As summer ends and the new school year approaches, many educators are gearing up to purchase new equipment for their classrooms and schools.
However, it can sometimes be daunting for new educators to figure out what they need to buy at the start of the year last will last throughout the entire school year.
This guide will help to help make the process a little easier by outlining some of the essential school equipment you will need as a teacher and should consider before buying equipment as an educator.
Let’s begin!
- What Types of Equipment Do You Need?
- What’s Your Equipment Budget?
- Where Are You Going to Store the Equipment?
- Do You Have Everything You Need for All Seasons?
- How Do You Find the Right Supplier?
- What’s the Quality of the Equipment You’re Buying?
- Can You Negotiate School Equipment in Bulk?
- What’s the Return Policy on Equipment?
What Types of Equipment Do You Need?
If you’re buying equipment as an educator, you should consider all the different tools you might need to do your job effectively. Educators need the appropriate tools to engage their students and help them learn.
Some of the most important school equipment include:
- Lockers
- Laptops
- Software
- Textbooks
- First Aid Kits
- Whiteboards
Let’s explore each of these in a little more detail.
Lockers
As an educator, you’ll need a place to store your students’ belongings during the school day. Lockers are the perfect solution for this.
They provide a safe and secure place for students to store their belongings and can be easily accessed when needed.
Laptops
You’ll need at least one computer if you’re teaching in a modern classroom. Some schools provide laptops for their teachers, but others do not.
If you’re buying a laptop for yourself, get one that is lightweight and portable so that you can easily carry it from classroom to classroom.
You’ll also want to ensure that it has enough storage space to save all your teaching materials.
Additionally, laptops can supplement traditional teaching methods with multimedia presentations and other interactive features.
Software
With the right software, educators can create customized lesson plans, quizzes, and tests for their students.
There is a wide range of software programs that are used in the classroom, from word processing and spreadsheet applications to educational games and simulations.
The type of software you’ll need will depend on the subjects taught and the age of the students.
Textbooks
Textbooks are an essential piece of equipment for most educators. They provide a wealth of information about the topic and can be used to supplement other learning materials.
As an educator, you will likely need to purchase textbooks for your students. These can be new or used, but make sure they are in good condition.
You’ll also want to consider buying digital versions of textbooks, which can be a great way to save money. However, textbooks can also be quite expensive, so be careful to select the ones you need.
First Aid Kits
A first aid kit is an important piece of equipment for any educator. It should be stocked with all the essential necessary items to treat minor injuries, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication.
If a more serious injury occurs, a first aid kit can buy you some time until emergency medical help arrives.
Whiteboards
Whiteboards are versatile equipment used for various purposes in the classroom, such as writing down important information, creating visual aids, or playing educational games.
When selecting a whiteboard, make sure to choose one that is the right size for your needs and has a smooth surface for writing.
What’s Your Equipment Budget?
When creating your budget, include all the necessary equipment, such as computers, tablets, software, printers, and even extra batteries and chargers.
Consider what type of technology you would like to integrate into your classroom and how much each item will cost. You may also want to factor in the cost of professional development to learn how to best use the technology in your classroom.
It is also essential to decide whether or not you are going to rent or buy your equipment. However, be realistic when setting your budget, and remember that you may not be able to afford everything at once. Start with the essentials and add additional items over time as your budget allows.
Where Are You Going to Store the Equipment?
When you’re buying equipment as an educator, be sure to consider where you will store it.
If you have limited space, you may want to invest in smaller pieces of equipment that can be easily stored away when not in use. Alternatively, you could purchase storage racks or cabinets to keep everything organized and out of the way.
Do You Have Everything You Need for Each Season?
One of the most important things to remember when buying equipment as an educator is to ensure you have everything you need for all seasons, which means having enough materials for the fall and spring semesters and summer break.
Here are some equipment items to keep in mind for each season:
Summer
- Speed ramps
- Bicycle Shelters
- Bicycle Racks
Fall
- Cafeteria furniture
- Changing room benches
- Swimming pool & gym matting
Winter
- Heaters
- Snow shovels
- Storm shelters
It’s important to be prepared for all eventualities so you’re not scrambling to find what you need when classes are already in session. By planning ahead, you can save yourself some hassle down the road.
How Do You Find the Right Supplier?
There are many ways to find a supplier when searching for school equipment. You can ask for recommendations, search online, or even contact the manufacturer directly.
When you’re considering a supplier, be sure to ask about their pricing, shipping costs, and return policy. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their quality and customer service level.
With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a supplier that meets your needs and budget.
What’s the Quality of the Equipment You’re Buying?
It’s important to make sure you’re buying high-quality equipment that will last. After all, you don’t want to replace everything every year.
When looking at different products, pay attention to the materials they’re made from and the reviews from other customers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
It’s better to spend a little extra money on something that will last than to keep buying new things all the time.
Can You Negotiate School Equipment in Bulk?
One way to save money when buying supplies for educators is to purchase them in bulk. Many suppliers offer discounts for larger orders, so it’s worth asking about.
You may also be able to negotiate a better price if you commit to buying a certain amount of equipment each year. This is especially true if you have a good relationship with the supplier. You can continue reading for tips on negotiating here!
What’s the Return Policy on Equipment?
Before you make a purchase, check the return policy in case something goes wrong, especially if you’re buying expensive items like computers or software.
Most suppliers will have a return policy you can review before purchasing. Be sure to save a copy of it so that you can reference it later if you need to.
By following these tips, you can be sure you’re buying the right equipment for your needs and budget. With a little planning, you can equip your classroom with everything you need to create a successful learning environment.
Final Thoughts
Buying equipment as an educator can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
By following these tips, you can be sure you’re buying the right equipment for your needs and budget.
Are you an educator looking for school equipment? Did we forget to list something important? Let us know in the comments below!