Every teacher needs the right supplies and materials in their classroom in order to effectively teach and boost student engagement and success. Many of these items can be found at most stores and are relatively affordable. Some of the items, such as a whiteboard or pens and paper, are necessary for every teacher. Other items, such as a computer or supplies for special-needs students, may be specific to certain teachers or classrooms.

Here are 35 essential items that every teacher should have in their classroom that are guaranteed to help you bring out the best in your students.

What Are the Essential Things That Teachers Need in Their Classrooms?

Teachers need many things in their classrooms in order to provide a quality education for their students. Teachers also need to be able to communicate with their students and get them on board with the lessons being taught. These essential items vary depending on the teacher’s experience and preferences, and they include:

1. Hand Sanitizer

One of the many things that teachers need in their classrooms is hand sanitizers. This is because hand sanitizers can help to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.

In addition, hand sanitizers can help clean hands when teachers and students are not able to get to a sink. There are many different types of hand sanitizers that are available, and most of them are affordable.

2. A Good Dictionary

A dictionary is an important tool for any teacher, especially for those who teach English as a second language. Not only will it help you understand unfamiliar words, but it can also be helpful when looking up definitions or pronunciations.

3. Paper Towels

One of the many things that teachers need in their classrooms is paper towels. Paper towels can be used to clean up spills. This is important, as it can help keep the classroom clean and tidy.

Additionally, paper towels can also be used to dry your hands off. This is important as it can help prevent the spread of germs. Finally, paper towels can also be used to wipe down desks and other surfaces.

4. Water Bottles

Water bottles are a necessary item for all teachers in their classrooms. Water is essential for keeping your body healthy and functioning properly. It helps regulate your body temperature, digest food, and transport nutrients and oxygen throughout your body.

Teaching is a physically demanding job, especially if you have a large classroom. You can easily become fatigued if you don’t drink enough water throughout the day.

Therefore, it is necessary for teachers to stay hydrated in order to focus and be alert during class. When you’re dehydrated, it’s difficult to concentrate on anything else but your thirst.

5. Disinfectant Wipes

One of the many things that teachers need in their classrooms is disinfectant wipes. This is because germs can easily spread in a classroom setting.

By having disinfectant wipes readily available, teachers can quickly and easily clean surfaces that may have been contaminated. In addition, using disinfectant wipes can help to prevent the spread of illness among students.

6. Extension Cord

There are a few things that all teachers need in their classroom in order to be successful. One of those items is an extension cord. An extension cord is important because it allows teachers to have more flexibility when teaching.

For example, if they want to move around the classroom or use a projector, they can do so without having to worry about unplugging anything. Additionally, an extension cord can be used to power multiple devices at once, which can come in handy during busy class periods.

7. Pencil Sharpener

In every teacher’s classroom, there are a few key items that are needed in order for the class to run smoothly. A pencil sharpener is one of those items. A pencil sharpener keeps pencils sharp and ready to write with. A dull pencil can lead to frustration and poor workmanship.

8. Stapler/Staples

Staplers can help keep students organized. When students have papers to turn in, it is helpful to have them stapled together so they stay together.

This makes it easier for the teacher to grade them. Staplers can also help teachers save time. It can also help keep classrooms neat and tidy.

A stapler is helpful when teachers are creating worksheets or handouts for their students. Additionally, a stapler can also be used to attach posters or signs to a wall.

9. Sticky Notes

Teachers are constantly looking for ways to make their classrooms run more efficiently. One way to do this is by using sticky notes. Sticky notes can be used for a variety of purposes in the classroom.

One way to use sticky notes is to have students write down what they need to remember for homework or upcoming tests on a sticky note and then stick it to their desk or locker. This will help the students stay organized and not forget anything. 

10. Paper Clips

Paper clips have a variety of purposes in the classroom. For one, they can be used to keep papers together. This is especially helpful when there are several handouts for students to take home or when notes need to be collected from students during a class discussion.

Paper clips can also be used to hold cards together for games or activities, which can make them easier for students to handle.

11. Dry Erase Markers

One of the most important things that teachers need is a set of dry-erase markers. Dry erase markers are necessary for writing on boards and whiteboards. This allows teachers to write out instructions, problems, and solutions for their students to see. 

Additionally, when students have questions, they can raise their hands and write the question on the board so that the teacher can answer them. Without dry erase markers, teaching would be much more difficult and less effective.

