Staying organized when you have 20 or more students in a room is no small feat. Teacher organization can help you manage your time effectively and efficiently, make sure students can find what they need when they need it, and provide students with structure. Having clear structure in the classroom is more important now than ever after years of interrupted learning.
However, what teacher organization looks like in your room is up to you. It often involves many moving parts so that your day can run smoothly. Your classroom organization can be anything from a bulletin board, to a work bin, to a lesson plan. With so much to do and choose from, use these helpful ideas and resources to get inspired and find tried-and-true materials made by teachers like you.
1. Get Organized with Gradebooks and Lesson Planners
Whether you use color coding, a file box, a digital platform, or all the above, these gradebook and lesson plan templates can be great additions to your teacher toolbox. From brightly colored to monochrome, there’s something for everyone. What’s important is finding what works for you. Check out these resources for inspiration.
Teacher Planner | Editable Digital & Printable Binder by One Stop Teacher Shop
Grades: K-12
Google Sheets Gradebook Templates by Ladybug’s Teacher Files
Grades: 3-6
Digital Planner and Grade Book Bundle | Google Drive | Video Tutorials by Lessons for Learning
Grades: Any
2. Find a Syllabus Template
Creating a syllabus with your classroom rules, behavior expectations, learning objectives, helpful resources, and key dates can be challenging. Use this template to get started. Whether you want to go digital or provide paper copies, students can reference this important document throughout the school year to stay on track.
Syllabus Template: Editable, Modern Newsletter Layout {Google Version Included!} by Secondary Sara
Grades: Any
3. Use Letters to Communicate with Caregivers
Partner with all of your class’s parents and guardians to keep students organized by communicating to caregivers with letters. This could look like sending a welcome letter to set expectations for the year, or a weekly newsletter with social-emotional learning tips and class events. Using the templates below, you can keep caregivers informed about your class and ensure a smooth transition between home and school.
Speech Therapy Welcome Letters for Parents by Stix and Speech
Grades: PreK-12
Free
Editable Notes to Parents | Letter Templates | English & Spanish by Learning in Wonderland
Grades: K-3
Growth Mindset Letters for Parents: 33 Weekly Informational Notes by Kirsten’s Kaboodle
Grades: 2-10
Template for Teacher Newsletter by Savvy School Posters and Printables
Grades: PreK-8
4. Use Behavior Notes
Classroom management can take many forms. Use behavior notes to motivate and reward positive student behavior as well as identify areas for improvement. These notes can also help you keep track of student progress throughout the year.
Behavior Notes by KinderKove
Grades: PreK-8
Free
5. Prepare Substitute Packets
It’s always a good idea to have a game plan. But this is especially true for the times you can’t be in class. Make sure your sub is ready for the school day with helpful back-up activities and this editable substitute teacher packet.
Substitute Teacher Packet: Forms and Templates for MS / HS Teachers by Hint of Jam Teacher Resources
Grades: 6-12
Find even more classroom organization resources in the TpT Catalog as you prepare for back-to-school.
