Best School Supplies for Teachers I Wish Existed When I Started Teaching

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School supplies for teachers have come a long way. Back when I started teaching, most of the tools we use today didn’t even exist. If they had, my life as a teacher would’ve been so much easier.

The long hours, the chaos, the paper piles—it could’ve all been cut in half with the right supplies.

If you’re a new teacher (or even a seasoned one), knowing what tools actually help can save your time, your sanity, and maybe even your weekends. This list is full of just some of the classroom tools I wish I’d had from day one. They make class run smoother, help students stay on track, and give teachers like us a bit more breathing room.

My Early Years: Teaching Before Tech

I started teaching in the 90s. No teacher workstation computers, Wi-Fi, smartboards, or cell phones to name a few.

We took attendance on paper at first. Then came computers… but only a few teachers could check attendance at a time. The challenge was that we never could figure out how many “a few” was.

All we knew was that when we went to check attendance, we were bumped off. We seriously had to take turns just to mark who was present. Imagine how long and frustrating that was.

As a result, we didn’t want to use computers because it was faster to complete the attendance by hand and send the paper down to the office with a student.

Every classroom didn’t have a TV like we do today. I was teaching in a portable building (which I loved) when 9/11 happened, and none of the portables had TVs.

The school day had just begun and the kids were starting to get picked up and checked out for the remainder of the day.

Again, we didn’t know why.

We had no clue what was going on until we walked inside the building for a restroom break.

Because we didn’t have access to information at our fingertips like we do now, those of us that were outside in portables were in the dark about what tragedies were taking place in real time.

Furthermore, there were no educational and behavioral apps for student engagement, no online gradebooks, or classroom tech tools.

Students had to copy information from either the chalkboard or the overhead projector. “Sharing my screen” was not a part of our English language.

If you needed copies, you didn’t have a laser printer in your room. You crossed your fingers and prayed that the copier down the hall was available and wasn’t jammed—again.

Today’s supplies are honestly incredible because they solve problems I didn’t even know could be fixed back when I started teaching.

So here’s what I wish I had back then—what I’d absolutely buy first if I were starting over.

1. Staple-Free Stapler

No more digging out jammed staples or running out at the worst time. I use this to keep student work together without sharp edges or extra supplies. It’s perfect for quick packets, notes, and classwork—especially for younger students.

2. Rechargeable, portable blender

This little blender lives in my classroom. I use it for my protein shakes and smoothies 1st thing in the morning and midday. It charges fast, cleans easily, and keeps me from skipping lunch. Total energy boost without leaving the room.

3. Name Flip Sticks

I use these every single day to call on students, form groups, and keep turn-taking fair. They’re simple, colorful, and make classroom routines feel more fun. The best part? My students light up the second I reach for the jar.

4. Inspirational Privacy Folders

These folders are great for testing or independent work time. They help students focus while also giving them little confidence boosts with the motivational quotes. I keep a set ready at all times.

5. Game Show Buzzers

Review games, spelling bees, math facts—you name it. These buzzers bring instant energy and excitement. My students beg for buzzer rounds, and they help even shy kids participate.

6. Sharpener for Colored Pencils

Finally, a sharpener that doesn’t chew up my colored pencils! Saves so much frustration. Smooth points, no broken leads—totally worth it.

7. Translation Earbuds

These have made parent communication and working with multilingual students so much easier. The real-time translation helps me handle conferences and daily conversations without stress—and it makes families feel seen and supported.

8. Large Mesh Zipper Pouches

I use these for everything—puzzle storage, station materials, center games, etc. They’re see-through, sturdy, and save me from the chaos of random bins and loose pieces.

9. Critical Thinking Cards

I love pulling these out during our advisory periods. They spark real conversation and push my students to explain their thinking in fun, low-pressure ways.

10. Voice Level Chart

This chart helps set the tone in my classroom—literally. I use it to give students a clear, visual reminder of expected voice levels. The lights make it impossible to ignore (in the best way).

11. Presentation Clicker

No more walking back to the computer to change slides! This clicker lets me keep teaching and moving about the classroom without breaking flow. I can sit in a student desk near a disruptive student and still keep control of the lesson.

12. Chair Pockets

These are a lifesaver in classrooms without built-in desk storage. I use them to hold folders, notebooks, and any other supplies for each student. They keep materials organized, reduce floor clutter, and even have a slot for name tags—which makes seating clear and routines smoother.

13. Student Grouping Pencils

These are so fun for mixing things up! I use them to create random partner or group combinations on the spot. It saves time and removes the “Who do I work with?” drama.

14. Conversation Cards

I use these in our advisory period during our relationship-building/social and emotional learning (SEL) time. They’re thoughtful without being too serious, and they’ve helped create real connections. Students enjoy talking about the question and hearing others’ perspectives. Even those quiet students are provoked to speak.

If you’re new to teaching or just want a smoother start to the school year, these supplies can truly help. They’re not just nice-to-haves—they’re sanity-savers.

When you have the right tools, you can focus on what really matters: helping kids learn and grow. Not every student shows up with their own supplies. Not every classroom is fully stocked. But when teachers come prepared, everybody wins.

Start small. Pick one or two tools to try. You’ll see the difference fast—and so will your students.