How to Prepare for Back-to-School Season as an Educator
For teachers and school staff, the back-to-school season means more than lesson planning—it’s also a major logistical challenge. Stocking your classroom, managing supply lists, and staying on budget require careful planning. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, these tips will help you start the school year organized, equipped, and confident.
- Review and revise your classroom supply list
Before heading to the store, revisit last year’s list. What went unused? What ran out too quickly? This simple audit helps you prioritize must-haves like dry erase markers, notebooks, tissues, and cleaning supplies.
Use free checklist tools like TeacherLists or customize your own via Google Docs. - Shop during educator discount events
Retailers like Michaels and Office Depot offer special promotions for verified teachers—especially in July and August. These events often include exclusive coupons or bonus rewards points. - Buy in bulk to stretch your budget
Staples and Office Depot frequently offer multipacks for supplies like pens, folders, and glue sticks—essential for classrooms with limited shared resources.
Check Staples for teacher bundles or Office Depot for seasonal markdowns. - Use loyalty programs and digital tools for savings
Join rewards programs to earn points on classroom purchases. You can also access coupons and free delivery perks, which are especially helpful for last-minute needs throughout the school year. - Tap into online classroom funding sources
Sites like DonorsChoose allow teachers to create campaigns for specific supply needs. Whether you’re outfitting a science lab or buying flexible seating, donations from your community can help close the gap. - Organize supplies by category for easier setup
Once you’ve gathered your materials, group them by function: student materials (notebooks, pencils), teacher tools (markers, staplers), cleaning (wipes, hand sanitizer), and decor (bulletin board kits). This makes setup faster and ensures everything has a place on Day 1. - Don’t forget tech needs
If your classroom uses tablets or laptops, stock up on charging stations, USB hubs, and screen cleaners. Best Buy and Amazon offer educator pricing or bundle deals around back-to-school time. - Maximize value with gift card strategies
Even if you’re not using cashback apps directly, platforms like Fluz allow you to buy a Staples gift card online or earn cashback at Office Depot, giving you more for your spend. Combine those cards with coupons and educator events for layered savings.
Back-to-school prep is always a heavy lift—but with the right planning, resources, and tools, you can start the school year strong, fully stocked, and stress-free.
