21 Things Teachers Say Make The School Year Easier

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2 days ago

An electric stapler with a 45-sheet capacity that laughs in the face of that sad, school-supplied stapler that can barely handle three. This one powers through thick packets without giving you carpal tunnel or requiring Hulk-like slams to get the job done.
Promising review: "Made my classroom productivity skyrocket. After debating this purchase for a long time, I finally made the jump. It allows me to staple 20–30 pages instantly. No more picking up a stapler, setting it down, picking it back up, misplacing it, dropping it, and everything in between—this has made my classroom management even better than it already was (and I'm a great manager of space and time). Having the extra time to eat my lunch, order groceries online, and text my husband when it's food-consumption time makes this product a huge win for me. I already have two teachers who bring their items to my classroom each morning to staple their printouts for the day. It really does save that much time. If it ever breaks, I'll buy it again (assuming it's out of warranty)." —CajunDragonGet it from Amazon for $47.57.
A label maker to make organizing your classroom that much more satisfying. Somehow smaller, less fiddly, and more efficient than the clunky traditional kind — without costing more. Just pull up the app, type, format, and print your way to the most aesthetically pleasing supply shelves of your career.
Promising review: "I'm a preschool teacher, and I use this for plenty of things in my room: homework folders, napping beds, you name it! It's easy to peel on and off, and the app is simple to use. You can also order new rolls with different designs for a decent price. I think it's worth it!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $17.06+ (available in three colors).
Or a Cricut Joy bundle for the teacher who has never met a 'quick project' they couldn't turn into a full-on Pinterest masterpiece. Use it to craft elaborate labels, custom bulletin board décor, DIY sticker prizes — basically anything your heart can dream up. This bundle comes with vinyl, iron-ons, insert cards, and a Cricut Design Space subscription so you can start creating immediately.
Make sure to check out Cricut's US teacher discount to get additional materials for less!Promising review: "This compact little powerhouse is an amazing asset in the classroom! I use it to label, organize, and even beautify the various items in my room. It's definitely a must-have if you're an avid teacher-decorator! Compact enough to store out of sight, yet powerful enough to cut (and even write) whatever you want. Highly recommend!" —CaitlinGet it from Cricut for $109 (originally $231.93).
A self-sharpening paper trimmer that can cut up to 15 sheets at a time — perfect for turning a mountain of worksheets into neat little stacks without driving yourself nuts trying to cut them straight with scissors. With a variety of different grid indicators on the base, you would basically have to go out of your way to make inaccurate cuts.
Promising reviews: "So useful as a teacher. Works just like I needed it to. Very pleased!" —sara"This was perfect for helping my sister cut stuff for her classroom. She didn't have time to go to the staff room and use the school's paper cutter so we got her her own!" —Mykenna HadlGet it from Amazon for $61.99+ (available in two sizes).
A folding utility cart that doubles as your mobile command center — perfect for hauling your stuff from the planning room to your car to the classroom without feeling like a pack mule. It has locking wheels to keep it steady, a lid so your supplies stay protected, and it folds up compactly when not in use.
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect with this cart, but I'm honestly so impressed. It's super lightweight, yet holds more than I thought it would. I've used it for everything: grocery runs, hauling supplies to work, carrying books and materials as a teacher, even as a rolling bin for weekend travel. It's been a total game-changer.The fact that it folds up flat is a HUGE plus. It doesn't take up much space in my trunk or closet, and unfolding it literally takes seconds. The handle extends smoothly, and the rotating wheels make it super easy to maneuver, even when it's full. I've pulled it across parking lots, sidewalks, and tile floors without any issues.The lid is also a nice touch. I've used it to keep things dry in light rain, and sometimes I even use it as a little makeshift seat while waiting. It's surprisingly sturdy and has held up well under weight.The green color is fun and easy to spot in a crowd. I've already gotten a few 'Where did you get that?' questions.If you're on the go a lot, this cart is a lifesaver. Whether you're a teacher, traveler, or just someone who's tired of juggling too many bags, this thing is worth it." —Stephy VirgosGet it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in four colors).
