Between traveling to new places and teaching, I’ve developed a couple “must-haves” at all times.

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I remember my first field trip as a teacher. The other teachers asked me if I brought hand sanitizer, facial tissues, the snacks, name tags, and another assortment of things that I didn’t realize I needed. I’ve grown A LOT in that professional department.

So, here are some of the things I never go without:

 

For everyone’s well-being:

1. Hand sanitizer
2. A small pack of Kleenex
3. Some napkins in case there is no toilet paper

 

For my professional well-being:

1. An assortment of pens and papers in case I have that free moment where I think I will grade, even though I know I won’t do it anyway.
2. Paperclips or binder clips (because I’m in love with them)
3. A highlighter

 

Things I forget to take out:

1. The small drawings and notes students gift me with or I confiscate.
2. Corrected classwork that the students didn’t need back, but was just for informal assessment.
3. Random things from Professional Development days.

 

PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

For my personal well-being:

1. ADVIL.
2. CHOCOLATE.
3. A dollar or two in case I need some caffeine.