The Teacher Drawer: Things I’m Glad I Keep at School

Every teacher has a drawer filled with pens, sticky notes, whiteboard markers and all the usual school supplies.

I have one of those too. But I also have another drawer.

It’s the drawer I open when my lips are dry, my phone is dying, my throat has had enough or I just need one of those little things that makes a long teaching day easier.

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First, Keep It Organized

Before we get to what’s in the drawer, I should mention what keeps it from becoming "that drawer".

I use small plastic drawer organizers to give everything its own place. Mine are the interlocking kind, so I can arrange the different sizes around whatever I’m storing.

I love them because when I open the drawer, I can actually see what I have—and things tend to stay where they belong instead of becoming one big pile by Friday.

Now here’s what’s actually in it.

1. A Small Mirror

I use this more than you might think. It’s handy for a quick check before class or when I get something in my eye and don’t want to leave the classroom to find a mirror.

Small, simple and surprisingly useful.

2. Lip Balm

I keep Burt’s Bees Lip Balm in my drawer because I want something I can reapply quickly—even when I’m standing in front of a group.

No mirror. No fuss.

3. Mini Deodorant

Teaching can be a surprisingly physical job.

A travel-size Native deodorant takes up almost no room and is one of those things I’m very happy to know is there when I need it.

Enough said.

4. Throat Lozenges

If you talk for a living, you understand.

I always keep sugar-free Fisherman’s Friend lozenges nearby for the days when my throat starts letting me know it has participated enough. They soothe my throat and freshen my breath. Two things I appreciate by about 2 p.m.

5. Eye Drops

Between screens, classroom air and long days, my eyes sometimes need a little help too.

Eye drops take up almost no space, so they’ve earned a permanent spot in the drawer. I'm adding the link to these because they say nighttime but trust me, they are perfect for someone who suffers from dry eyes: https://amzn.to/4gEt2mg

6. Hand Cream

I keep hand cream because I absolutely love the smell and it leaves my hands soft for what feels like forever. Some of my students have commented on the scent and I believe a few think it's my personal fragrance.

7. My Own Box of Kleenex

Yes. My own.

There’s a box for the students.

And then there’s my box.

If you know, you know.

8. The Little Things

A hair clip, hair tie, nail file, hand sanitizer and phone charger all live permanently in the drawer.

None of them is particularly exciting—until the day I need one and actually have it.

And the phone charger stays at school.

9. The Room Spray

I keep J.R. Watkins Lemon Room Freshener in my drawer and like to give the classroom a little spray before class and sometimes between groups.

Because let’s face it: after a room full of students has been working hard, the classroom can occasionally smell a little like...effort.

One Drawer, Lots of Little Saves

None of these things will make me a better teacher. They simply make my day a little easier or more comfortable.

If I use something regularly and can keep a duplicate at school, I do. It’s one less thing to remember, one less thing to carry and one less “I wish I had...” moment.

Sometimes being resourceful is just knowing where your lip balm is.

And keeping your box of Kleenex away from the students.