Kids love rock tumblers! They can provide hours of fun and hands-on project opportunities. If you’re interested in what some of the top kits have to offer, you’ll want to check out our review of 7 of the very best rock polishers for kids below. It includes what we think are the top rock tumbler kits that have been made with children in mind.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now on to the awesome rock tumbler kits for you.]

What are the Best Rock Polishers for Kids?

Here are Our 7 Top Recommended Rock Tumblers:

1. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit
2. Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler
3. Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
4. Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit
5. Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler
6. NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids
7. Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler

1) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

First on our list of rock polishers for kids is this excellent tumbler kit from National Geographic.  This rock polishing kit comes with everything that kids need to clean their rocks and observe them in clarity. It features four polishing grits, a tumbler, a sifter, as well as nine different kinds of gemstones and a guide.

Children can read through the guide that’s included to learn more about rocks while having a fun hands-on experience. They’ve also provided a set of instructions that allows kids to have an easy time when it comes to learning how to use the tumbler set.

These instructions are simple to follow and children can use them to figure out how to use the kit on their own or with assistance if needed. We also liked how the tumbler itself is easy to operate.

It comes with functions that can be set with one touch. Furthermore, it has a feature that enables it to turn itself off due to the automatic timer. Some customers have expressed concerns about the durability of the tumbler due to the plastic parts rub against each other in motion.

The process of turning rocks into gemstones is also pretty straightforward and fun. It involves kids putting the rocks into the tumbler, followed by grit and water. They can then use the one-touch settings to tumble the rocks and wait for them to come out looking like gemstones.

2) Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler:

Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This Discover with Dr. Cool set comes with all of the equipment that kids need to polish their rocks. They’re provided with ½ a pound of gemstones that include a variety of nine varying types for children to observe.

In addition to this, the set includes four grades of polishing grits, jewelry fastenings, a tumbler, barrel, and a set of instructions that kids can follow to start polishing their rocks. We also liked how a learning guide is available.

This gives children a great chance to learn more about rocks and gemstones while they’re in the process of polishing them. Users have also mentioned how they’ve been impressed by the barrel design.

Kids can operate the tumbler without the barrel causing too much noise. This is a result of how it has been made with rubber materials that keep the noise to a minimum. The lid has also been made with stainless-steel materials that improve the quietness and boost the barrel’s durability.

A timer has been included that has a programmable feature. Some people have mentioned that they have issues being able to operate this function. However, those who can use it properly find that it’s excellent for helping to save energy while preventing the rocks from being over-tumbled.

3) Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit:

Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next up on our review of rock polishers for kids is the Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit.

We liked how this rock tumbler kit has a large capacity that allows children to put up to 1 lb of stones into the barrel. It’s great for letting you polish a higher quantity of rocks each time. The set comes with 4 packets of grits, ½ a pound of rocks, a mesh strainer, a storage bag, and jewelry fasteners.

In addition to this, a set of instructions is available that has been made with illustrations. As a result, kids can have an easier time when it comes to learning how to use the kit independently. A learning guide is also included which is great for providing children with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge.

Customers have been pleased to discover how the barrel has been made with a design that prevents it from operating with too much noise. Not to mention, the motor that has been fitted is of a high standard to last your child for longer.

Some were disappointed with how the tumbler is smaller than they were expecting. However, with such a good selection of functions and controls, most people don’t find the smaller size to be an issue.

4) Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit:

Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

If you are interested in a complete set that kids can use to make gemstones and jewelry pieces, this tumbler kit by Smithsonian could be a great option. It features over 15 accessories that include key chains, rings, and bracelets.

Therefore, children can have a blast when it comes to getting creative and using the gemstones that they’ve made to design their jewelry pieces.

The kit comes with a total of 226g of stones, 18g of coarse grit, 29g of medium grit, 5ml of glue, and 23g of polish. There’s also a barrel with a lid that functions with a powerful and durable motor. A lid is also available to prevent any leaks.

Some people have mentioned that the set takes a while to polish stones. However, kids will have an easy time when it comes to polishing their rocks due to the awesome set of instructions that are included.

They’re simple to follow so that children can spend less time stuck on how to use the kit and more time having fun creating fantastic gemstones.

5) Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler:

Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This tumbler by Tumble-Bee can polish stones, as well as metals and glass. Therefore, children have more functions available to use other than making gemstones. We were impressed with how the tumbler comes with a large capacity that allows for plenty of rocks to be tumbled at once.

The kit comes with an Allen wrench, a rubber barrel, and a set of instructions that are easy for children to follow. These instructions are available in written and visual forms to make it even simpler for children to use.

In addition to this, the AC motor that has been fitted has a fan cooling system. Therefore, it can prevent itself from overheating when tumbling a large number of rocks over a long duration of time.

The housing has been made to be free from sharp edges to keep children safe. Moreover, the housing has anti-rust features that are awesome for keeping the tumbler durable for longer.

Some were hoping the rocks that are included would be larger. However, many users have appreciated how the on/off switch is lighted to make it clear and easy to use.

6) NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids:

NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Those of you who are looking for a rock tumbler kit that’s fast will be pleased with this starter rock polisher kit from Naturebound. This kit has been made with a unique design that lets you have gemstones made within as little as one day.

You can also select a two or three-day option by using the buttons available on the front. The on/off button is also available on the front which makes it super easy for children to use.

The set also comes with everything that children need to start making their gemstones. There’s a power cord, rock tumbler, polishing powder, rocks, and jewelry pieces. As a result, kids can have a blast polishing gemstones and making them into jewelry.

Some customers have discussed how you have to let the stones dry properly before adding the polishing powder otherwise the powder gets stuck to the stones. Having said that, it’s a simple problem that can usually be avoided by letting the stones dry properly.

Users have mentioned how they’re happy with how the tumbler has a design that lets you tighten it securely. As a result, you don’t have to worry about it leaking.

7) Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler:

Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last but not least on our review of rock polishers for kids is the Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler. Kids are provided with 1 lb of stones that have 9 different varieties which are great for enabling them to create gemstones that stand out from each other. The set also comes with fastenings for jewelry and 4 types of polishing grits which makes sure children have all they need to get started.

We also liked how the set of available instructions are simple to follow so that kids can get to making gemstones straight away. Furthermore, the motor that’s included has a durable design to last for longer.

The tumbler is louder than some would prefer. Therefore, you may want to operate somewhere in the house where it won’t disturb people.

An automatic shutoff timer function is included which is handy for allowing you to set a specific time that you want the rocks to be tumbled for. So, you don’t have to keep an eye on the tumbler. Instead, you can leave it to tumble the rocks and know that it will turn off by itself and save energy.

What’s Your Favorite Rock Polisher for Kids?

After reading through our review of some of the best rock polishers for kids, you can have an easier time making a final decision on the one that’s best for your child. Feel free to leave other suggestions on rock polishers that you think are great recommendations!

