Effective Organization Tips for Teachers
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 8, 2023
Organization tips for teachers in upper elementary and middle school
As educators, we often find ourselves surrounded by paperwork, supplies, and classroom materials that can quickly lead to clutter and overwhelm. However, by implementing a few simple organization hacks, we can create a more efficient and streamlined classroom environment. Today we explore effective organization tips for teachers with practical strategies that will help you maintain an organized space and optimize your productivity. Let’s dive in!
1- Clear your desk
When it comes to organization tips for teachers, clearing your desk has to be at the top of your list. To create a productive workspace, remove folders with student work, writing utensils, and supplies from your desk. Hanging file folders on the wall can serve as an efficient grading system. Organize these folders by content area, allowing you to quickly grab the relevant materials and provide feedback. Utilize clear plastic storage bins or similar containers to store pens, pencils, paper clips, rubber bands, and other small items, keeping your desk free of unnecessary clutter.
2- Tackle poster and anchor chart overload
If you find yourself drowning in a sea of posters and anchor charts, it’s time to take control. Select your favorites and file the rest away. A practical method for managing posters is to use binder clips and files. Label the files by theme or subject, making it easy to retrieve and display the desired posters when needed.
For more information on anchor charts, and a great anchor chart freebie, check out our post on the RACE writing strategy!
3- Create an absent student file
To simplify the process of managing absent students’ work, establish a file system. Keep a dedicated file folder for each student in a bin at the front of your room. When a student is absent, place any necessary papers in their folder. The student can check the folder the next day to collect the missed assignments and materials. Consider assigning a responsible student to assist in placing papers in the absent students’ folders, further streamlining the process.
4- Create a “Sub Tub”
This might be my very favorite organization tips for teachers. Basically, a sub tub is a bin you keep in a central location in your classroom. Inside the bin is placed all of the information and activities needed for a sub to come in and teach your classroom for a week. Sub tubs are lifesavers for days when emergencies pop up that you are unable to plan for.
I am a long time sufferer of migraines. When I was still in the classroom, I would wake up in the middle of the night a few times a year with migraines that were so unbearable that I would be omitted to the ER. The very last thing I was able to do during those instances was sit down to write sub plans. Thankfully, I was able to send a quick text to a teaching partner to call in a sub for me, and let them know that everything was planned out for them in my sub tub. Having this already prepared took away so much stress and allowed me to focus on feeling better.
Interested in setting up your own sub tub? Check out the link below! I have full sets of sub tub activities organized by month. Each month contains 3 different mini units that contain all of the activities, instructions, and information needed for a substitute teacher to use right out of the box.
5- Embrace digital solutions
When you receive memos, worksheets, or other documents, consider whether you can obtain a digital copy instead. Organizing your files in cloud storage platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive can save you from dealing with physical clutter. Not only does this make it easier to access and search for files, but it also reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability.
For an engaging way to incorporate digital solutions into your classroom instruction, be sure to check out our complete guide to Blooket!
6- seek parental assistance
Never underestimate the power of parent volunteers in maintaining an organized classroom. Engage the support of willing parents to help with tasks such as filing materials, laminating bulletin board decor, or checking reading logs. Delegating these responsibilities will free up your time and allow you to focus on building strong relationships with your students and fostering their growth as learners.
For some fun ideas to help encourage parental support at the start of a new school year, check out this post featuring engaging activities for the back to school season!
By incorporating these effective organization tips for teachers into your routine, you can create an orderly and efficient classroom environment. These strategies will help you minimize clutter, maximize productivity, and set the stage for a successful and productive school year. Embrace the power of organization and watch your classroom thrive!
Looking for more tips and tricks to help get you ready for back to school?
Check out the blog posts below!
5 Back to School Activities for Middle School ELA
Essential Activities for the First Week of School
10 Creative Ways to Get to Know Your Students
5 Must Read Books for Launching Writer’s Workshop
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