3 Things Every High School Teacher Needs Before Winter Break
December in a high school is a different kind of chaos. Finals. Grade deadlines. Students who checked out at Thanksgiving. And you’re supposed to keep it together for two more weeks.
Here are three products that’ll help you survive the final push and actually enjoy your break.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential
You have 127 essays to grade and zero silence in your life. These headphones fix that.
The noise cancellation is ridiculous — you can wear them during prep while the hallway sounds like a zoo, or at home while your family forgets you’re working. Thirty hours of battery life means they’ll last through finals week and then some.
Yes, they’re an investment (~$350). But if you grade at coffee shops, on the couch, or anywhere that isn’t a soundproof bunker, these pay for themselves in sanity.
Budget alternative: Anker Soundcore Q20+ (~$60) — solid noise cancellation, just not as premium.
2. Stanley Quencher 40oz Tumbler
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong Pick
You already know about this one. But if you’re still using that sad mug from 2014 that’s cold by second period, it’s time.
The Stanley keeps drinks hot for 7+ hours and cold literally all day. The handle makes it easy to carry while juggling your laptop, keys, and a stack of papers. It fits in most cup holders, which matters when you’re commuting at 6am.
The hype is real. Get one before break so you can actually use it in January.
3. Simplified Teacher Planner
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong Pick
January hits different when you’re not scrambling. Use the last few days before break to map out your spring semester — and this planner makes it painless.
The Simplified Teacher Planner has clean layouts, monthly and weekly views, and enough space to track grades, meetings, and your actual life. It doesn’t try to do too much, which is why it works.
Spend an hour over break planning your first two weeks of January. Future you will be grateful.
NOTE:
You don’t need a lot. But the right headphones, a tumbler that actually works, and a plan for January? That’s how you finish the semester strong and come back ready.
You’ve earned the break. Set yourself up to enjoy it.