Here are links to the rock tumblers we feature here as well as some others on Amazon. Also be sure to also check out our list of the best chemistry kits for kids.

Interactive kids learning globes can be a fun and engaging way to teach geography to kids. Here we share 5 of the highest rated learning globes for children that are both awesome and affordable!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto the awesome kids globes for you.]

What are the Best Globes for Children?

Here are Our 5 Top Recommended Kids Learning Globes:

1. Oregon Scientific Smart Globe
2. USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe
3. Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass
4. Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe
5. Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe

1) Oregon Scientific Smart Globe

Oregon Scientific Smart Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our review of the best kids learning globes with the Oregon Scientific Smart Globe. This learning toy allows kids to learn over 2000 fun facts, listen to national anthems of different countries, history and more. One of the cool features of this one is that kids can touch around the globe using the “SmartGlobe” pen. There are digital touch points all over both the globe and stand base.

Included with this smart globe are 19 engaging games that help teach kids about world facts. There’s a ton of functions and ways for kids to quiz themselves. And recently, Oregon Scientific has built in an augmented reality component to this globe that allows children to use the Oregon Scientific app to bring the globe to life with animals and dinosaurs!

Most feedback on this product is very positive, with a common complaint of this particular learning globe being that the default setting can be too loud. However that was a minor complaint among otherwise fantastic reviews.

2) USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe:

USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe from USA Toyz is not only a kids learning globe, but also a constellation map and nightlight! Also included with this globe is a downloadable constellation app.

Children who love to gaze at the stars will absolutely love this one. They will be able to spot no less than 88 awesome constellations. A handy illustrated guidebook is included that will help kids learn the names, location and mythology of each constellation.

This globe is light at only one pound but also very durable. If features a sturdy chrome steel base that is built for stability.

One of the only complaints about the globe is that is small, so if you are looking for a bigger globe then you should probably pass on this one. However, the smaller size (16.2 x 13.2 x 13 inches) of this one is made perfect for fitting on a desktop or dresser.

3) Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass:

Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next up on our review of learning globes for children is the The Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass.

While not as high tech as the other options featured here, this beautiful, antique-styled globe for kids is perfect for teaching the basics of geography via fun interactive play!

One notable feature about this globe is that it comes with a built in magnifying glass perfect for spotting details that are often hard to read on other globes. Perfect for the discerning, curious child!

This scratch-proof acrylic globe is easy to assemble, rotates easily and is built to last. Plus, this globe comes with an awesome bonus – a great set of national flag stickers!

4) Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe:

Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Shifu Orboot augmented reality globe is among the best kids globes for helping to spark imagination and creativity! The globe itself doesn’t require a power source. Rather it is run entirely from the app.

Categories in the app include maps, weather, cultures, monuments, inventions and animals for a wide range of countries around the world. All of these are in 3D and enhanced with music and voices!

Within the app are also a bunch of puzzles and activities. Children can solve mysteries, take interactive quizzes and collect rewards along the way.

Besides the app-based globe and companion app, this learning toy comes with a helpful guide and a fun travel kit. Included are a passport, stamp, and country flag stickers that your kids should love.

This interactive kids globe is one definitely worth checking out!

5) Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe:

Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our final product in our list of the best kids learning globes is the multiple award-winning Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe, which includes more than 10,000 geography questions!

Up to 4 players can play the quiz game and can select various quiz categories, including the U.S.A, Canada, the World or ALL categories. Features include automatic scoring, question repeat, a help button, jacks for headphones or an AC Adapter (sold separately) and adjustable volume.

One small complaint about this talking globe is that the volume is on the softer side. Also, this is one of the pricier options.

This globe has won dozens of toy and education awards including from Teachers’ Choice, Parents’ Choice, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Award and others. If you are looking to instill an appreciation for the countries, people and cultures of the world, this might be a great choice for you!

Kids Learning Globes – What’s Your Favorite?

We hope you have found our list of the best kids globes useful towards your quest to find a perfect globe for the special children in your life! If you have your own favorite learning globe for children, please share it in the comments below.

Here are links to the 5 learning globes we feature here as well as some others on Amazon. Also be sure to check out our list of the best interactive maps for kids!

The best document cameras for teachers combine all the best features of by-gone teacher tech and skyrocket them into the twenty-first century! If you (or your district tech department) haven’t seen the newest models, you might first think of document cameras as the gigantic (and unused or unusable) machines in the corner of your college classrooms.

These days, however, document cameras come in a huge variety to fit any budget or purpose. Some are as simple to use as plugging in a USB cord! Here we have reviewed just a few of the myriad options available to help you decide what’s right for your classroom. On to our choices for the best classroom document cameras!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto the awesome teacher document cameras for you.]

What is the Best Document Camera for Teachers?

Here are our picks for the 6 Top Recommended Document Cameras for Teachers:

1. 1. Elmo 1353 Model LX-1 Visual Presenter
   2. Epson DC-13 High-Definition Document Camera
   3. Lumens DC125 Ladibug USB Document Camera
   4. Ipevo VZ-X Wireless Document Camera
   5. IPEVO V4K Ultra High Definition USB Document Camera
   6. iCODIS Document Camera X3

1) Elmo 1353 Model LX-1 Visual Presenter

Elmo 1353 Model LX-1 Visual Presenter. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We begin our list of the best document cameras for teachers with the Elmo 1353 LX-1 Visual Presenter.  Elmo has become one of the most ubiquitous brands of classroom document cameras and for good reason! They offer a variety of solutions for teachers that are high quality and easy to use.

This particular model by Elmo offers 96 times zoom! This is perfect for highlighting that one specific passage in a document or showcasing some awesome student work. It connects to your computer via HDMI and captures at 30fps for a smooth demostration that won’t remind your students of a stop-motion animation (though we have seen some students make some cute stop-motions with document cameras!).

The best part is Elmo knows their teacher audience well. This model includes auto-focus and zoom buttons that are easy to access on the uncluttered and sturdy base. The base has little feet to balance the camera arm without taking up too much table-top space.

Unlike many of the document cameras on this list, this Elmo model does require a separate power cord. It also lacks the SD card slot that some of the other Elmo models include.

If you want a tried-and-true brand used by thousands of teachers, look no further!

2) Epson DC-13 High-Definition Document Camera

Epson DC-13 High-Definition Document Camera. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Epson is known for their high-quality printers and scanners for a variety of budgets. Their document camera lines are no different offering a wide range of functions and price points.

What sets this document camera apart from the rest of this list and makes it a stand-out for science teachers is the included microscope adapter! This option allows you to attach many different standard microscopes to the document camera to project for your students or record video for later.

The built in microphone makes capturing exciting developments in class easy and the SD card slot allows you to save a video version of your lesson for students to view after absence or online.

The Epson document cameras do tend to be toward the higher end of the cost-spectrum, but most would agree they are well worth the price!

This document camera comes with a remote that includes many interactive functions such as freeze and capture. This way, you can step aside and let students take the lead in the lesson without losing the ability to record milestones and pause for teachable moments!

