For some of us teachers it’s back to school time and that means it’s time for a new teacher planner. Have you got yours yet? Or maybe you don’t need one just yet, but you’re having a browse around because what you have had in the past hasn’t been quite right.
Well I’ve never been happy with the planners I’ve had, so I’m always looking for the new latest and greatest. And as I’m not teaching in a classroom anymore, my needs are also different. I have lots of meetings now, as well conducting consultations and tutoring, so now I’m after something that works for all of those parts of my day.
So I’ve compiled some of the best teacher planners that I’ve found. Some are great if you have a classroom role and others are better if you have a bit of a mixed role. No matter what your teaching looks like, I hope some of these planners help you out.
Life planners
Because my needs are different, I’ve decided to move away from a traditional teacher planner to more of a life planner that can also cater for my very busy social life. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you have probably seen a few of the different planners I’ve used over the years. First I tried just the standard week to an opening shop bought diary that included hourly time slots. You can see more about that planner here.
My weekly teacher planner
Next, I tried a planner I found for free online. I quite liked this planner, but as I had to print and bind this myself it didn’t last very well. The tabs down the side fell off and it was pretty tatty after about 6 months. But if you check out this post, then there is a link to the free planner.
Now I’ve moved on to an Erin Condren Life Planner, which I’ve had for about 6 months.
There is so much I love about this Planner, to name a few things:
- It’s durability: the tabs, paper and dividers are all lasting well. No tatty looking bits or rips. It helps that I also bought a pouch to put it in.
- The changeable covers. When I’m bored of the above one I can put the other cover on.
- That I could buy an 18month planner. I wanted one of these in the middle of last year, but my schedule works for a calendar year, not a financial year. So I got one to go till the end of this year.
- The bright colours and stickers that come with the planner.
- The extra pockets and pouches at the back for my extra bits and pieces.
- The choice of a vertical or horizontal layout, I have a vertical planner.
- I love decorating the planner with stickers and washi tape, so much fun.
But, there is one major part that I don’t like about the planner. I didn’t think it would bother me but it does. And that is not having an hourly scheduler. As I have many appointments during the day, I find I need the structure of the hourly schedule. But I’m pleased to say, that they have now introduced the hourly schedule as an option as well. My problem is that knowing this is available I have to make do with my current planner till the end of the year 🙁
The other downfall with this planner is the cost, especially if you’re in Australia. The Aussie dollar is very weak at the moment and you do need to pay for shipping. But, it is definitely a quality product that I think you’ll be happy with.
They do also produce a Teacher Planner that has all those extra little bits classroom teachers need, such as space for birthdays, roll call, long term planning, weekly planning, checklists, sheet protectors, stickers and more. If you have been thinking about purchasing one of these then head on over to the Erin Condren website and check them out.
NoteMaker planners and diaries
I love the notebooks from NoteMaker. They have such a fantastic range, from hard covers to soft covers, ruled or plain, leather or spiral bound. If you are using the Strikethru method or bullet journaling then these are just for you. They have also released their 2017 moleskine diaries and limited edition notebooks.
If you subscribe to NoteMaker you also get 10% off your first order. They offer free shipping in Australia for purchases over $99. Shipping internationally is also reasonable at $19.90AUD.
Here you’ll find some of the best teacher planners; some are great if you have a classroom role and others are better if you have a bit of a mixed role.
Createl planners
I’ve seen lots of teachers recommend the Createl Planners. I like that they have a few different styles to suit your teaching role, whether you’re primary, secondary or casual. They also seem very reasonably priced. They are mainly for Australian teachers, they do say they ship overseas, but you need to call to find out more. These planners look very practical, but I like my planner to be a bit more colourful and fun.
Zivia designs
Unfortunately this one is sold out for 2016, but I thought it worth mentioning because I do like the look of it. This planner includes horizontal planning, and there is no room for custom requests (like with the EC Planners). But it is certainly colourful, they ship internationally and they have included lots of extra bits such as student contact cards.
You may want to add a reminder to your calendar to check it out for next year. You can stay up to date with information on the new teacher planner at their Facebook Page.
Online teacher planner
If you want to go paperless, then you might like to trial one of the many online planners out there. Personally I’ve never really succeeded at online planners. I do use Google Docs for my detailed weekly tutoring lessons, that I access on my iPad and then I can type my notes directly into it. But, for my every day plans I like a hard copy planner.
I’ve heard great things about Planbook. They offer a one month free trial and it can be used on your computer, tablet or phone. You are also able to print your plan and email your plans as a pdf, which could be handy for any relief/casual teachers taking your class. You are also able to view your lessons offline, but do need to be connected to the internet to create the lessons. There are options to include curriculum links/standards, colour coding, adding pictures, copying plans from year to year and setting your calendar.
