Most teachers face the common challenge of keeping their desks clean and organized. Student work, lesson plan paperwork, and other classroom supplies build up daily, so it’s understandable that organizing your teacher’s desk to keep it neat and clutter-free can be challenging.
5 Ways to Organize the Teacher’s Desk
Fortunately, with a little effort and the right supplies, you can quickly have a clean and organized desk.
Prioritizing Your Paperwork
Even as storing files digitally gets easier, paper assignments and communications are a reality. With so many papers making their way onto your desk daily, a filing system is necessary.
A good way to organize and file your papers is to have separate trays for different priorities and tasks. For example, you might have separate trays for homework that needs to be graded, homework that needs to be handed back, and papers that need to be filed.
Relocate Your Decorations
All those adorable photo frames and other desk decor you’ve accumulated over the years are nice to look at, but they can also take away from the working space you have on your desk.
Consider moving your desk decorations to the top of a nearby filing cabinet, hanging shelf above your desk, or separate table. This will maximize your workspace without making you get rid of those prized possessions.
Take Time for Labeling
A label maker is a teacher’s best friend for many reasons. Labeling different parts of your desk (drawers, bins, files, etc.) is a great way to stay organized.
However, labeling is also a lifesaver when you need to bring in a substitute teacher. Having everything clearly labeled will help your substitute know where everything is, keeping the classroom operating more efficiently in your absence.
Stick to the Essentials
Having too much on your desktop will not only reduce the amount of available workspace but also create unnecessary clutter. Consider moving your non-essential desk items into drawers or bins so they’re readily available when needed but out of the way otherwise. Some essentials to keep on your desk include a lesson plan binder, stapler, and pens/pencils.
Tidy Up Every Day
Coming into the classroom to a cluttered and messy desk gets your day off to a bad start. Take a few minutes to tidy your desk before leaving the classroom. Doing so will help get the next day off to the right start.
More Classroom and Desk Organization Tips and Tools
Are you looking for supplies to better organize your desk? We have all the must-haves and essentials to prepare your desk for each day!
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