5 Must Have Apps FOR Teachers

I admit it, I definitely do not take full advantage of all the features my iPhone offers. In fact I think the greatest thing Apple came up with was the 'Tips' app-I wait eagerly to learn what my phone can actually do. However, teaching is one place where you want to be ahead of the game. Technology is taking the classroom by storm, which can leave teachers feeling a sort of whiplash. Here are my top 5 app recommendations for teachers to help stay organized and on top of it!

1. Scholastic's Book Wizard

Guilty. I spent an entire day typing in titles, ISBNs, and authors to level books for my library. Guess what..."there's an app for that"! Best part-there's a bar code scanner! Second best part-it's free. All is required of you is to create a scholastic account, which you may already have!

2. Mind Meister

Mind Meister is an online web creator that makes it easy to map out connections visually. Consider curriculum maps, cross content lesson plans, multi-modal lesson plans, center mapping, all displayed in an appealing manner. Mind Meister is easy and free to use. Not only will you save time, but come out looking extremely professional (Pro-tip: Sign up for the free account and take screen shots of your work!)

3. ClassDojo

One word, obsessed! If you are not already using ClassDojo, then you are probably not a teacher. ClassDojo has taken the education community by storm and you are hard pressed to find a school without it these days. There is a web and mobile version that allows you to stay in constant contact with student families while also providing what looks to be like your class' instagram page. Completely safe, its users and in complete control of the privacy. ClassDojo also doubles as a point keeper for your students.

4.Slack

AIM (aging myself) meets Facebook Chat. You will never be out of touch again. Consider this for collaborative teaching or group involvement such as classroom parents. Completely privaet, free, and organized-you will have a one stop shop for communication...(Say goodbye to the endlessly forwarded emails.)

5.30/30

This one is a pure indulgence. 30/30 considers many of your daily tasks can be broken into 30 minute chunks. Considering a teacher has everything BUT time, this app is a life saver. Skip out of the post-its covering the desk and the scatter brain that follows, dedicate 30 minutes before or after school to get it all done! Time Management to the max...for free!