When Cody and I moved abroad, the thing I was most excited to get set up was my desk! It started out as an ironing board but eventually I got a real desk. I loved arranging all the items and trying to find the best possible way to organize it. This post shares some of my favorite teacher desk accessories to help your desk get (and stay) organized.
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I did the same thing as a new teacher. It was always the first thing I set up when walking into my classroom.
One year a teacher on my team left on Friday afternoon and never came back to school. Naturally, our team was in a mad dash to get the classroom ready for her kids who would show up Monday morning, with or without her.
I immediately volunteered to organize the desk and all of the supplies inside her desk.
Organizing the teacher desk (and keeping it clutter-free) is a question I get asked about often.
That’s why, in this post, I’m sharing teacher desk accessories that will help keep your desk organized and clutter-free throughout the day.
Teacher Desk Accessories
The most important thing to having an organized teacher desk is to have homes for all of your items. (This goes for your whole classroom.)
Homes can be baskets, bins, boxes, dividers, tubs…really anything that can hold supplies.
Here is a picture of the teacher desk accessories on my desk. I’ve linked to the items below, or to a suitable option if I couldn’t find the exact item.
Utensil Cady
Why I Love It
Yes…it’s supposed to store eating utensils.
But it’s the perfect size for your desk and has small compartments for your flair pens, regular pens, markets, etc.
Drawer Dividers
Why I Love It
Everything needs a home. These drawer dividers allow you to make homes inside your drawers.
Plus, they come in all different sizes and shapes so you can make it work for your desk no matter the size.
Sticky Note Holder
Why I Love It
I use stick notes for all sorts of things. These little dispensers make grabbing a sticky note quick and easy.
Plus, it gives your sticky notes a “home” on your desk so you aren’t constantly looking for where you last put them.
Magnetic Pocket
Why I Love It
These pockets are great to store things inside your desk.
In fact, I used them underneath my desk as a place to hold my class set of pens we used periodically.
They also would work great on your whiteboard.
Inbox System
Why I Love It
One of the biggest problems with keeping your desk organized is things begin to pile up.
An inbox gives a home to all those “homeless” things. At the end of the day, simply clean out the tray for a fresh start tomorrow!
A To-Do List
Why I Love It
This weekly notepad is what keeps my work life running. The never ending to-do list stops here with this cute and functional notepad.
Want to learn more about creating intentional to-do lists? Sign up for this free training.
Quality Document Camera
Why I Love It
A good document camera goes a long way. This one is great because it folds up soooo tiny that you can take it between home and school with no problem (just in case your school might turn virtual overnight!)
This camera has over 1,000 reviews and ends up at 4.5 stars. Plus, it can double as a webcam. It’s got free shipping + returns in case you don’t like it.
Storage Box
Why I Love It
I kept this box on the corner of my desk and in it I stored all of my example journals.
That way, when I was modeling how to set up a math activity in the journal, I could easily pull it out.
Storage Drawers
Plastic drawers are a great way to organize additional materials.
The key here is to not put them on your desk.
Instead, try using larger drawers underneath your desk (middle picture). You could use the smaller sets of drawers on a shelf or inside a cabinet to house extra desk items.
I recommend not storing your lesson plan materials on your desk. I will always advocate for the most cleared off desk possible!
Instead, try this system for organizing your lesson plan materials.
Ergonomic Mouse
Why I Love It
I have this embarrassing problem lately getting, what I call, “blogger hand.” Essentially I use my mouse so much and my hand isn’t happy about it.
These mouses are great because they are designed ergonomically and make the hours you spend with a mouse in your hand much less painful
A Teacher Lesson Planner
Why I Love It
Of course every teacher needs a planner!
My favorite is Erin Condren. They are customizable, come with all sorts of extras, and are of amazing quality. (The paper is thick which is key!)
Time Timer
Why I Love It
I just recently came around to these little timers and I love them!
They come in different colors and sizes and are a great visual way to keep students on track.
Get Teacher Desk Organization Tips
When I started offering Classroom Audits, one of the most requested areas of the classroom to get feedback on was the teacher desk.
Here I show Layne how she can tidy up her teacher desk area a bit to make it more functional for teaching and working from.
6 Steps to Organize Your Teacher Desk
Get your teacher desk organized with this printable guide. I’ll walk you through the six steps you need to organize your teacher desk (or small group table, or really any flat surface in your classroom).
In Conclusion,
The key to keeping a desk clean and organized is by giving everything a home.
Each drawer needs dividers to separate items and make it easy to find them. Don’t forget to leave the desktop as empty as possible!
Quick Links
Here is a quick recap of all the links shared in this post:
- Now that your desk is organized, read this post to help you keep it organized
- 6 Steps to Organize Your Teacher Desk Guide
- Sign up for the free Intentional To-Do List training
- How to Take Over a Class Mid-Year
- The Easiest Way to Organize Lesson Plan Materials
Related Posts
Until next time,
