Welcome back to school, Ma’am and Sir! Whether you’re a new teacher setting up your very first classroom or a seasoned educator with years of experience, the back-to-school season is always a mix of excitement and organized chaos.
But here’s one thing to keep in mind: you don’t need to buy everything yourself. Many schools, especially public schools under DepEd or well-supported private institutions, already provide some basic classroom or student supplies. This checklist is here to help you focus on what you really need to bring, what’s nice to have, and how to prepare smart without overspending.
For Everyday Use: Teacher Essentials
These are your daily must-haves or the things that will make your day-to-day teaching life smoother, whether you’re teaching Kinder or Senior High:
- Good-quality pens and markers (Pilot, Dong-A, or Panda brands are teacher faves)
- A durable teacher tote or backpack (big enough for test papers + planner!)
- Water tumbler and coffee flask
- Sticky notes and highlighters
- Index cards and envelopes
- Correction tape and stapler
- A reliable planner or lesson log notebook
Tip: Choose cute or personalized supplies to keep your spirits up! Little joys matter when you’re working overtime.
These are your go-to tools for keeping your classroom functioning smoothly. Some of these may already be provided by your school, especially if you’re in a public elementary or junior high school:
- Whiteboard markers and erasers (check what your school provides!)
- Bulletin board materials (cork boards, pushpins, tape)
- Scissors and glue
- Manila paper or cartolina for visual aids
- Extension cords and power strips
- Cleaning materials (alcohol, wipes, broom, dustpan)
- USB drive or external hard drive for lesson backups
Tip: Don’t overstock early in the year. Observe first what the school already has.
Decorative Supplies (For a Welcoming Classroom)
Creating a warm and inspiring space doesn’t have to be expensive. Decorations help students feel welcomed and make your classroom feel like home:
- Bulletin board borders, cutouts, and calendar sets
- Plants (real or fake)
Tip: Choose a color scheme or theme to make planning easier (pastel, minimalist, rainbow, etc.).
Student Supplies
Let’s be real, at least one student might show up without a pencil. But before you spend your own money, remember: many public schools distribute basic supplies at the start of the year, and private schools often ask parents to bring materials.
If you still want a personal backup stash, here’s what teachers usually keep:
- Extra pencils and pens
- Bond paper or pad paper
- Crayons and scissors (for younger grades)
- Incentive items (stickers, stamps, small prizes)
Organizational Supplies
Keeping your classroom tidy and organized can help make your day run more smoothly. These teacher supplies can support your setup, especially if you’re looking for practical ways to manage materials and space.
- Desk organizer or catch-all tray
- File folders, clear books, envelope folders
- Labels or washi tape for color-coding
- Clipboards or dry erase sleeves
- Rolling cart (especially for mobile or multi-grade teachers)
Classroom Organization Tips For Teachers
- Color code by subject or section using folders, bins, or labels.
Assign specific colors to different subjects (e.g., blue for Math, green for Science) or student groups. This makes it easy to quickly locate materials and keep papers or supplies sorted, especially when managing multiple grade levels or classes. You can also use colored washi tape or stickers to label notebooks and storage boxes for a quick visual cue. - Digitize your files through Google Drive, Notion, or Canva folders.
Keep lesson plans, worksheets, attendance records, and student assessments in digital folders for easy access anytime, anywhere. Google Drive is great for sharing files with colleagues or students, Notion can be your all-in-one planner and database, and Canva is perfect for organizing visual aids and presentations. Backing up your files regularly prevents last-minute panic when devices malfunction. - Schedule a weekly tidy-up! Even 10 minutes on Fridays helps a lot.
Setting aside a consistent time each week to organize your desk, materials, and classroom space prevents clutter from piling up. You can make this part of your Friday routine or even involve students in tidying certain areas. A clean environment contributes to a calmer, more focused learning atmosphere. - Set up a substitute folder with class info, seating charts, and extra activities.
Prepare a folder or binder with essential information a substitute teacher might need. Include class schedules, emergency procedures, seating charts, behavior expectations, and ready-to-go activities or worksheets. This helps maintain classroom continuity when you’re away and reduces stress for both you and the substitute.
Prep Smart with the Right Teacher Essentials
Starting a new school year is exciting, but you don’t have to buy everything on Day 1. Check what your school provides, ask your co-teachers, and build up slowly. Prioritize what you need to feel prepared, organized, and motivated.
You got this, Ma’am/Sir. Here’s to a meaningful and manageable school year ahead!
