Productivity is key for any profession, but especially for teachers. As a teacher, you are constantly being pulled in a million different directions. You have to be a teacher, a counselor, a disciplinarian, and more. It’s a lot to juggle! That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 25 productivity hacks for teachers. These tips make life in and outside of the classroom smoother no matter what grade you teach!

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How Can I Make Teaching (and Life) Easier?
As you may know from reading my bio, I began my teaching career during the most painful time in my life.
I was happily married and had just had my first child. But only four months before I started my teaching job and when my son was 5 months old, my 24-year old husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack while playing basketball.
My world shattered. 💔
Being a first year teacher is already hard enough! How was I going to overcome those challenges while also grieving and raising a child alone?
The question I constantly asked myself was, “How can I make teaching life easier?”
That is what I want to share with my teacher friends in this post. I need to be very personal and let you take a glimpse into my life. Here are my favorite practical productivity hacks for making teaching (and life) easier!
But My Life Isn’t Like Yours!
Before we dive into these productivity hacks, let’s face the full truth: teachers work HARD.
Even if your life story is different from mine, I bet you wouldn’t mind being more productive and finding ways to make teaching easier.
It doesn’t matter that we have or don’t have similar life or teaching situations: we all want more time, more money, and more joy!
Which is why I love sharing money saving tips and time saving hacks for my teacher friends.
Because when we are doing well, our students have the best chance to flourish.
So, if you’ve ever wondered to yourself, “What are the best productivity hacks for teachers?” then get your pens and paper ready.
I’m sharing all my favorite life strategies with you today. 🤗
Time-Savings Tips Outside the Classroom
Let’s divide these productivity tips into sections: Hacks for Outside the Classroom vs. Inside the Classroom
That way you can choose the areas you need the most.
1–Iron or Prep Your Work Clothes By the Week
As weird as it may seem, batching my ironing for the entire week makes a huge difference getting ready each morning.
Especially as a mom who has to also make sure my kid gets ready for school too.
Not having to think about what to wear each day–because you did it all at once over the weekend–is one less thing on your mind as you get ready for work each day.

2–Use Grocery Delivery and Pickup Services
I started using Wal-Mart’s free grocery pick-up services back when it first came out and I haven’t looked back since.
Usually in the evening, I get on the app to order my groceries. Then I schedule to pick them up at a time convenient for me.
I don’t even have to get out of the car; just pull into the designated parking spots, open my truck, indicate on the app that I’ve arrived, then boom-bada-bing!
Since 2020, many other retailers now offer this service at no cost.
However, check the fine print for each store because many of them will have a price qualification in order to use the service for free.
Here are some of my favorite stores for grocery pickup and delivery:
- Wal-Mart
- Publix
- Aldi’s
- Kroger
- Sam’s Club
- Costco (through Instacart)
3–Meal Prep to Save Time
Another one of my favorite productivity hacks for teachers relates to meal-prep.
Each Sunday afternoon, I sit down and plan my meals for the week.
I like using Erin Condren’s Meal Prep Petite Planner which is tiny and simple to use.
It not only helps me track Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, but it also has a shopping list section that keeps me organized when it’s time to order groceries.
Simple works best for my son and me. In addition to simplicity, themed-meals also streamlines the process.
Here are some examples of what I mean:
- BREAKFAST: Oatmeal + Boiled Eggs OR Microwaveable Chicken Biscuits
- LUNCH: Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches + Fruit OR Salads
- DINNER: Spaghetti & Garlic Toast, Taco Tuesdays, Pizza on Fridays
Of course, add in the variety of options that you enjoy. The main point being that meal planning is definitely one of those game-changing productivity hacks!
4–Scan Your Receipts on Fetch Rewards for Gift Cards
It may seem surprising to see this on a list of productivity hacks for teachers, but trust me, Fetch Rewards makes life wonderful!

