Back to School Must Haves: Teachers’ Secret Supply List
Wednesday, September 9, 20154:44 PM
For students, back to school shopping means buying, borrowing, or otherwise scrounging up the typical supply lists: binders, folders, pens, highlighters, etc. This year I’ve added post-it notes to my list, but otherwise it’s fairly unremarkable.
But for teachers, back to school supplies take on a whole new meaning. If you’re anything like me and many of my colleagues, you know that you will spend untold hours in your classroom or office, working with students, grading papers, planning, and just catching your breath from time to time. The official school day may end before most other jobs, but the real responsibilities of a teacher take far more hours than the school day allows. And we deserve the supplies to be effective and comfortable in doing so. I’m taking more than a Staples shopping spree or supply closet raid--although those are essential--I’m talking the hidden supply list for teachers like us.
We all have that special ingredient that makes our meals better. Whether it’s a salad dressing, topping, spice, or sauce, have it ready to go. I might get called “hot sauce” around the office, and have gotten some strange looks when I ask students to bring me the bottle of Frank’s in my desk, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Teachers talk a lot. Whether it’s teaching, collaborating, or reaching out to parents or administrators, a lot of our day involves talking. Always keep the water bottle nearby to quench the thirst and save that dry throat. I’m a straw guy--when I use this water bottle with the straw, I drink 10x the water I used to in a nalgene. We have a water cooler in the office, and weeks like this one I think I drink it all.
But for teachers, back to school supplies take on a whole new meaning. If you’re anything like me and many of my colleagues, you know that you will spend untold hours in your classroom or office, working with students, grading papers, planning, and just catching your breath from time to time. The official school day may end before most other jobs, but the real responsibilities of a teacher take far more hours than the school day allows. And we deserve the supplies to be effective and comfortable in doing so. I’m taking more than a Staples shopping spree or supply closet raid--although those are essential--I’m talking the hidden supply list for teachers like us.
3 comments
I like to get myself some unnecessarily nice pens or other art supplies. I only share them under tightly controlled circumstances, if ever. This year it was gold and white pens for writing on black paper.
ReplyDeleteGreat additions for next year's list, Wendy. I used to love good grading pens in all colors, but since I've got mostly paperless, they've become less essential for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading and commenting!!
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