17 Teacher Tools That Helped Me Build Better Habits

Inside: Discover everyday teacher tools that can streamline your teacher life and support your well being, both in and out of the classroom.

Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The links are included to provide easy access to items I have personally chosen, purchased and used in my own classroom. 

From Madness to Manageable

When I first began teaching kindergarten, I flew by the seat of my pants.

Every. Single. Day.

My mornings were crazed and there was never time to pack a lunch. I ate cafeteria food. I drank tons of Diet Pepsi. I forgot staff meetings and missed memos that said, “Dress like a Pirate Day is tomorrow!” (Aaaargh!)

And I “handled” all that stress with afterschool runs to the convenience store for chipwiches, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and on really bad days – both!

That was 16 years ago, and I’m still just as busy, but I’ve slowly created better habits, using great teacher tools, that have saved time, helped me become more organized, and increased my overall wellbeing as a teacher.

Here is a list of some of those “teacher tools.”

Time-Saving Teacher Tools

Emeals – I started using this app when my kids were in high school and they would constantly ask my least favorite question, “What’s for dinner?” The annual subscription was equal to one trip to Panera’s (where we were regulars) so I thought it was worth a try.

Each week it sends me a customized meal plan for our lifestyle (i.e. classic family then, low carb now) and recipes that fit the number of servings needed for our family. When it’s time to meal prep, I just click on the recipes we like and it automates a shopping list. Easy peasy! Now, we eat out a lot less, eat healthier, have tried lots of new dishes and and have upped our cooking game! And the bonus – the leftovers become my lunch for the next day.

Revlon One-Step Dryer and Volumizer – It’s laughable that I’m including a “beauty product” here, because that has never been my area of expertise. But show me something that will cut down on the amount of time I need to get ready in the morning and I’m all in. This hair dryer definitely delivers on its promise of one easy step to dry and straighten your hair. It also leaves it with a silkier feeling that I love.

Bloomz, Remind, See Saw Family communication apps are a quick and efficient way to communicate with parents and have been a game changer for me. At the end of each day, I ask, “Is there anything I need to share with parents?” and then boom – it’s done! I no longer send flyers or do a weekly newsletter, which means less on my teacher to-do list each week. I’ve used and would recommend all three, but you’ll need to find the one that best meets your needs.

Audible Audio books have allowed me to enjoy so many great books, that I never would have had time for otherwise. I mostly listen to professional development and personal growth books that help me stay positive and motivated throughout the day. I can enjoy them while I’m cooking dinner, folding laundry, or driving to and from work. I especially enjoy the ones that are narrated by the authors who wrote the books such as Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey or Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Brother Label Maker I was guilty of thinking that label makers were only for perfectionists and those with OCD. But now I realize just how handy this teacher tool is to label drawers, folders, binders, cubbies, bins, tool boxes, supplies, and more. And this one has fun fonts and different colors to play with!

Scotch Thermal Laminator Another tool that I waited waaaaaay too long to purchase. It always seemed silly to buy my own when the school had one. But here’s the thing, it was often broken, out of film, or not available during the back-to-school laminating rush. So, I’d run to Staples and pay way more than it would have cost to just buy a laminator. I keep mine at home, but you might keep it at school or even share it as a grade level. And the laminating pouches aren’t as expensive as I would that thought – you can get a 100 pack for about $12.

Bella Electric Tea Kettle – I always grab a cup of tea on my way out the door and this heats up the water super fast! I flip the switch while I’m grabbing my coat and it’s done in no time. And the automatic shut-off feature means I never drive away wondering, “Did I shut off that stupid tea kettle?

Teacher Organization Tools

Microsoft To Do App – I’m always amazed (and a bit envious) when I meet people who don’t use a to-do list. If I don’t write stuff down, I don’t remember, and it doesn’t get done. Plus, I feel pretty anxious with all those “to-do’s” spinning around in my head. I like having this app on my phone, because it’s always with me, and allows me to create categories for the stuff I need to do. Like on Saturday, when I’m running errands, I just look at the to-do’s under that category, and can knock them off all at once. It also lets you “star” important tasks, which helps me prioritize the 3 main things that I want to accomplish each day.

Samsill 24-Pocket Organizer – For a long while, I used file folders to organize paper assessments, but I needed something mobile that I could also use during reading and writing conferences to record notes on the go. Plus, I needed to be able to easily transport it to meetings or my home. My file box just wasn’t cutting it!