One of my favorite time-saving and money-saving hacks is using the Fetch Rewards app. It’s so easy! All you have to do is scan your receipts–whether digital or printable –then earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, and more. I’ve been able to use the gift cards for so many things, and it’s made such a difference.
- Quick and easy: Just scan your receipt after any purchase, and the points add up fast.
- Gift card rewards: Redeem points for gift cards to your favorite stores.
If you want to join in on the fun and save while you’re at it, use this referral code which is 5375M before scanning your first receipt. Or click the image above to sign up for Fetch and join my Teacher Team. You and I will both get 1,000 points if you use my referral code.
Together, we can rack up points even faster!
5–Use Ibotta to Prevent “Clipping” Coupons
Saving money is just as important as saving time for us teachers, but sitting down to clip physical coupons? No thanks! That’s why I love using Ibotta. It makes couponing so much easier—no scissors required! Instead of cutting coupons, all I have to do is tap the + button next to each coupon, which takes just a second. Ibotta even links directly to most of my store accounts, so whether I’m shopping in-store or online, the coupons automatically apply.
Once I’m done shopping, I scan my receipt (just like with Fetch Rewards), and the savings come back to me in the form of cashback. You can redeem that for gift cards or even have it sent straight to PayPal. It’s such a simple way to save on everyday purchases without the hassle of traditional couponing.
Want to join me and start saving? Use my referral code to sign up for Ibotta and join my team so we can save even more together!

6–Choose One Day Each Week to FULLY Rest
Another way to improve your productivity as a teacher requires you to rest.
Regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, you can’t deny that all humans are wired with a need for sabbath rest. Even if you don’t call it a “Sabbath,” you need to take care of yourself.
As teachers, we know how easy it is to get caught up in the endless cycle of lesson planning, grading, and classroom prep, but taking at least one full day off each week can make a world of difference. When we’re burned out, everything feels slower and more difficult, and that exhaustion spills into our workweek.
Giving yourself a day—whether it’s one day or the entire weekend—to completely unplug from teacher tasks also helps you get out of a negative “teacher rut.” You’ll feel more rested, practice some much-needed self-care, and when it’s time to dive back into work, you’ll notice you’re far more productive.
So, don’t apologize or shrink back from your teacher self-care time!
7–Invest In a Good Planner to Stay Organized
Productivity requires organization.
One of the ways I am able to get more things done efficiently in my life involves using a good life planner.
There are so many options out there, but I am pretty outspoken about my love for Erin Condren planners. I use them for my lesson and life planners. Right now, here’s the latest planner beauty that I’m enjoying.

If this brand isn’t your jam, I have a full list of other options in my Amazon storefront.
Whether you choose a digital or print planner, I highly recommend getting one to stay on top of things in your life.
More Productivity Hacks for Teachers to Implement Outside the Classroom
8–Set Up a “Drop Zone” for Your Work Bag and Keys
One of my biggest time-savers has been creating a “drop zone” at home—a designated spot where I always put my teacher tote bag, keys, and anything else I need for the next day. No more scrambling around the house trying to find my keys in the morning! It keeps me organized and gets me out the door faster.
9–Automate Your Finances
To cut down on financial stress, I set up automatic bill payments and transfers to my savings account. Now, I don’t have to think about due dates, and my savings grow without me lifting a finger. For example, my utility bills and house payments are always paid on time, which means I don’t have to worry about late fees!
10–Use Digital Organization Tools
I love using Google Calendar to sync all my personal appointments and work-related events. I color-code everything—school meetings, personal appointments, and even reminders to water my plants! Having all my tasks organized in one place keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. Trello is another great tool I use for keeping track of both long-term projects and daily to-dos.
11-Streamline Your Email
Emails can easily take over your life, so I use labels and filters to organize my inbox. For example, I have filters set up for emails from parents, administrators, and personal contacts, so I know what to prioritize. This keeps me from constantly being distracted by less important messages and saves me from sorting through a messy inbox!