3) Lumens DC125 Ladibug USB Document Camera

Lumens DC125 Ladibug USB Document Camera. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next we have the Lumens Ladibug which combines form and function with a middle of the road price point! Teachers love the flexible camera arm and this streamlined version of the Ladibug is easy to use for teachers and students.

The Lumens Ladibug features 8 times zoom, 30 fps and HD output via USB (the USB is also the power source for the Ladibug!). This camera can take your flipped classroom videos to the next level with its built in microphone and the ability to make annotations on your computer screen without marking on your document or book! The Ladibug is compatible with all major interactive whiteboard brands.

This is a great option if you are a teacher who will be spending out of pocket for your document camera. Other teachers have written that they’ve actually decided to replace their school-furnished document camera with a Ladibug! The durability of this product seems to make the out of pocket cost worth it, too.

The downside seems to be that while Lumens bills this as “Plug and Play” other reviewers found that for the device to be fully functional with some older computers, you have to download some of the software. For Windows 10 and newer, the software can be installed via the camera’s USB cord.

4) Ipevo VZ-X Wireless Document Camera

Ipevo VZ-X Wireless Document Camera. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Here’s another great option from Ipevo’s wide range of document cameras. This document camera is one of the higher end from Ipevo and it has all the bells and whistles you could ever need in your classroom!

This document camera is ideal for the tech obsessed teacher or the teacher with an eye for quality images. It can create images and project demonstrations in HD and 4k quality depending on how it’s connected to your main computing device. Those connections can be made via USB, HDMI or WiFi.  Furthermore, Ipevo’s software is compatible with virtually every device ranging from your Mac or Windows computer, AppleTV or projector to your smartphone or tablet!

The Ipevo VZ-X can function completely wirelessly. It comes with 9-12 hours of battery life and up to 33 feet of wireless range. This means you could use the document camera on virtually any flat surface in your classroom and easily move from one desk to another to capture student work or artwork. The document camera’s arm swivels and bends to allow for plenty of flexibiltiy and capture just the right angle.

As with all the document cameras in the Ipevo line, the program to run the camera is easy to install and use. Multiple reviews from other teachers site the ease of use and versatility in the classroom for demonstrations and presentations. Some of the older online reviews cite issues with the screws in the arm or with focusing the camera, but these issues seem to have been fixed as more recent reviews have nothing but positives from teachers!

5) IPEVO V4K Ultra High Definition USB Document Camera

IPEVO V4K Ultra High Definition USB Document Camera. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next on our review of classroom document cameras is a budget-friendly document camera for teachers also made by Ipevo. This ultra-portable, foldable document camera has all the teacher-basics covered with a teacher-friendly price point.

This inexpensive document camera option still includes the 8 megapixel camera as its pricier sibling so you won’t sacrifice quality of your images and video. This model also only connects via USB, but the USB is also the power source for easy setup. The Ipevo software is installed via the USB as a plug and play device that even the least tech-savvy teacher can install!

Teachers love the auto-adjust features of the software. These make it easy to turn pages, switch documents or write under this document camera. Of course, these features make up for the small downside to this camera: the buttons to complete these functions are on top of the camera and pushing them can sometimes cause the camera to move.

6) iCODIS Document Camera X3

iCODIS Document Camera X3. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last but not least in our review of classroom document cameras is the iCODIS Document Camera X3.  This document camera is one of the higher end from Ipevo and it has all the bells and whistles you could ever need in your classroom!

This document camera is ideal for the tech obsessed teacher or the teacher with an eye for quality images. It can create images and project demonstrations in HD and 4k quality depending on how it’s connected to your main computing device. Those connections can be made via USB, HDMI or WiFi and Ipevo’s software is compatible with virtually every device ranging from your Mac or Windows computer, AppleTV or projector to your smartphone or tablet!

The Ipevo VZ-X can function completely wirelessly with 9-12 hours of battery life and up to 33 feet of wireless range. This means you could use the document camera on virtually any flat surface in your classroom and easily move from one desk to another to capture student work or artwork. The document camera’s arm swivels and bends to allow for plenty of flexibiltiy and capture just the right angle.

As with all the document cameras in the Ipevo line, the program to run the camera is easy to install and use. Multiple reviews from other teachers cite the ease of use and versatility in the classroom for demonstrations and presentations. Some of the older online reviews cite issues with the screws in the arm or with focusing the camera but these issues seem to have been fixed as more recent reviews have nothing but positives from teachers!

What’s Your Favorite Document Camera for Teachers?

In conclusion, a document camera can revolutionize classroom engagement. We hope this list helped you find just the right one for your classroom needs and that you’ll share what you found with your colleagues and friends! If you have your own personal best document camera for teachers, share the knowledge in the comments below!

One question we get every year around tax time is: what is the best  tax software for teachers?  With this article we try to cover 5 of our top recommended options for educators’ unique tax needs.

These online tax software options range in price and functionality but should have you covered and save you some money too.  Even the priciest options should be cheaper than hiring a professional to prepare your return.  In fact, some of them are truly free, at least for educators with simple returns!

Read on for our review of what we believe are currently the 5 best tax software programs for teachers in 2020.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now on to our list of awesome tax software for teachers.]

Our Top 5 Recommended Programs for Educators:

1) TurboTax

2) H&R Block

3) Tax Slayer

4) Liberty Tax

5) FreeTaxUsa

1) TurboTax for Teachers

Possibly the biggest name in Tax software, most educators cannot go wrong by choosing TurboTax. It is currently our #1 recommended tax software for teachers.

This year’s version will search more than 400 tax credits and deductions (including the Educator Expense Deduction) to see which you qualify for.

TurboTax guarantees teachers their maximum refund and 100% accuracy.  Learn more about the TurboTax teacher discount and see if you qualify for the free version of TurboTax here.

2) H&R Block for Teachers

H&R Block is #2 on our list of best tax software for teachers and also has our highest recommendation.

Benefits of using H&R Block include no hidden fees and unlimited help via chat.

One feature that sets H&R Block apart is the ability to get your all or part of your refund as an Amazon gift card.  What’s more, if choosing this option, you’ll get an additional 5% added to your refund!

Like TurboTax, H&R Block also offers a free version for filers with simple returns.  If you have  more complicated taxes, definitely take advantage of your 25% H&R Block teacher discount here.

3) TaxSlayer for Teachers

TaxSlayer is a great choice for educators who want a simple data entry option.  This program’s “quick file” option is a blessing for those who want a simplified filing process.  This program has the distinction of being the highest rated tax software for ease of use.

As with the other recommended tax filing software recommendations for teachers, TaxSlayer has a free option.  The paid options are very reasonable as well.

4) Liberty Tax for Teachers

Liberty Tax is a great option for educators who are savvy and experienced with filing their own taxes. The program allows you to choose what aspects of your return you want to work on and when. It even offers up helpful recommendations along the way, warning you if you enter information that might trigger an audit. Audit protection is even included in the price!