12. Cabinets/Shelves

Teachers need cabinets or shelves in their classrooms for many reasons. They need a place to store their materials so they can easily access them when they need them.

They also need a place to store their students’ work so they can keep track of it and grade it. Without this, it can be difficult to keep the classroom organized and tidy.

 

13. Label maker

Teachers need a label maker in their classroom to help organize things and make life easier. With a label maker, they can quickly and easily label bins, folders, and other supplies.

This can help them stay organized and keep track of everything in their classroom. Additionally, it can also help students learn how to organize and identify different items.

14. Magic Eraser

A Magic Eraser is a household cleaning product that can be used to erase marks from walls, floors, and other surfaces.

This item is beneficial for teachers because it allows them to erase any markings or writing that may have been made on the surface of the classroom, whiteboard, or chalkboard. In addition, a Magic Eraser can also be used to remove dirt and dust from surfaces.

 

15. Letter tray

A letter tray is a small plastic or metal box with slots for holding letters. It can be used to store flashcards, worksheets, or other materials that students might need during class.

Having a letter tray in the classroom can help keep materials organized and easy to find. This can help teachers save time during the class and reduce distractions for students.

16. Magnetic clips

Magnetic clips can hold up papers, notes, or any other type of material that the teacher may need. Another great thing about these clips is that they are very versatile. They can be attached to a whiteboard, a corkboard, or even a refrigerator.

This allows the teacher to have easy access to whatever they need while teaching. Magnetic clips are also very affordable, so they are a great option for teachers on a budget.

17. Desk organizer

One of the many things that teachers need in their classroom is a desk organizer. This is because it can help keep them organized and efficient.

With a desk organizer, teachers can easily store all of their materials within reach. This includes things like lesson plans, textbooks, writing utensils, and more.

Additionally, having a desk organizer can help reduce distractions. When everything has a designated spot, it’s easier to stay focused on the task at hand.

18. Flair pens

Flair pens are ideal for teachers because they write smoothly and come in a variety of colors. This makes them perfect for grading papers or writing notes to students.

Additionally, Flair pens have a thick barrel that makes them comfortable to hold, which is important when you’re writing for extended periods of time.

19. Command hooks

One of the many things that teachers need in their classroom is command hooks. These hooks can be used to hang up posters, decorations, and other materials. This can be really helpful for teachers because they can help keep the classroom organized and tidy.

Additionally, command hooks are really easy to use. All you have to do is stick them to the wall, and then hang whatever you want on them. They come with adhesive strips that will hold whatever you put on them firmly in place.

This makes them a great option for teachers who are looking for ways to keep their classrooms neat and organized.

20. Paper organizer

A paper organizer is one of the most essential tools for any teacher. A paper organizer can help keep your desk clean and organized. This is especially helpful when you’re grading papers or preparing for a lesson.

They’re a great way to track student progress. You can use paper organizers to keep track of students’ grades, test scores, and other academic information.

In addition, it can also help teachers stay on top of their work schedules. With all of their assignments and due dates listed in one place, it’s easy to stay organized and plan ahead.

21. File folders

Teachers need file folders to store paperwork and other important items. In addition, folders can help teachers keep their classrooms organized. File folders come in different colors and sizes, so it is easy to find the right folder for the job.

Teachers can also use file folders to store student work. This is a great way to keep track of each student’s progress.

22. Paper lesson planners

While some teachers may prefer technology-based lesson planners, others find that paper lesson planners work best for them. There are several reasons why teachers need paper lesson planners in their classrooms. 

First, paper planners allow teachers to see the whole week or month at a glance, which helps them plan and organizes their lessons. Additionally, paper planners provide a space for writing down meeting notes, student assignments, and other important information.

23. Clear ruler

While not all teachers may consider it a necessary item, a clear ruler is definitely something that should be in a teacher’s classroom. A ruler can help students measure and draw lines accurately, which are both important skills for elementary students to develop.

In addition, rulers can also be used for more creative purposes, such as making designs with paper or drawing straight lines on charts to track student progress.

24. Paper cutter

A paper cutter is important for so many reasons. First, it allows teachers to quickly and easily cut out paper shapes for craft projects. This can save time and help keep the classroom organized. Additionally, it is perfect for cutting out large sheets of paper for posters or bulletin boards.