This folio has enough pockets to create one per student, where I can store the most recent assessments along with a few sheets of note paper to record observations. It also has a clear cover so you can personalize it with a favorite quote or tip sheet and a zip pocket in the back for pencils and Post-it’s. I buy the 2-pack so I can use one for math and one for literacy.

Planbook – I highly recommend this for the “Sunday stomach” that you get when you know the weekend is over and a new school week is on the horizon. I’ve used this online planbook for the last 8 years and it has saved me a TON of time planning. Lots to love here, but my favorite part is the templates you can create for routines you have, so you are not looking at a blank plan book each week. Available both on desktop and app, it’s easy to have your plan book with you wherever you go! There were many Sundays I did my plans while sitting on the pool deck at a swim meet. Try it for free for 6 months using the promo code: free6roots

The Teacher Tote – I’ve tried a LOT of bags, but this is my absolute favorite, and it’s no wonder that it was created by teachers. It’s got a great spot for my laptop and many vertical pockets that make it great for separating my stuff into file, to do, etc. It also has many small pockets for all those little teacher supplies that you want handy no matter where you are working. And as a bonus, there’s a cooler pouch on the inside where you can keep snacks to get you through the day. There is a similar looking bag on Amazon, but don’t be fooled, it is not as roomy as this one and I come with a lot of stuff!

ID Lanyard – This might be a weird one to include, but I’ve lost my ID so many times, that I needed a better system than digging through my purse and tote bag each morning. Putting it on this pretty lanyard and finding a consistent spot to hang it has saved me lots of time looking for my lost tag or explaining to the school secretary why I need yet another replacement.

Teacher Tools for Wellbeing

Calm App – I didn’t think I had time for meditation, but it’s just 10 minutes. Ten minutes that can have an effect on my whole day. Finding just the right app, helped me to commit. Calm offers a new, short, themed meditation that is ready and waiting for me each morning. And I find that the inspirational words, that Tamara shares at the end, are often just what I need to hear for that day. (How did she know?)

Katie Daisy’s How to be a Wildflower Deck – A friend surprised me with these beautiful cards and I pick one each morning as I begin my day. Not only are the inspirational phrases wonderful, but Katie Daisy’s nature-inspired artwork reminds me daily of the simple beauty that surrounds me. If you like these, you might also like her gorgeous planner.

Harney & Sons Cinnamon Spice Tea – I’m not sure if it is physical or psychological (or both), but there is something so soothing about a cup of tea! I enjoy my first cup with the kids during our morning meeting each day. Even if you are not a tea drinker, you will love this! I’ve converted many “nonteadrinking” friends who were all first drawn in by the fabulous aroma. I use two bags in a tall mug and it’s the perfect way to kickstart a day or wind down after school.

Sanders Sea Salt Caramels – This might not seem like a “teacher tool,” but we all deserve a little chocolate in our day. This is my go-to favorite. Giving myself permission to indulge with 1 or 2 pieces of chocolate a day saves me from an all-out sugar binge. If you’re lucky, you can find them at Costco or TJMaxx/Marshalls or just order them from Amazon and they’ll be there quicker than you can say, “sweet tooth.”

Brita Water Filter Dispenser – For a very long time, I had an on again, off again relationship with Diet Pepsi. There were lots of “rebound” drinks that I tried to replace it, but none of them worked. Eventually, I had to face the hard facts – my body just needed water. Plain, old, boring, water. Getting this fridge shelf dispenser was the first step in developing this new, healthier habit, making it easy to get ice cold, filtered water throughout the day.

Transform Your Teacher Habits

Experts say that in order to kick a bad habit, you need to replace it with a good one. Finding teacher tools that support you in creating that new habit can be the first step. Make a list of what isn’t working and ask friends and coworkers what tools work for them. I’ll bet they’ve got some great secrets!

And don’t forget to give yourself grace. It takes a while to make lasting change. I still have some bad habits that need a makeover (know any teacher tools for being on the computer too long?), but I’m okay with being a work in progress.

For more tips on teacher self-care and professional growth, check out The Magic of the Happy Teacher List and the Growing as an Educator page in the Roots and Wings Resource Library.

You might also enjoy this teacher tool -a FREE Teacher Reflection Toolkit (another great habit to develop is taking time to reflect on your instructional practices!)

This post contains affiliate links, but please know that I was not solicited by any of the above businesses to promote these products. In many cases, I do not receive any commission and in the few cases that I do, it is a small compensation that I accept for the time and energy put into sharing this and other posts with my readers.

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