Liberty Tax is not as user-friendly as our top 3 options, but is very affordable and will definitely get the job done for you.

5) FreeTaxUSA for Teachers

Last but not least on our list of best tax software for teachers is FreeTaxUSA.  FreeTaxUSA is unique in that Federal Tax Filing is 100% free for both simple and complicated returns. Furthermore, state returns only cost $12.95!

One useful feature is that if you filed with TurboTax or H&R Block last year, you can conveniently upload your return from last year.

All in all, this no frills option is perfect for educators who like to save money and who are OK with less bells and whistles.

We hope you found this list of our top tax software programs for teachers helpful. We truly believe any of these 5 options will be great for you.  Please let us know what you think of our list in the comments below. If you have a personal favorite tax program for teachers we have missed, please let us know that in the comments as well!

Are you a teacher looking to buy a home and need help with financing? Please consider some of the special mortgage programs that cater specifically to educators. In this article we are excited to share 4 of the top providers that currently offer teacher home loans!

Our 4 Top Home Loan Programs for Teachers

Our list of teacher home loan providers in 2020 include:

1) LendingTree for Teachers
2) Educator Mortgage Program
3) Teacher Home Advantage
4) NEA Home Financing Program

Why Should you Explore Teacher Home Loans?

First off, these programs were created with educators in mind. They may offer some perks and/or discounts that you may not get from traditional financing options. One of the perks includes discounted closing costs or lower interest rates. Some programs even can make a donation to your school. All this considered, teacher home loans might very well be what you are looking for when you wish to finance the purchase of a home.

Without further ado, here are the 4 best teacher mortgage programs available for professional educators:

1)LendingTree Teacher Home Loans

Our #1 recommended provider of teacher home loans is LendingTree, where you can easily compare up to five educator-friendly home loan offers!

Whether you are purchasing a home, refinancing, looking for a home equity line of credit or seeking a reverse mortgage, LendingTree has our highest recommendation.

If looking at any of the other options that follow, it is highly recommended you take a look at LendingTree first! This will give you the most options. Furthermore, it can help you make an informed decision on which home loan for teachers is best for you! Highly recommended!

2)Educator Mortgage Program

This is a really interesting program from Supreme Lending that anyone in the education industry is eligible to apply for. The highlights of the Educator Mortgage Program include:

• Discounted Closing Costs – Supreme Lending is offering up to $800 in reduced closing costs to educators.  If you qualify, you will receive a credit on your HUD-1 settlement statement for up to $800.
• Discounted Real Estate Agent Fees – The Educator Mortgage Program looks to work with real estate agents who want to give back. As an educator, you will receive a credit on your HUD-1 settlement statement up to $800 from participating Real Estate Agents. These funds can be used for any fees, prepaids, seller fees, or new escrow account set up for your new loan.
• Fast Loan Process – Supreme Lending emphasizes that educator clients are given highest priority. Educator loans are handled expeditiously so as to ensure “a smoother and more enjoyable experience.”
• Donation to Your School– With the Educator Mortgage Program, a donation of to $200 will be made to the school program of your choice. If you work with a participating real estate agent, an additional $200 will be donated, for a total of $400, to the school program of your choice!

Visit the Educator Mortgage Program’s website for more info on their teacher home loans. They offer various home buyer mortgage programs including FHA loans, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, USDA, Jumbo and more.

3) Teacher Home Advantage

The Teacher Home Advantage program by Pacific Home Mortgage offers various options for teacher home loans.   These range from:

• FHA Loans – Federally backed loans with a low fixed rate, great for the educator who is a first time home buyer.
• Conventional Loans – These are not backed by the government and usually require a larger down payment. However, one advantage of these loans for teachers is that monthly mortgage insurance is not generally required.
• USDA Loans – 0% down loans that are insured by the government. These loans are only offered in “rural” areas. The fact that these loans require no down payment puts home ownership within the reach of many educators.
• VA Loans – If you are a veteran, this could be a great option for you. Like the USDA loan, it does not require a down payment.
• Home Path Program – This program is only available for the purchase of Fannie Mae owned homes. It offers educator borrowers low down payment options, flexible terms, no mortgage insurance and no appraisal fees.
• “Making Home Affordable” Program – Teacher Home Advantage works directly with this program. Basically, it includes opportunities to help borrowers make their monthly payments more affordable. In other words, it allows homeowners the chance to decrease their current mortgage payments, even if they’re “upside down” in their home.
• Teacher Next Door – This program (more specifically HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program) offers Pre-K through 12th grade teachers a wonderful opportunity. Make a contribution to community revitalization while receiving a substantial 50% discount on the list price of a home! The limitations of this program are that you must commit to live in the property for 3 years, and qualifying homes must be located in HUD-designated revitalization areas only.

4) NEA Home Financing Program®

Offered through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, the NEA Home Financing Program® is offered as a benefit of the NEA Member Benefits program.

Some of the features of this program include:

• Competitive interest rates and fees
• Low down payment options
• A wide variety of home financing choices
• Conventional and jumbo loans, with both purchase and refinance programs available
• As an NEA Member bonus, you’ll receive a $500 award card when you close a purchase or refinance

State Teacher Home Loan Options

Many states have teacher home loan programs that are unique to that particular state. For example, we have put together a guide to teacher home loans in California and will be adding info about other states soon!

Explore your Teacher Home Loan Options Today!

When searching for your teacher home loan do not forget to compare rates and other benefits. Again, our highest recommendation is to start your comparison shopping on LendingTree today HERE.

Projectors are one of the most-used and most-versatile tools in the classroom. From showing movies and PowerPoint slides to using interactive software, there are endless possibilities for all grade levels. If you’re looking for the right projector for you classroom, look no further than our list of eight of the best classroom projectors. These projectors span all price points, for even the thriftiest of teachers!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best projectors for classroom use. Header Image © WavebreakmediaMicro /Adobe Stock]

What is the Best Classroom Projector?

Here are our picks for the eight best classroom projectors in 2019:

1. 1. Casio XJ-F210WN WXGA
   2. Epson POWERLITE 1940W WXGA 3LCD V11H474020 Projector
   3. Optoma WU336 WUXGA 3400 Lumens Business & Education Projector
   4. Epson VS340 XGA 3LCD Projector 2800
   5. ViewSonic PJD5255 3300 Lumens XGA HDMI Projector
   6. SOLOVE HDMI Projector
   7. Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector
   8. Nebula Capsule

1) Casio XJ-F210WN WXGA Classroom Projector

Casio XJ-F210WN WXGA. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our list with the Casio XJ-F210WN WXGA, the only projector on the list to combine laser and LED hybrid technology. The Casio XJ-F210WN WXGA, Ultra Video Projector is a sleek, modern-looking projector with laser and LED hybrid technology. If you’re not a science teacher, that might sound like a bunch of technology jargon to you. Basically, that means you get better color quality and you’ll never have to replace a light bulb ever again. The light source in this model is designed to last the lifespan of the unit itself, 20,000 hours! It’s better for the environment, doesn’t overheat, and starts up almost instantly, saving you valuable time.