Having a paper cutter in the classroom is definitely something that teachers should not be without. It makes their lives much easier and can help them save time when preparing for lessons or creating displays.

25. Staple remover

Teachers need a staple remover in their classroom for a variety of reasons. It can be used to remove staples from papers, which can then be recycled.

Additionally, it can be used to open up staples that have been used to bind together multiple sheets of paper, which is often the case with worksheets or tests. This allows teachers to quickly and easily separate the pages so that they can be distributed to students.

26. Plastic bins

Bins come in handy for a variety of tasks in the classroom. For example, teachers can use them to store materials for upcoming lessons, place students’ homework in them after it is collected, or organize classroom supplies.

Also, bins make it easy for teachers to keep track of what materials they have and what they need to stock up on. This is especially helpful when preparing for a new semester or when a student unexpectedly leaves class early and leaves behind their work.

27. Correction fluid

Correction fluid is a must-have in any teacher’s classroom. It can be used to correct mistakes on paper or to cover up things that shouldn’t be seen.

This is a product that many teachers find helpful, and it can be used in a number of different ways. This handy tool can help teachers ensure that their students’ work is as perfect as possible.

28. Washable markers

Teachers need washable markers in their classrooms for a variety of reasons. First, they are great for labeling items in the classroom.

Additionally, they can be used to write on the board or whiteboard. This is especially helpful for teachers who like to use visuals in their lessons. Finally, washable markers can also be used for activities such as coloring sheets.

29. Educational Globe

There are many things that teachers need in their classrooms, but one of the most important is an educational globe. Globes can help teachers teach their students about geography and the world around them. 

Globes can help students learn about different cultures and how people live in other parts of the world. They can also help students understand why things are the way they are, and how events in one part of the world can affect people in other parts of the world.

30. Pencil eraser

One of the most important items needed in any teacher’s classroom is a pencil eraser. A good eraser can help teachers erase mistakes quickly and easily, without having to worry about ruining the paper or making a mess. 

Without a pencil eraser, teachers would have to rely on other methods to remove unwanted marks from their papers, such as using their fingernails or a piece of cloth.

However, these methods are not as effective as using a pencil eraser. Additionally, pencil erasers are also helpful for removing dirt and dust from paper.

31. Pens and pencils

There are a few things that all teachers need in order to do their job effectively in the classroom. Pens and pencils are two of those things. There are many reasons why having pens and pencils in the classroom is important.

One reason is that they can be used for taking notes. When teachers are taking notes, they can write down important information that they need to remember.

Another reason why teachers need pens and pencils in their classroom is so that they can grade papers. Grading papers is a very important part of being a teacher, and it can be difficult to do without pens and pencils.

32. Highlighters

Highlighters are important for teachers because they allow them to emphasize key points in a text. This is especially helpful when preparing for a lesson or when reviewing material with students.

Highlighters can be a helpful tool for students when they are trying to remember specific information that was presented during class or when they are taking notes during lessons.

33. Wall clock

There are a number of items that teachers need in their classrooms in order to be effective educators. One of the most important is a wall clock.

A clock is essential for keeping track of time, and it’s especially important for teachers who are giving timed tests or who need to keep track of when class is supposed to end.

It’s also helpful for keeping students on track since they can see how much time is left in a lesson or test.

34. Scissors

Scissors can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting paper to trimming hair. They are an essential tool for any teacher. Scissors can be used for a variety of purposes in the classroom, such as cutting paper for crafts or projects, cutting string or fabric, and more.

Additionally, having scissors available can help students who need to cut something quickly, such as when they are working on a project. It is important for teachers to have scissors in their classrooms so that they can help their students with various tasks and projects.

35. Duct Tape

There are many things that teachers need in their classrooms, but one of the most important is duct tape. A duct tape is strong. It can hold together broken pieces of furniture or equipment, and it can keep boxes closed and secure.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, having the necessary items in your classroom can make your teaching experience much more successful. From having supplies for hands-on learning to having a whiteboard for interactive teaching, these items can help engage your students and promote learning.

Make sure to stock up on these essential items before the school year begins, so you can be prepared for any teaching opportunity that comes your way.

In addition, these items can help to make the learning experience more enjoyable and productive for both the teacher and the students. By having these tools available, the teacher can create a more organized and efficient learning environment. Thanks For Reading!