dry erase markers, sticky notes, storage bins, Flair pens, laminators, classroom timers, and organization tools nearly every day.
What should every new teacher buy?
Start with a good quality planner, composition notebooks, classroom organization supplies, a comfortable tote bag, good pens, sticky notes, storage bins, and an emergency kit. These essentials will help you stay organized from day one.
Are teacher planners worth it?
Yes! A well-designed planner helps teachers organize lessons, meetings, deadlines, goals, and classroom responsibilities, making busy school days much easier to manage. It’s up to you whether you would rather go digital or with a physical copy!
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