12–Create a Dedicated Home Workspace
Having a specific space at home just for work has made a huge difference in my productivity. I set up a cozy nook with a desk and all my essentials—laptop, planner, pens, and a comfy chair. When I sit there, I know it’s time to focus. It’s also helped me draw clear boundaries between work time and relaxation time.
13–Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as any to-do list. I make time for mindfulness activities like yoga or even a quick 10-minute meditation in the morning. It helps me start the day with a clear mind and tackle my tasks more effectively. When I’m feeling especially stressed, I’ll take a walk outside to reset.
14–Use Amazon Prime and Walmart+ Memberships to Save Time and Money
Both Amazon Prime and Walmart+ memberships are productivity lifesavers, especially when it comes to saving time and money. As a single mom, these memberships have made my life so much more convenient with their extra perks and fast shipping. Here are some of the ways they help:
- Free two-day shipping on most items, which means no more waiting around for supplies or running last-minute errands to the store.
- Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ (which comes included with Walmart+) give you access to streaming entertainment, which is a great way to unwind after a long day in the classroom.
- Free GrubHub+ with Amazon Prime: I include some restaurant days in my meal-plan routine, and free delivery on takeout has been a huge time-saver.
- Walmart+ grocery delivery: Skip the trip to the store and get your groceries delivered right to your door.
- Amazon Prime’s Subscribe & Save: I save time and money by scheduling recurring deliveries for household items that we use often like certain snacks and hygiene products.
These memberships give me more time to focus on what matters most—both in the classroom and at home.
Productivity Hacks for Teachers to Use In the Classroom
Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into money and time-saving tips outside of the classroom, let’s dig into changes you can make in the classroom to be more productive.
15–Complete Your Teacher Tasks in Batches
Batch work is one of the best productivity hacks for teachers. Just like the ironing all my clothes for the full week example. Instead of spreading tasks throughout the week, group similar ones together and knock them out in one go.
Here are some practical examples:
- Grade papers in one sitting instead of over several days.
- Update all bulletin boards in one afternoon instead of doing them individually.
- Copy all your papers for the week on Friday so that you’re all ready to go when the following week arrives.
- Prep and set up all your centers at once so that they are ready to go each time you need them for small groups.
16–Plan Your Entire Year in Advance
Yes, you can plan your entire school year in advance, even though it might sound impossible! By setting up a yearlong curriculum plan with key dates, units, and lessons, you’ll save so much time later. I’ve written a full blog post on practical steps to make this happen, and trust me, the effort you put in at the beginning of the year will pay off. The more you plan ahead, the smoother your year will go.
17–Give Your Students Classroom Jobs to Teach Them Independence
One of my favorite ways to save time in the classroom is by giving students jobs. Not only does it teach them responsibility and independence, but it also frees me up to focus on more important tasks. Whether it’s managing the class library, sharpening pencils, or passing out papers, your students can help lighten your load—and they love it!
Here’s an example of a system I use to never have to sharpen any pencils. Everything from start to finish is completed by the kids! Yes, my friend–they can handle it.

18–Recruit Help to Make Teaching Easier
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Parents and family members of your students are often happy to volunteer. Here’s how they can assist:
- Reading with small groups
- Organizing materials
- Helping out during special events
- Setting up and taking down bulletin boards
- Making copies
Having an extra set of hands saves valuable time and keeps everything running smoothly!
19–Put Up Bulletin Boards That Do Not Need to Be Changed Every Month
Instead of switching out bulletin boards every month, try setting up ones that last all year. I love using twin flat sheets as the background or you can use craft fabric made for bulletin boards. Then use a border that matches my overall classroom decor instead of a seasonal theme.
The sheets are so durable that they last year after year! Much longer than any paper that I’ve tried.