Teachers call this projector “a good value for the money.” They cite the ease of use, image quality, and lack of noise as its strengths. At about 8.5 pounds, it’s a little heavy for mobile teachers, but makes an excellent ceiling-mounted unit.

2) Epson POWERLITE 1940W WXGA 3LCD V11H474020 Projector

Epson POWERLITE 1940W WXGA 3LCD V11H474020 Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Epson POWERLITE 1940W WXGA 3LCD V11H474020 Projector has 4200 lumens of color brightness and 4200 lumens of white brightness, giving it one of the most brilliant picture qualities on this list. An additional built-in feature means you can attach multiple sources and display their content on a split screen.

One educator notes that her set up is never the same from week to week, but this unit features horizontal and vertical keystone correction that enables her to easily set up each time.

At almost 12 pounds, it’s not the most portable projector on our list, but the picture quality is outstanding.

3) Optoma WU336 WUXGA 3400 Lumens Business & Education Projector

Optoma WU336 WUXGA 3400 Lumens Business & Education Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Optoma WU336 WUXGA 3400 Lumens Business & Education Projector is optimized for small to medium rooms, making it a good choice for your classroom. This projector is well worth the price for 3,400 lumens of brightness, a 15,000-hour lamp life, and a 10-watt speaker. That’s right! You won’t have to order a new light bulb until you’ve run it for 15,000 hours. That’s a money saver right there!

Teachers love how much time this projector saves them. It is easy to set up right out of the box. The 10-watt speaker means you won’t have to worry about wasting time attaching external speakers, and you will probably never have to replace the light bulb!

4) Epson VS340 XGA 3LCD Projector 2800

Epson VS340 XGA 3LCD Projector 2800. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Epson VS340 XGA 3LCD Projector 2800 can be used just about anywhere, at any time of day, thanks to its XGA resolution (1023×760), 2800 lumens of color brightness, and 2800 lumens of white brightness! Users rave about its ability to project clear, sharp images in a lit room. No need to waste time pulling down the blinds or putting paper over the windows. Plus, your students won’t be struggling to take notes in the dark!

Teachers of all kinds have used this projector in a variety of educational settings, from seminary school classrooms to Toastmasters groups. Teachers agree that the sharp images mean students can better see details such as numbers on charts and graphs

This projector also supports HDMI, so you can hook up your laptop or media player with ease. At just over 5 pounds, it is still portable and adaptable enough for the busy teacher’s lifestyle.

5) ViewSonic PJD5255 3300 Lumens XGA HDMI Projector

ViewSonic PJD5255 3300 Lumens XGA HDMI Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next on our list of the best classroom projectors is The ViewSonic PJD5255 3300 Lumens XGA HDMI Projector.

This one has amazing reviews from users of all walks of life. They love how a variety of media players can be attached using the HDMI, USB, and VGA ports.

Whether your have a Mac, PC, or ipad in your classroom, you should be able to use this projector. Users also point out that it’s easy to hook up Apple TV or a Firestick for movie projection.

The aspect ratio of 10:16 (wide-screen format) may be great for movies, but isn’t ideal for PowerPoint presentations, which are usually presented in a more “square” format.  Still, for the mid-level price, this is a good unit for everyday use.

6) SOLOVE HDMI Projector

SOLOVE HDMI Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The SOLOVE HDMI Projector is another economical choice, coming in at under $200.

This projector allows the user to customize the screen size and can even be hooked up to your smartphone or TV, making it adaptable for teachers who don’t have regular access to a laptop.

One small criticism of this projector is that the fan is slightly noisy, but users say that it can be easily ignored when watching movies at a normal volume.

Users like that the built-in speakers provide adequate volume for an average sized room. External speakers can also be hooked up to the projector. This projector is a good choice for playing movies or instructional videos in your classroom.

7) Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector

Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector is a small, lightweight choice for classroom use, without compromising picture quality. At 2.1 pounds, it is easy to carry from classroom to classroom, for teachers who share equipment or who travel throughout the day.

Users love how easy it is to set up, the included carrying case, and the quiet fan. The Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector is marketed for playing games, watching movies, and viewing TV shows on a “big screen” and is not recommended for PowerPoint or other presentation software.

Still, at under $100, it is a good choice for movie day in your classroom.

8) Nebula Capsule

Nebula Capsule. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last but not least on our list of the best classroom projectors is the Nebula Capsule by Anker. It is by far the smallest, lightest, most portable projector on our list.

This cool little gadget is about the size of a soda can, sits on any flat surface, and runs on one rechargeable lithium ion battery. This projector will fit inside your teacher bag, alongside your books and folders! Perfect for adjunct professors who travel from campus to campus or who have unreliable technology in their classrooms.

Teachers love the power of the built in speaker and its capability to run apps like Netflix as well as media from a USB flash drive, using the provided micro USB cable. It might not be big and fancy, but for the price it’s a fairly affordable alternative for teachers on a budget.

What’s Your Favorite Projector for Classroom Use?

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best classroom projectors on the market. With so many projectors out there, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and usage needs!

Do you already use any of these projectors in your classroom? Your thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated in the comments below!

As a teacher, you need to move from your home to the classroom with a full load of papers, textbooks, your computer, other personal electronic devices, and maybe even your lunch. Having the right backpack is essential to making this daily reality as stress free as possible. Here we have put together a list of some of the best teacher backpacks that will go easy on your back and on your pocketbook.

Here are the best options we have found that combine style, comfort, and most importantly – practical functionality.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best teacher backpacks for you.]

What is the Best Backpack for Teachers?

Here are our picks for the 6 Best Teacher Backpacks:

1. 1. Hap Tim Laptop Backpack
   2. Jiefeike Large Capacity Laptop Backpack
   3. SwissDigital Water Resistant Backpack
   4. Matein Travel Backpack
   5. Kuprine Lightweight Business Backpack
   6. Coolbell Convertible Backpack-Messenger Bag

1) Hap Tim Laptop Backpack

Hap Tim Laptop Backpack. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Topping out the list of best teacher backpacks is the Hap Tim Laptop Backpack. This backpack caught our eye with its unique doctor-bag style closure. The design allows the user to see everything at a glance from above and provides easy access to everything. This backpack has an internal metal frame that allows the bag to stay open yet maintain its integrity in shape. It will never slouch or flop over.

Aside from its ingenious design, this backpack offers abundant storage space in one main compartment. If you feel overwhelmed by too many pockets, this backpack is for you! The bag features an adjustable protective sleeve so you can confidently store your laptop securely among all your other belongings. With the smaller pocket on the front, you can stash all the smaller things you want to keep handy, and with the side mesh pockets you can bring your water bottle, coffee cup or umbrella.

