A teacher’s top desk drawer is like a grandma’s purse, it’s got everything you’d ever need in there. This is something I didn’t know my first year of teaching. My top drawer had extra office supplies in it – lame. When I got a few months into teaching, I started wishing I had some basic items on hand for when I’m in a pinch. As my years of teaching increased, my top desk drawer has evolved and become way more practical than storing extra pens and staples.
While this list isn’t everything I have in my drawer, it’s a start to some good essentials that will work for almost any teacher. Best of all, you can get everything from a dollar tree.
1. Band-Aids
Chances are you and your students are going to need these. For the day you wore those shoes that you knew you’d regret or the time you got a nasty paper cut on your thumb, you’ll be happy you have band-aids. Another perk is that when a student tries to make an excuse to see the nurse, you’re already prepared and they don’t have to miss class time. (Sometimes your school nurse will even provide you with these if you just ask!)
2. Gum
You likely start your morning with some kind of caffeine (hello coffee breath) and spend your day talking in front of students… this should be a no brainer. Pop a piece in before first hour and after lunch to make sure you’re not the talk of the passing time.
3. Extra Mask
This is my 2020 desk drawer addition if you didn’t already guess. You can’t be at work without a mask so having an extra on hand is a must. If yours breaks or you happen to drop it, you’re prepared!
4. Deodorant & Body Spray
Maybe this is just me, but teaching can be like cardio when you’ve got a big lesson or project. You’re running around the room, talking, answering questions, checking work, and probably making big gestures if you’re like me. I frequently break a sweat, y’all. Between classes I’ll grab my travel size deodorant & quickly re-apply. Nobody wants sweat stains. While you’re at it, spritz yourself with a little body spray.
5. Hand sanitizer
Schools often provide hand sanitizer, but it’s the rough, unscented kind. Maybe it’s me being “extra” but I like to keep a few little scented bottles for just myself.
6. Napkins/forks
Picture this: you’ve finally made it to lunch, your food is heated up, you sit down to eat and realize you have no utensils. Two words: desk drawer. I also keep some extra drive through napkins in there in case my drink sweats and leaves a ring on my desk.
7. Brush/Comb
This could just be a me thing, but when I finally get to go to the bathroom on my prep, I normally notice how my hair needs a quick comb through. Desk drawer to the rescue.
8. Chap-stick & Lotion
Two things get dry throughout the day: your lips & your hands. You’re messing with papers and talking all day. Whatever lipstick is cracked if not gone by third hour and after passing back papers that you’ve had for two weeks and forgot about, your hands will need help too. A quick trip to your desk drawer will make you feel like a new person.
9. Floss
It doesn’t matter if you brush your teeth right before you leave the house, only drink water, and skip lunch… something is going to get in your teeth at some point. Floss to the rescue. I’ve even had students come in from lunch saying there is something stuck in their teeth. They’re always shocked when I offer some floss.
10. Emergency Chocolate
Hard days are unavoidable. Keep some chocolate (in an airtight container) in your drawer and it will get you through the next “worst day ever.”
Random Extras: air freshener, a secret black sharpie, tampons, spare phone charging cord, extra flash drive, lint roller, & headphones.
Alright teacher, you’re all set. Screenshot this list & head to your local dollar store now. You’ll thank me later.
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