My favorite color background to use is black because it makes all the other colors pop! I also hot glue clothespins to thumbtacks, so when I need to switch out student work, I just clip and unclip without redoing the whole board.
The example above is our Student Wow Work Board. I keep it up all year and just clothespin new student work in front of each colorful piece of construction paper. In-between student assignments, I put up these “Amazing Student Work Coming Soon” papers. This simple trick makes bulletin boards less stressful and easier to maintain.
By the way, this entire bulletin board is managed by my student job helpers. 😉
20–Use Printable Sticky Notes as Ditto Notes for Efficient Communication
This hack goes back to #18 above.
One of my favorite tools for saving time when communicating with helpers is using printable sticky notes. I have a set that I use as to-do lists, checklists, and notes to parents or classroom helpers. The beauty of this system is that I don’t have to write the same instructions over and over. I print a stack of sticky notes with templates ready to go, which means when I need to give instructions to a room parent or assistant, I just stick one on and I’m done!

21–Collaborate with Co-Teachers for Lesson Planning
Working with co-teachers or team teachers can save loads of time.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Divide responsibilities: Split subjects or units so each teacher handles only one part of the planning.
- Share resources: Swap lesson plans, ideas, and materials to lighten the load for everyone.
22–Put a Coffee Machine in Your Classroom
Trust me, this will change your life!
Here’s why:
- Saves time: No need to run to the teacher lounge or a coffee shop.
- Smells great: Your classroom gets that cozy coffeehouse vibe. ☕️
23–Stop Grading All Your Students’ Assignments
Let me say it again—you do NOT have to grade every single assignment your students complete. It’s a huge time drain, and you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed. Instead, focus on key assessments and assignments that provide meaningful feedback. This will save you from spending all your time grading and give you more energy to spend on your students and planning.

24–Pre-Schedule Important Dates and Events in Your Phone
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of things is to pre-schedule important dates, times, and events in your phone with an alarm or alert.
- Set alerts for meetings, deadlines, and conferences.
- Use alarms to remind you of events a day or two ahead of time.
25–Enlist the Help of ChatGPT for Recurring Tasks
ChatGPT can be a lifesaver for recurring classroom tasks. Here are a few ways it can help:
- Generating creative writing prompts
- Creating differentiated math problems
- Drafting parent communication emails
- Developing quizzes or test questions
- Writing sub plans in a pinch
For more detailed ways to use AI, check out my full blog post on how teachers can use ChatGPT to save time and boost productivity!

BONUS TIP: Put a Small Printer & Copier Machine in Your Classroom
Having an all-in-one small printer and copier in my classroom has been one of the best investments I’ve made. It saves so much time, especially when I’m in a pinch and need to print or copy something on the spot. If you’re looking for a deal, I highly recommend snagging one during Amazon Prime Day!
ANOTHER BONUS HACK: Invest in a Small Laminating Machine
Much like the coffee maker and printer, having your own laminating machine is a game-changer. It’s not about avoiding the teacher workroom but about cutting down on wait times and being able to do quick prep work at home if needed. Plus, you can often find small, affordable laminating machines on sale during Amazon Prime Day, making it a worthwhile investment for any teacher looking to boost productivity.
What Are Some of the Easiest Productivity Hacks for Teachers to Implement?
Many teachers find that batching tasks and using a visual schedule are two of the easiest productivity hacks to start with. These simple strategies streamline your daily routines and help keep everything organized, making you more efficient with your time.
Conclusion: 27 Productivity Hacks for Teachers
There you have it, with our bonuses—27 productivity hacks for teachers that can help save time, reduce stress, and make life a little easier, both inside and outside the classroom. From organizing your tasks in batches to using Amazon Prime and Walmart+ memberships for speedy deliveries, each tip is designed to help you stay on top of your game while maintaining some balance in your busy life.
Have you already tried any of these productivity hacks? I’d love to know which ones are working for you! Comment below and share your experience with these tips or tell me about any productivity hacks you swear by.
And don’t forget to save this post on your favorite platform to share with other teacher friends who could use a little boost in productivity too!
