There’s something about a teacher’s bag that feels like a survival kit, isn’t there? Whether it’s a rogue glue stick, a stack of unmarked mocks, or a snack you forgot about three weeks ago — our bags carry the weight of the job (literally and emotionally).
As a full-time teacher and mum, I’ve tried to streamline what I carry so I can walk into the school building ready — not overloaded. Here’s what’s made the final cut in my teacher bag, and what I’d recommend to any colleague trying to stay organised, energised, and a little bit sane.
1. Reusable Water Bottle (That Actually Keeps Things Cold)
Hydration is non-negotiable. I use a stainless steel bottle that keeps water cold through period 5.
📎 Reusable water bottle
2. Roll-On Essential Oil (For Headaches or That One Class)
A discreet peppermint or lavender roller is a lifesaver when you feel frazzled after lunchtime duty.
📎 Roll-on essential oil
3. Teacher Planner or Digital Clipboard
Whether you’re old-school paper or Google Doc-based, having your timetable, lesson overviews, and to-do lists in one place is everything.
📎 teacher planner
4. Blue-Light Glasses
If you’re staring at screens all day (hello, SIMS/ARBOR, emails, and online CPD), these cut down eye strain — and they look stylish too.
📎Blue-Light Glasses
5. Marking Pens (in Every Colour Possible)
Colour-coding for feedback is a must. I carry a little zipped pouch of red, green, and purple pens.
📎Marking pens
6. Mini First-Aid Bits
Plasters, paracetamol, and a spare hair bobble. You never know when you’ll need them — or a student will.
7. Spare Phone Charger / Power Bank
Especially for those late evenings with parents’ evening, CPD or data deadlines. A mini power bank has saved me more than once.
📎 Power bank
8. Snacks You Can Eat Quietly in a Cupboard
We all have them. My go-to? Cereal bars or protein balls — quiet, quick, and not embarrassing to eat in the prep room.
9. Foldable Shopping Bag
Useful for when you unexpectedly leave with 60 books and a half-eaten cupcake from a tutor group birthday.
10. A Tiny Bit of Sanity
In the form of a notebook where I scribble lesson ideas, quotes from students, or things I want to try next term. It’s my creative space.
Final Thoughts
Your teacher bag doesn’t need to be bursting — it just needs to work for you. These are my must-haves that keep me (mostly) sane and mostly prepared for whatever the school day throws at me.
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