This backpack is water resistant and can take a fair amount of abuse without showing wear – no need to worry about getting stuck in rain or the accidental spills. In fact, the only negative that we can think of that this bag may have is that it is a bit heavy because of the internal metal structure.

Overall, we feel that this backpack is a modern, no-nonsense, practical, and highly functional design for the working professional.

2) Jiefeike Large Capacity Laptop Backpack

Jiefeike Large Capacity Laptop Backpack. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Jiefeike backpack is the next on the list. If sleek is not your style, and you need some serious storage space – with a 45L capacity, this is the backpack for you. This bag features three large compartments and over 15 pockets! This includes one dedicated fully padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 17 in laptop! When fully loaded, this backpack is comfortable for the wearer, featuring ample padding and breathable mesh.

The other thing we love about this bag is that it incorporates technology. You can count on a headphone port and, most importantly, a USB charging port (you have to buy the charging pack) and included cable. With this feature you can stay connected without leaving your phone plugged in away from your desk.

This backpack also includes other anti-theft features such as lockable zippers and hidden security pockets. This bag is made with heavy duty fabric that is both tear and water resistant, though some consumers report problems with stitching quality.

Overall, this backpack is one of the most top rated options if you need capacity and strength above all else.

3) SwissDigital Water Resistant Backpack

SwissDigital Water Resistant Backpack. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next on our list of the best teacher backpacks is the SwissDigital Water Resistant Backpack. This backpack does not top our list because of its price, which tends toward the higher side. But sometimes a little extra investment is worth it. This backpack takes technology integration and anti-theft measures to a whole new level by having a dedicated RFID protection pocket that allows you to store your credit cards and license without fear that your information will be scanned. Additionally, you can count on a USB charging port and included cable (battery charging pack not included).

This bag offers an incredible amount of storage space with 15 independent pockets and compartments, including a dedicated padded laptop and electronics compartment. This backpack also features a 180 degree, lay-flat design, making this a practical option for having easy access to all of your electronics. This particular model also offers a special velvet lined pocket exclusively for your sunglasses!

Counted among the other included features are water resistance, mesh cup holders and reflective strips for night visibility. With high tech, heavy duty material and stitching, this backpack is sure to be a good investment.

The only doubt we have with this backpack is how comfortable it would be to wear when fully loaded. The straps, while not weak, seem to lack padding for the size of a load you could potentially carry in this beast of a backpack.

4) Matein Travel Backpack

Matein Travel Backpack. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Matein travel backpack is different from the others on the list, being a more traditional style backpack, but with all the modern features one would hope to find. It lacks all the zippers and mini pockets accessible from the outside, giving it a sleeker look, without sacrificing storage capacity.

Of the three main compartments, one is fully dedicated to protecting your laptop and other electronic devices with a designated padded pocket. The front pocket opens revealing a variety of smaller pockets, ideal for storing little things you want to keep on hand. The middle pocket is large and spacious with room for your folders, files, textbooks and whatever else you need to fit in there. With an extra-large capacity, this bag could hold your gym shoes, too! This backpack is also weather resistant and made with heavy duty tear resistant material.

With this backpack you can count on a USB charging port and cable (charger pack not included) to keep you connected and your devices close at hand. Additionally, this backpack has other anti-theft features such as lockable zippers and hidden pockets. The lay flat design makes this bag a great option for travel. Why buy a backpack that works only for the classroom?

It should be noted that some consumers have complained that this backpack, despite its size and manufacturer’s claims, can only comfortably protect a 15.6 in laptop. Otherwise it seems like a great option for someone who wants a sleek profile without sacrificing storage capacity.

5) Kuprine Lightweight Business Backpack

Kuprine Lightweight Business Backpack. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This backpack is a nice alternative for the teacher that likes to travel lightweight. If you don’t need the storage capacity of an extra-large backpack, and like a traditional backpack design, this is the bag for you. Constructed of tear resistant material, this bag has ample back support and a breathable design for maximum comfort.

This backpack features one main compartment for your files, and books. Behind that, you will find a discreet space exclusively for your laptop. The front compartment has all kinds of pockets to keep your smaller things handy and organized, and there is a front sleeve, perfect for a tablet or keeping your phone on hand. There is even an anti-theft hidden pocket on the back!

This backpack doesn’t leave out the essential USB charging port and cable (charger pack not included) either. The best feature about this bag, unlike the others, is that the charging port can be removed making this backpack machine washable! How’s that for real-life practicality!

The only real downfall to this backpack that we can think of is that it is not particularly water resistant. It might hold up to an accidental spill, but most likely not a torrential downpour. Otherwise, this backpack is compact yet spacious option for keeping organized between the classroom and home

6) Coolbell Convertible Backpack-Messenger Bag – Briefcase

Coolbell Convertible Backpack-Messenger Bag – Briefcase. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This backpack rounds out our list of best teacher backpacks and is our favorite for versatility. Maybe you need to look the role of the professional that you are, and a briefcase would be more appropriate to take to an important meeting. Maybe a backpack is more comfortable for your commute. This ingenious designs allows you the flexibility to choose how to carry your essentials and how to present yourself while using the same piece of luggage. With hideable back straps and a removable shoulder strap you can easily convert this bag to suit your needs.

This bag stands out for its remarkable laptop protection. If your computer is your main tool, this is the best option for you. Featuring an exclusive compartment with built in anti-shock foam padding, this backpack offers the best protection for your laptop of all the options on our list. In the other compartment you will find ample room to store your textbooks and other essential papers.

This bag is made of high quality, water resistant canvas and features genuine leather details. What this bag does not have is a USB charging port or anti-theft features. If those are not essentials for your lifestyle, and you appreciate compact practicality – this may be the best backpack for you.

Best Teacher Backpacks – What’s Your Favorite?

We hope you find this list a useful starting place on your search for the best teacher backpack that fits your teaching career and lifestyle. Please, feel free to share our recommendations! While you’re at it, be sure to let us know in the comments what features you most look for when considering the perfect backpack for you.

Are you searching for high-quality speakers to use in your classroom? Read on for our review of what 7 of the best classroom speakers have to offer!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we love and that have our highest recommendation. Thank you kindly for supporting of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best classroom speakers for you.]

What are the Best Classroom Speakers?

Here are our picks for the top 7 recommended speakers for classroom use:

1. 1. Bose Companion 2 Series
   2. Anker SoundCore Boost
   3. Edifier R980T Bookshelf Speakers
   4. Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
   5. Aiwa Exos-9 Bluetooth Portable Speaker
   6. Vanatoo Transparent Zero Powered Speaker
      
   7. Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers And Subwoofer
      

1) Bose Companion 2 Series

Bose Companion 2 Series. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

These Bose Companion 2 Series speakers allow you to hook them up to your laptop or computer that’s in your classroom.