They have an extensive range of tutorials that walk you through how to set up the various sections of the planner. I also think the yearly subscription is very reasonable ($12 annually).
I like the video below as it’s from a teacher that uses Planbook. She shows you how she uses it and some of the features.
Teacher planners on Teachers pay Teachers
There are also many teacher planners listed on Teachers pay Teachers. Some of them are editable and many will be updated yearly, which means you can download it each year, rather than have to purchase a new one each year. They are also made by teachers, so they consider all those little extra bits you may need, that big publishing companies don’t think about.
I’d also love to hear from you, what teacher planner do you use? Also, I would love to see some photos of your planner, feel free to share them in the comments.
*Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!
You can’t beat the Innovative Teachers Companion, designed here in Aus. Made specifically for teachers, it’s filled with inspiring ideas to keep you motivated throughout the year. Excellent value for money
http://www.itcpublications.com.au/itc-2016
Not being in the classroom, I’m really interested in trying out the Erin Condren planner 🙂
Thanks for the tip on the Innovative Teachers Companion, that one also looks like it has lot of good bits in it. And as you said the price looks good as well! Although, I do love the cuteness of the Erin Condren Planner, a bit more fun to use 😉
Erin Condren sells an hourly planner now. New for 2016.
I love Erin Condren’s new life planner that is the hourly layout. It’s the one I use to schedule everything. My school uses planbook.com and it is absolutely wonderful. At first I really didn’t think I would like not having a physical planbook in front of me but I was so wrong. I even purchased the Erin Condren Teacher Planner before we knew about planbook.com. I liked that it had my notes, lesson plans, and gradebook all in one spot. I’m an Erin Condren junkie now. I had to go back and get a matching notebook with dividers for committees I am on this year.
Hey Kelsey,
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad to hear there is another EC fan out there 😉 Thanks for the feedback on Planbook as well. I thought this looked like a great online option. But I’m kind of the same as you….there is just something special about an actual physical planner.
Mel
I use a Limelife Teacher planner. Very similar to the Erin Condren teacher planner but Limelife has more options. http://Www.limelifeplanners.com
Thank you for this comment, Sara! Finally, a planner that works for me!
I just received my Erin Condren planner for the next school year, and I am in love! I spent way to much on the book and accessories, but I am hoping it will improve my organization by having everything in one place. Plus, it is so colorful.
Hey Michele,
I’m so glad you like it. I can’t wait to order my new one and yes I hear you about spending too much on all the little extras ;-). If you want to learn about a cool way to stay on top of your ‘to do’ lists, then check out this post I wrote too: https://topnotchteaching.com/classroom-management-organisation/to-do-list/.
Happy organizing!
The Happy Planner from Me and My Big Ideas has been my favorite so far! The one I currently have is the My Life planner. Although the I thought I had found a new one that was specifically for teachers I can not currently find it. But I love that I can write my goals at the beginning of each month as well as important dates to remember. These planners are completely customizable because pages can be taken out, moved and put back in if necessary. You can also purchase more sections such as budget, to do lists and many other things which I love because I use my planner for school and home. You can also purchase note pads that fit right into the rings. I know my explanation does not do this planner justice! Here is the link to the website. They are also offered at hobby lobby if you are in the US which means you can purchase them for 40% off. http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365
Here is a video that shows the new 2016 18month planners that started in the beginning of July
http://youtu.be/s__8k_iSa2s
Hey Jerrica,
Thanks for sharing another type of planner with us. I have heard of the Happy Planner before, but haven’t really checked it out. I just watched the YouTube video you linked to and I think what I like most about this planner is being able to take out all pages. A very handy feature, especially for writing on the middle day for the weekly spread 🙂
Mmmmm maybe a new planner for me to try for next year 😉
Cheers
Mel
I found a great planner that was made for teachers by teachers. They find your district’s calendar and customize your planner to match.
http://Www.perfectplanbooks.com
Hey thanks Amy for sharing another type of teacher planner. I had a quick look, but couldn’t work out if they ship to international locations. Do you know?
Cheers
Mel
Melinda,
We can ship internationally. Message me at perfectplanbooks@gmail.com and let me know where you are at and I can let you know what shipping wil be.
Great thanks for letting me know Amy 🙂
Great post! Here is my Teacher planner, take a look and tell me what you think. https://savedyouaspot.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/chevron-chic-teacher-planner-2016-2017-giveaway/
You should check out PlumPaper.com. I had one this year and I am getting another for next year. I think it is better than Erin Condren, but that is just one teachers opinion.
If you are still looking for a planner, I have a great, simple one you can order from Lulu for $20. It has a full sized planning page for everyday and lots of space for to do lists. I have used this style for the last few years and it is really helpful. The link is below.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-big-working-planner/21230043