A presentation clicker, so you can teach without being glued to your laptop. Suddenly, you're Steve Jobs with way more glue sticks in your bag. Move through slides, adjust the volume, or point things out without standing right in front of your computer. Plus, it has a clip so you can attach it to your lanyard and never lose track of it.
Promising review: "This remote has been a total game changer for my classroom! I use it with my TV and Smartboard, and it works flawlessly with my Google Slides presentations. It's responsive, easy to set up, and saves me from constantly running back to my computer during lessons.The built-in laser pointer is a great bonus. It helps me highlight key points without blocking the screen or losing students' attention. It's small, lightweight, and fits perfectly in my hand. Highly recommend for any teacher looking to level up their classroom presentations!" —MeganGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two styles and five colors).
An all-in-one printer, so you aren't stuck relying on the school's ancient one — especially when you're choosing between printing and shoveling a few bites of lunch in between classes. This relies on ink wells instead of cartridges, which is dramatically more efficient. According to the brand, the ink bottles included with the machine can last up to two years. Imagine how much money and angst you'll save when you aren't replacing cartridges every few weeks!
Promising review: "When I made the decision to return to teaching, I knew I would need a printer. The one I had was going through ink so fast and a friend of mine suggested this one. I love that it came with ink, and it was easy to set up and install the app on my phone. I print a lot for my classroom and in color. I have only had to replace the ink once versus my other printer I was replacing the ink monthly. All the images in color and black and white come out clearly. It has a high capacity of printing and is a great product for the price. I would highly recommend this product, especially if you are a teacher or print a lot." —Miriam G. TorresGet it from Amazon for $189.99 (available in two colors).
A smart mug because the chances of you being able to drink a full cup of coffee before it cools without getting distracted are slim to none. This will keep your bevvies hot for hours — and it can even be used as a candle warmer when you aren't using it with the mug.
Promising review: "So glad I found this little gem. The auto on/off feature is this product's most valuable asset, and I'm especially impressed with how it keeps my tea at the perfect drinking temperature. As a tea drinker and a teacher, I often have cups go cold while I'm busy instructing or working with students. I'd never invested in a cup warmer for my classroom before because I worried I might accidentally leave it on at the end of the school day. This warmer only turns on when the weight of your cup is on the surface—perfect for busy people who still want to enjoy a warm beverage without the worry." —joneshoganGet it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors).
A thermal laminator, because laminating your bulletin board materials ensures they last more than a single season. Send your worksheets, task cards, and classroom signs through, too, to save on reprinting. It heats up quickly, works with standard laminating pouches, and turns your paper into something that could probably outlive your teaching career.
Promising review: "Four years ago, my teacher colleague and I both purchased laminators for regular classroom use. She bought this one, while I chose an alternative product, thinking some of its added features would be useful. After dealing with inconsistent heating, repeated jams, and not using any of the extra features I thought I would, my off-brand laminator died. My colleague is still using her original Scotch brand laminator, and I recently purchased this one as a replacement. I'm very happy with its simplicity, small size, and reliable performance so far. I should have bought this product a long time ago! It fits nicely in a drawer in my classroom and heats up quickly when I need it. The Amazon brand laminating sheets work well with it, too. I'm very happy with this laminator. Truly, I should have bought it years ago!" —DustGet it from Amazon for $39.99.
A visual timer that keeps both you and your students on track. It's easy to use and even easier to read, especially for kiddos who haven't quite mastered telling time. Stick it to the bulletin board with its magnets, prop it up on a desk with the folding legs, or hang it on the wall using the built-in divots.