These speakers have been built with “TrueSpace” stereo digital processing circuitry. This is an excellent feature that enhances the overall sound quality of the speakers.  Therefore, you can feel confident in knowing that all of your students will be able to clearly hear the audio.

As a result of the cabinet design that includes a port, the sound quality is fantastic. So, everyone in your class will be able to pick up on all of the sounds and speech that are in the videos you show.

We liked how the setup process is a breeze as well. The box includes all of the parts you need to install it into your classroom. It can take just a matter of minutes.

On the right of the speaker, you can find a headphone jack and volume control that’s easy to access.

Some teachers have noticed that the speakers can start to sound slightly muffled when being played at extremely high levels. However, you’re unlikely to need to turn them up to these levels if they’re being used in classrooms.

2) Anker SoundCore Boost

Anker SoundCore Boost . Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Teachers have been pleased to discover that the Anker SoundCore Boost speakers come with some great technology built-in. This includes a BassUp feature that’s patented by Anker.

You can use this feature by pressing a button and enhancing the quality of the bass. So, if you’re playing videos that have music and it doesn’t sound as clear, you can use the BassUp technology to heighten the deeper sound quality.

With dual drivers and 2 subwoofers available with this set of speakers, you can be sure that your entire class will be able to hear with clarity.

We noticed that it’s particularly good for playing videos that are primarily speech. It can fill the entire room with sound that’s even. As a result, it’s a great choice for showing your class educational videos where there’s a lot of speech.

You can charge the speakers with the USB port which lets you listen to them for up to 10 hours after being fully charged. Alternatively, you could use lithium ion batteries to keep it charged too.

If you have multiple classrooms to travel too, these speakers have a portable design that makes them easier to carry around.

Some would prefer if the power switch felt more responsive. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when you’ve turned it on or off.

However, teachers will appreciate the Bluetooth technology. This makes connecting it to laptops and computers is easy as there’s no wiring required.

3) Edifier R980T Bookshelf Speakers

Edifier R980T Bookshelf Speakers. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We liked how these speakers have a port that’s available on the front. This front-firing design allows sound to travel more directly.

It’s a great feature for teachers as you can set the speaker up at the front and have the sound travel forward to all of your students.

We liked how they’ve been made with a wooden finish as well. This adds a visual appeal that makes them great for classrooms.

The all-wooden design is also effective at keeping the interior parts of the speakers more stable. Therefore, there’s less internal vibration to minimize distortion in sound.

There are 3.5 mm and RCA cables available. So, you can be sure to connect the speakers to any system that you have in your classroom.

Teachers have also been liking how the speakers have a more compact size. This makes it very easy to set them up in your classroom and not have them take up too much space.

Some would prefer if the volume controls were available on the front rather than the back. It can be tricky to access them sometimes. Having said that, you’re able to connect the speakers to multiple devices due to the different RCA inputs that are available.

4) Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System

Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Logitech’s Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System has been fitted with a Dolby Digital system. This is fantastic for enhancing the sound quality to ensure that your class can hear everything in detail.

Furthermore, you can choose to set these speakers up on the wall to create a more immersive experience for the class. Alternatively, they can be set up on desks as well.

There are a total of 6 speakers available. They can all be connected to TV’s, laptops, and computers, which makes the setup process easier.

Some were disappointed with how there’s a lack of bass adjustments available. However, you can use the remote to control the volume and other settings.

5) Aiwa Exos-9 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Aiwa Exos-9 Bluetooth Portable Speaker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

With the range of EQ features available, you’re able to customize the kind of sound that you want this speaker to create for your classroom

You’re also able to easily control the settings by using the simple control panel that has been fitted.

With a dual-coil design available, the speaker is able to produce high-quality sounds. Therefore, all of your students will be able to clearly hear the sound, regardless of whether they’re sitting at the front, middle, or back of the class.

If you need to be traveling between different classrooms, you’ll love the portability of this speaker.

Another great feature is that it has a Bluetooth feature that makes it incredibly easy to connect to various devices.

6) Vanatoo Transparent Zero Powered Speaker

Vanatoo Transparent Zero Powered Speaker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The “ClearBass” technology that has been implemented to this speaker allows you to hear the lower sounds with more clarity. This is helped by the aluminum cone woofer that works with the voice coil.

As a result, your students will be able to have a better learning experience by clearly hearing the audio of the videos that you play.

A remote is included which lets you wirelessly keep control of all the settings. We were also impressed with how it has been fitted with Bluetooth.

So, you can easily connect it to Bluetooth compatible devices. A USB cable is also available if you wanted to connect the speaker with wires to the computer in your classroom.

People have found that the sound of these is not optimal for playing music. However, teachers have been liking the sound quality for educational videos.

The design of these speakers is also professional and they look great in classrooms.

7) Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers And Subwoofer

Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers And Subwoofer. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The ClearBass technology that has been implemented to this speaker allows you to hear the lower sounds with more clarity. This is helped by the aluminum cone woofer that works with the voice coil.

As a result, your students will be able to have a better learning experience by clearly hearing the audio of the videos that you play.

A remote is included which lets you wirelessly keep control of all the settings. We were also impressed with how it has been fitted with Bluetooth.

So, you can easily connect it to Bluetooth compatible devices. A USB cable is also available if you wanted to connect the speaker with wires to the computer in your classroom.

People have found that it doesn’t sound so great for music. However, teachers have been liking the sound quality for educational videos.

The design of these speakers is also professional and they look great in classrooms.

Best Classroom Speakers – What’s Your Favorite?

Now that you’ve had the chance to read through our review of the best classroom speakers, you can pick the one that you think is best for your needs.

Feel free to share any of your own recommendations below too!

If you’re on the hunt for an LCD projector for your classroom, you’ll be happy to hear that we’ve researched and reviewed what the top choices have to offer.

Read on for our picks for 7 of the very best LCD Projectors for classroom use!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we love and that have our highest recommendation. Thank you kindly for supporting of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best LCD projectors for your classroom.]

What are the Best LCD Projectors for Classroom Use?

Here are our picks for the top 7 best LCD projectors for classrooms:

1. 1. Epson VS250 Projector
   2. GooDee Video Projector
   3. DHAWS Video Projector
   4. Poyank Projector
   5. Epson PowerLite Projector
   6. Epson VS240 Projector
   7. DBPOWER Mini Projector

1) Epson VS250 Projector

Epson VS250 Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Starting our list of the best LCD projectors for classroom use is the Epson VS250.  This one provides you with a whopping 3,200 lumens, which means that you and your students will be able to see images with plenty of brightness.

Additionally, the resolution is SVGA (800 x 600).We found this resolution to be great for classrooms because it lets you project things, such as graphics and presentations daily. Teachers also appreciate how easy it is to set this projector up!

The controls are super easy to get the hang of to make it simple for you to use when teaching a classroom. Tuning the projector on and getting your images on display is also a breeze.

When it comes to connecting this projector to different devices, we liked how they’ve made it very compatible. This is because it has a HDMI support, which most other devices have nowadays.

