Teacher Tools Teaching Resources
Explore the ultimate teacher tools collection, created by teachers for teachers like you! From classroom set-up and decorating to seating arrangements, writing lesson plans to communicating with parents, this collection has everything you need to load your teacher toolkit for the coming school year.
Browse meet the teacher materials, substitute teacher planning documents, and so much more — all created with your classroom and your teaching needs in mind!
Meet the Teachers Behind the Tools
Teach Starter's teacher tools were all created by elementary and middle school teachers who have walked the hallways just like you and understand the juggling act of managing everything from instructional delivery to lesson planning, plus student assessment, communication with parents and students and … the list goes on!
Teachers from across the country have contributed tools to this collection, and each resource has undergone a careful review by a member of our team to ensure it's ready for your classroom.
You'll find printables for decorating your classroom and performing your formative assessments, plus digital resources already designed in Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint for easy integration with your district learning management system.
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Big Drink 2-Minute Timer for Teachers
Use a fun 2-minute timer created just for teachers to provide a visual reference for students and time activities! Students can watch time count down with the numbers displayed on the screen!
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Disco Dancer 1-Minute Timer Video
Use this groovy disco-themed one-minute timer for the classroom to manage transitions, time challenges and more!
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How to Teach 1st Grade — The Ultimate Guide to What to Do, What to Buy and What to Teach
Looking for tips on teaching first grade? Our comprehensive 1st grade teacher guide will answer all your questions from what to buy to how to prepare for the first day of school and what to do throughout the school year.
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Clever Classroom Storage Ideas for the Busy Teacher
This list of classroom storage ideas and hacks for teachers could be just what you need to help you feel more organized. The Teach Starter teacher team is here to help save you the time it takes to set up your classroom before students arrive for the first day of school with some simple, cheap and clever storage ideas for the classroom.
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How to Set Up Learning Centers: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers
Utilizing learning centers in your classroom will help your students solidify their understanding of ideas through exploration and independent learning. Use these tips on setting up solid learning centers you can use throughout your teaching career!
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6 Types of Assessment in Education + How to Use Them in Your Classroom
Learn about the different types of assessment in education and how to improve your student progress monitoring.
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18 Formative Assessment Examples Elementary Students Love as Much as Teachers Do
Get fun formative assessment examples and ideas that are perfect for elementary school teachers. Each has been teacher-tested and approved.
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How to Write an Engaging Lesson Plan (Plus a Printable Lesson Plan Template)
Wondering how to write a lesson plan for your day or week? View lesson plan examples and tips from veteran teachers.
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What Can Teachers Write Off on Taxes in 2024? A Dive Into Educator Tax Deductions
What can teachers write off on their income taxes in 2024? Here's a look at the educator expense teacher deductions, plus a few you might miss!
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Classroom Set-Up Ideas Veteran Teachers Swear By
An effective classroom set-up inspires kids to love learning. Find out how to set up a functional, well-configured classroom.
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10 Creative Kindness Activities for Kids: Celebrate World Kindness Day!
Explore 10 beautiful ways educators can inspire kindness, including downloadable kindness resources and activities for kids.
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70+ Fun and Fresh Classroom Theme Ideas for 2025
The best classroom theme ideas for 2025 are here, and they're timeless! Find unique and fun themes to fit every teacher and every grade — from camping to sloths to pretty patterns!
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28 Genius Classroom Decorating Ideas for 2024
These classroom decorating ideas and hacks cover everything from setting up bulletin boards to finding unique classroom themes so teachers can get things moving for the new school year.
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9 Optimistic Closures for Class and Wrap Up Activities for Lessons That Work Like a Charm
Here are some great ways to close out a lesson in the classroom. Closing a lesson well helps students retain information and helps you assess where they are at!
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Teacher Interview Questions You Might Be Asked + What Experts Say You Should Ask
How to prepare for common teacher interview questions and get that teaching job!
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Mentor Teacher: Why You Need One and How to Find Them
How do you find a mentor teacher, and how can they help you? Find out why teachers say you really need a mentor!
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How to Get a Teaching Job: Expert Tips From Teachers Who Got the Gig
Looking for your first teacher job or teaching position? Veteran teachers shared their guaranteed tips for how to get a teaching job.
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26 Bits of First Year Teaching Advice You Can Actually Use in a Classroom
This first year teaching advice that you can actually use in the classroom comes from veteran teachers!
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How to Write a Teacher Resume (Plus What Experts Say Most Teachers Forget)
Wondering how to write a teacher resume to get noticed by school districts? Take a look at a teacher resume example and expert tips to score that new teaching job!
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40+ Education Acronyms Every Elementary Teacher Needs to Know
Acronyms used in schools got you confused? This list of education acronyms makes sense of all those letters for teachers!
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Teacher Maternity Leave: A Planning Guide for Your Whole Pregnancy
Explore teacher maternity leave laws and tips with a checklist to get your classroom ready for your long-term substitute.
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7 First-Year Teacher Must-Haves: What Veteran Teachers Wish Someone Told Them
These first-year teacher must-haves come straight from veteran teachers who know what you need for your classroom (and what to skip).
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10 Teacher Tips for Writing Truly Effective Report Card Comments
Feel like you need help writing report card comments? These teacher tips can make this part of the teaching job just a little bit easier.
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Does Class Size Matter? - A Teacher's Point of View
It's a topic that is always debated in the education field!
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9 Creative Ways to Celebrate Student Success in Your Classroom
Celebrating Student Success is the key to motivating students, building self-esteem and creating a positive classroom culture. Find out how with these brilliant ways to make your students shine.
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How to Create a Classroom Calm Down Corner — 9 Ideas for Teachers
What's a calm down corner and how do you set one up in the classroom? Explore ideas from teachers like you, plus ways to help students destress.
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4 Benefits of Monitoring Student Progress in the Classroom
Find out the benefits of monitoring student progress, plus resources that will assist you in your own classroom.
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Teacher Mental Health Tips You Can't Afford to Ignore
Teacher mental health is important. Here are 5 practical tips to ensure teacher well-being and happiness!
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18 Unique Meet the Teacher Ideas + Printables for Every Classroom!
Get organized for your meet the teacher event this back-to-school season with templates, letters, printables and more ideas!
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16 Inventive Desk Name Plate Ideas for Teachers
These desk name plate ideas are a hit with teachers! Your students won't pick and peel at their desks with these creative and quirky decorating ideas.
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7 Clever Exit Ticket Ideas to Make This Assessment Tool Truly Effective
Are exit tickets effective? Try these fresh exit ticket ideas for the classroom to make this formative assessment idea work for your students!
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How to Prep for a Substitute Teacher So You're Never Caught Off Guard
Find out how to create sub plans, what to leave for a sub and more teacher tips!