Promising review: "I LOVE this timer in my first-grade inclusion class—and my students love it too! I love that it doesn't need batteries or charging; it's like an old-school kitchen timer. It's large enough for me to display on my whiteboard so the whole class can see. Another reason I love it is because it has two huge magnetic strips on the back that hold it securely to my whiteboard. It also has a stand for when I need to move it or take it with me to recess. After almost a full school year of daily use, it started to stop ticking and wouldn't go off. I contacted the company, and they responded quickly and sent me a replacement. I couldn't recommend this timer—or this company—more! I've already convinced three coworkers to buy one, and they love it too. The kids were so sad when the old one stopped working and felt lost without it. They are going to be thrilled when they see the new working timer tomorrow! Thank you, Secura!" —Heather TappanGet it from Amazon for $17.12+ (available in 10 colors).
An EZ Grader chart because it lets you figure out each kid's grade in 0.3 seconds flat — no mental math, no calculator, no staring into the void wondering if 17 out of 23 is a B or a C. Just slide the chart, get the answer, and use the extra time to go home and collapse on the couch.
Promising reviews: "Couldn't live without this in my classroom! Super easy to use and still in perfect condition after a year!" —Hannah"I've used one of these on and off for 27 years in the classroom. It makes grading papers so much faster than calculating scores. My student teacher loves using it so I bought her her own." —kathryn jacobsGet it from Amazon for $9.95.
A 120-pack of fidget toys you can use to stock your treasure chest of rewards — or just have them on hand for the easily distracted kiddos who will, through no fault of their own, inevitably get their fellow classmates all revved up.
Promising review: "If you are a teacher of any kind, this is an easy and effortless way to incentive your classes. It is great for a large age range of kids." —Jacq Hammer"I'm a special education teacher, and I give out fidgets and calming tools daily! This was a great pack with a variety of choices without a bunch of small, junky ones!" —Rayann TurnerGet it from Amazon for $17.99.
A 1000-pack of hook-and-loop dots if you want classroom materials to easily come on and off the walls — think activities, calendar pieces, or seasonal decor. The adhesive is strong enough to survive kiddos ripping things on and off over and over again, and they're waterproof, so they can even withstand the occasional juice-box incident.
Promising review: "I use these Velcro dots all the time! I've been a teacher for three years, and I make centers for my special education class using them. I've reordered them several times. They stick great — removable, but not too easily — and my students have never pulled any off. They make life so much easier!" —April HernandezGet it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three pack sizes and four colors).
A 24-pocket expanding file folder to make sense of the overwhelming amount of papers you'll be drowning in weeks into the semester. Sort assignments as you grade them, keep seating charts and lesson plans neat, or separate work from different classes so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. The accordion design keeps everything tidy and easy to grab, and it's sturdy enough to survive daily hauling between your desk, the copy room, and home.
Promising review: "I could give this thing a 10! I have 610 students for Spanish class and was skeptical about finding something that could hold participation calendars for 24 different classes, but this works WONDERFULLY. With this many papers, it stands up well, though don't expect it to fully close (which is a feature I don't even need). If you have fewer papers to file, it still works great, but it won't stand upright unless there's enough weight inside. The accordion style is exactly what I was hoping for. A+ for durability, storage, and ease of use! 👍🏼" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in five colors).
A 36-pack of dry erase boards, each of which comes with its own marker and eraser — basically enough for your whole class to brainstorm, solve problems, or play review games without wasting a single sheet of paper. They wipe clean easily, hold up to daily use, and make lessons more fun and interactive.
Promising review: "These are an absolute win for anyone needing a practical, durable, and convenient solution for interactive learning or group activities. I use them in a classroom setting, and they've been a fantastic addition! What Makes Them Great: Double-Sided Versatility: The boards are double-sided, offering plenty of space for students or participants to write, draw, and brainstorm. It's like having two boards in one! Generous Pack Size: With 26 boards and matching erasers included, this set is ideal for classrooms, tutoring sessions, or team-building exercises—no one is left out! Perfect Size: At 12.5 x 9 inches, the boards are large enough to write comfortably but compact enough to be portable and easy to store. Durable and Sturdy: The boards hold up well to regular use. The surface wipes clean easily, leaving no ghosting or residue behind. Convenient Erasers Included: Each board comes with its own eraser, which is a thoughtful and practical touch. The erasers are the perfect size for small hands but work just as well for adults. These lapboards make teaching more interactive and fun while keeping cleanup quick and easy. They're also a hit for homeschooling, small group discussions, or even family game nights. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality solution for learning and creativity!" —Papa DunnGet it from Amazon for $48.99 (also available in packs of 6, 12, 16, and 26).
