What’s the Best Planner for Middle School Teachers?

I’ve noticed a lot of buzz around picking out planners for next school year. Probably because most of them end in June! I’ve tried just about every popular teacher planner including Erin Condren and the Happy Planner.

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But as a middle school teacher, I quickly realized that those were way too bulky (like most teacher planners), there were just so many unnecessary pages, like the grade book, emergency info, and lesson planning pages.

Plus, you’re usually paying more for those features!

I find that the lesson planning pages are created for elementary teachers who have multiple preps and I don’t need all that!

So if you prefer #Affordable & #Simple like me, we may like the same planner.

Simplicity Meets Functionality

The beauty of a student/academic planner lies in its simplicity. Unlike the traditional paper teacher planners that come with supplemental pages and gradebook spreads, these planners focus on the essentials. This minimalistic approach means you get ample space for what truly matters – weekly lesson plans, important dates, and a clear monthly view for easy access to test days and school events.

So what is my favorite planner?

A student/academic planner! Essentially the same planner I used in high school and college. Most teacher planners follow an August – July academic year format, which aligns perfectly with the school calendar. Academic planners usually go from July-June which I find even better! This means you can plan out a full year of planning over the Summer without having to switch planners. The weekly planning blocks are perfect for organizing different classes and subject areas, ensuring you stay on top of your schedule.

My two favorite planners: Simplified Planner and Day Designer Planners!

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Functional Features I Look For

• To-Do Lists with Checkboxes: These help in managing daily tasks efficiently.
• Weekly/Monthly Pages: Essential for a quick overview and detailed planning.
• Monthly Tabs: Sturdy colored tabs make navigation a breeze.
• Expandable Pocket: Great for storing important things like notes or stickers.

Extra Planner Nice-to-Haves

• Motivational Quotes: These can provide a little extra inspiration on tough days.
• Stickers: While I rarely use them, they can add a fun touch to the planner.
• Pocket in the Front or Back: Handy for keeping track of loose papers or important documents.

Why Not a Traditional Teacher Planner?

Traditional teacher planners often include sections for a gradebook, student information pages, and lesson planning that cater more to elementary teachers with multiple preps. For a middle school teacher or even a high school teacher, these can feel unnecessary and add to the bulk. A planner that focuses on the essentials can be much more manageable and less cumbersome.

Digital Planning Alternatives

For those who prefer a digital approach, tools like Google Docs and Google Sheets offer availability and flexibility that traditional planners can’t match. Digital planning allows for easy updates, sharing, and collaboration. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of pages! These two are created by teachers and are super cute:

1. The Wildflower Classroom
2. Kristi De Roche Digitals

Other Considerations

When selecting the perfect planner, consider your personal life as well. A planner that includes sections for personal info and communication logs can be useful for keeping track of personal appointments and contacts. For supply teachers and student teachers, a more streamlined planner might be ideal as it focuses on the core aspects of planning without the extra pages.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you still want some of the features of traditional teacher planners, look for those that offer a mix of both. For instance, some planners include sections for student progress, contact logs, and even field trip planning pages, but keep them to a minimum to avoid bulk. Additionally, having a section for extra notes and a yearly mission statement can help in setting and tracking goals for the academic year.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Teacher Planner

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Finding the best teacher planner boils down to understanding your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a simple academic planner or a more traditional teacher planner with all the bells and whistles, the key is to find something that makes your planning process smooth and efficient. Remember, the best teacher planner is one that helps you stay organized, reduces stress, and makes your school year run as smoothly as possible. Happy planning!

Looking for more teacher favorites? Check out my Top 37 Classroom Must Haves!