Must-Have Classroom Supplies for Teachers: What New Teachers Should Know

If you are a teacher getting ready for your next year of the classroom, then you likely know that there is a broad spectrum of classroom supplies that you will need to have available in order to successfully execute a class. Among these supplies are the essential no-brainer items such as pens and pencils, but there are also the items that you may not think about in advance, such as rules and day planners. Without the spectrum of classroom supplies, you may find it difficult to teach your classes, and every teacher knows that being prepared is the key to having a good classroom experience.

Most classroom supplies are supplied by the school. Many teachers will either have a budget for purchasing items or there will be a host of items already available in the school supply closet. When possible, have your school or your school district pay for your classroom supplies. Many teachers will be given a budget for discretionary spending that they can use towards the purchase of classroom materials. These materials may be used for lesson plans or for decorating a classroom or bulletin boards.

In some cases, the school does not have a budget for all classroom supplies. In such cases, it is up to the teachers to purchases the classroom supplies on their own. While most teachers do find that they have to put their own finances into classroom supplies, it is important that you plan your classroom supply needs in advance so that you do not over-run your bank account. Remember: if you spend money on classroom supplies, save your receipts; these funds may be deducted from your taxes, which can come in handy around tax season! Check with an accountant for specific information about tax deductions for your specific purchases.

Do your best to map out your lesson plans in advance so that you can predict what classroom supplies you will need for your lessons. Know about how many of the basics you will need - such as pens, pencils, highlighters and chalk. Also, plan for the special needs for your classroom supplies, such as your lesson planner, teaching materials, special classroom events (such as food festivals).

When it comes to saving money and assuring that you have all of the necessary classroom supplies, planning is everything. Therefore, take time to plan well so that as many materials as possible can be budgeted for within the school or school district budget.