A 360-pack of mechanical pencils so you don't have to endure the migraine-inducing whine of the electric sharpener every time a student wants an excuse to get out of their seat. At about 12 cents each, they're only a few cents more than wooden pencils. They're colorful and write smoothly every time, which means students might actually hold onto them for longer than a single class period.
Promising review: "As a teacher, I am constantly using and lending out pencils. These work well and were a good price. I highly recommend." —N KelGet it from Amazon for $41.99 (also available in packs of 84 and 162).
A work apron you'll especially appreciate during art projects, but you might honestly want to wear it all day long. Just think: You might actually make it to happy hour without having to scrub boogers or marker streaks out of your brand-new shirt! With several pockets, you can tote your phone, tissues, and anything else you need within arm's reach. The crossback straps keep your neck from aching, and the water-resistant canvas is built to last.
Promising review: "We purchased these aprons to use for our STEAM Enrichment Program Lab. Teachers are woodworking, exploding pumpkins, and doing messy art projects weekly. With these amazing aprons, they have been covered and clean! We actually would love a shorter smaller style for all of our students as well!" —Lab 11235Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in six colors).
A 410-pack of sticky notes in all kinds of colors, shapes, and sizes to make staying organized way easier and a lot more fun. The larger pads have little tabs that stick out of the side of a book, making it ridiculously easy to mark pages, flag lesson plan ideas, or find where you left off in grading. Bonus: they all come in a compact little booklet that's easy to toss in your bag, so you're never without a quick way to jot down or flag something important.
Promising review: "This product has been extremely helpful in keeping me organized during my first week back at school! The notes stick extremely well, and everything stays neatly arranged in the hard-shell case. This is exactly what I needed to get my year off to a great start!" —Celeste ArrowoodGet it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in seven colors).
A cordless hot glue gun, so you can tackle projects that aren't anywhere near an outlet — like repairing a bulletin board or gluing decorations straight onto a wall. Keep it plugged in all day so it's ready the moment you need a dot or two. Fully charged, you can use it cord-free for three minutes (reviewers say it works for even longer!). The charger even has a nonstick pad underneath the cannon to make drips easy to clean up.
Promising review: "This is the best hot glue gun for teachers because you can have it plugged in on your desk and use it anywhere in the room." —KoalatfriendGet it from Amazon for $19.49.
A 30-pack of dry erase pocket sleeves so you don't have to reprint the same worksheets or rebuild an activity every time a new group of kids comes through. Just slip the paper inside, let students write on the pocket with dry erase markers, and wipe it clean for the next group. Perfect for centers, small groups, or any activity you want to make last.
Promising review: "Love these! My students use them daily. I've created math mats with different types of math aids, and my students keep all of their math mats inside to work out their problems. I also use them in my centers. Students do their work on the mats, take a picture of their completed work, send it to me in Seesaw, and then wipe them clean for the next student. Saves on copies!" —Andrea HoreczkoGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three pack sizes).
A teacher planner that's unbelievably customizable. You can pick from dozens of covers and choose the lesson planner layout that actually fits your schedule, whether that's by subject or by hour. Load it up with add-ons for tracking things like expenses (you'll thank me when tax season comes around), student accommodations, parent contacts, pacing guides, birthdays, and more. You can even add gradebook pages and clear pocket folders, so all your teacher brain's tabs are in one place.
Tip: Leave it at school in case you need to take a day off unexpectedly. That way, the substitute has everything they need to make the day actually productive.Promising reviews: "Planners from here are always exactly what I need to start the school year off right!" —McKinleyP"Amazing planner! I'm going to be so organized this year!" —Corey B. Get it from For the Love of Pi for $59.99+ (available in a variety of styles and personalization options).