This feature makes it incredibly easy to connect the projector to your laptop or computer. You can then get your images and sound on at the same time, by just using a HDMI cable.

2) GooDee Video Projector

GooDee Video Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We were impressed with how the fan that has been built-into this projector operates at a very low volume. Therefore, it’s awesome for classrooms where you want students to be able to focus without any noise distractions.

They’ve also implemented dual stereo speakers that include SRS sound. This is a great feature that lets you show videos to your class with high-quality sound.

Setting up and using the projector is also a breeze. All of the buttons that are available are easy to press to focus on teaching your class. Furthermore, there is a keystone that can be rotated to help you focus the projector properly.

The brightness and quality of the images that you’re able to put on display with this projector is fantastic. You’re provides with 2,200 lumens, which makes the images very bright and easy to see.

In addition to this, the projector can show you images at 1280 x 768. This is pretty great for a small classroom projector!

3) DHAWS Video Projector

DHAWS Video Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

With the Hi-Fi HD stereo sound that has been implemented to this projector, you can be sure that your classroom will be able to hear any videos that you play with this one.

Teaches have been liking how they can set this projector up out of the way by mounting it to the ceiling. This can be achieved by using the 4 holes that are available.

You can be sure to use this projector for hours at a time and not have to worry about it overheating. This is because it included dual fans that prevent the projector from overheating.

These fans work at a low noise level too. Therefore, your class won’t be getting disturbed. You can easily connect the projector to various devices by using the HDMI slot that’s included.

The 3,800 lumens that are available allows you to look at images and videos with clarity and brightness. Furthermore, this one can project images at 1920 x 1080p, which is full HD!

There’s a lamp life of 50,000+ hours as well. This is plenty to ensure that you’re able to show images and videos to your students for a long time.

4) Poyank Projector

Poyank Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

With 3,200 lumens available, you can feel confident in showing your classroom presentations, videos, and images that are bright and easy to see. This is especially the case with the high-quality resolution of 1280 x 720 that’s available.

In fact, the projector can show images at 1920 x 1080 pixels when it’s being used on its highest setting.

You can be sure that the images you show with this projector will fit that screen you have in your classroom. This is because it can project images and videos on display that are anywhere between 44 and 200”.

Adjusting the focus of the images that you’re projecting is super easy. All you have to do it turn the keystone until the image on the screen is focused properly.

With Hi-Fi surround sound built-in to the projector, all of your students will be able to clearly hear any audio.

We liked how there’s a dual fan cooling system too. This works effectively to keep the project cool when it’s being used to long durations of time.

5) Epson PowerLite Projector

Epson PowerLite Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Epson PowerLite is an excellent choice for teachers who are often having to travel between different classrooms. This is because it weighs just 4 lbs.

They’ve also made it with a slim design. So, you can carry it around without any hassle. We were impressed with how the projector is wireless too!

We liked how there are 3,200 lumens on offer as it enables you and your students to clearly see the images with plenty of brightness. The images that you’re able to project can be up to 1280 x 800 in resolution.

Therefore, you’re able to show videos and images in HD quality. You can share videos from your devices, such as smartphones and laptops, by using the different plug-ins that are available.

Adjusting the images onto a screen is super easy. This is a result of the keystone that’s available. Not to mention, a Screen Fit function is included which helps to automatically adjust the projector image to the screen.

6) Epson VS240 Projector

Epson VS240 Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

With 3,000 lumens available, you’re able to show videos and images with lots of brightness. The images on the screen are incredibly colorful and vivid too.

The resolution that’s available is SVGA and provides you with 800 x 600 pixels. This is the more basic resolution that’s available with projectors. However, this may be all some teaches need as it lets you show graphics and presentations.

Setting up the projector is a breeze. You can also make adjustments to the images on the screen by using the control that are available.

The projector can be conncected to a range of devices that have a HDMI port. This will mostly include laptops and computers. This lets you show images directly from your devices to project htem on the screen with ease.

If you’re a teacher who often needs to be on the move, the compact and lightweight design of this projector would be a huge benefit. It weighs just 5.29 lbs, which means you can effortlessly carry it around to different classrooms.

Turning the projecto off is also remarkably simple by pressing a single button. The lamps inside the projector have a lifespan of 10,000 hours, which is plenty for your teaching needs.

7) DBPower Mini Projector

DBPower Mini Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last on our list of the best LCD Projectors for classroom use is the highly portable DBPower Mini Projector. With this little guy you’re able to project images on screens of up to 176”! which provides you with the ability to use the projector on larger formats. It can support a high-quality screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p too.

This provides your class with the chance to see images and videos in full HD. We also liked how there are dual stereo speakers built-in. This allows all your students to be able to hear videos with clarity.

We liked how the lamp lifespan is 50,000 hours as it enables you to use the projector for many classes. In addition to this, fans have been implemented within the projector. These work effectively to prevent it from overheating. We were impressed with how these fans work at very low noise levels so it won’t have to disrupt your classroom.

There are plenty of connectivity options available with this projector too. They include USB, HDMI, and TF cards. This lets you connect your devices to the projector to show your images and videos to the class with ease.

Best LCD Projectors for Classroom Use – What’s Your Favorite?

That concludes our review on what the top LCD projectors for classrooms have to offer. Hopefully, you’re able to use the information that we’ve provided in our review to pick the projector that’s best for your classroom.

If you have any other suggestions or details that could be useful, feel free to leave a comment below. It could help others learn more about these projectors!

Remember the days of connecting big, clunky speakers to your computer with wires? The wires were always getting tangled, and the speakers took up so much space on your desk! Thankfully, teachers have many small but powerful wireless options for speakers in their classrooms today. New innovations in technology mean that bluetooth speakers are inexpensive but provide great sound quality. Here is our list of the six best bluetooth speakers for classroom use!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we love and that have our highest recommendation. Thank you kindly for supporting of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best bluetooth speakers for your classroom.]

What are the Best Bluetooth Speakers for Classroom Use?

Here are our picks for the top 6 best bluetooth speakers for classrooms:

1. 1. AELEC Portable Bluetooth Speakers
   2. JBL JBLGO2CPN GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
   3. Govee Portable Bluetooth CD Player
   4. MIABOO Mini Bluetooth Speaker
   5. Voisecret Portable Bluetooth Speaker
   6. Ematic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker & Speakerphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android devices, & Laptop
      

1) AELEC Portable Bluetooth Speakers

AELEC Portable Bluetooth Speakers. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

At the top of our list is the AELEC Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This rectangular speaker comes with a built-in lithium polymer battery, an audio cable, and a Micro SD card slot, so that you can use it with a variety of devices, from smart phones to computers.

It’s also water-resistant and boasts 15 hours of playtime before the battery needs charged. You won’t have to worry about remembering to plug it in before leaving every day.

Users say the sound quality is great for being such an unassuming little speaker. It’s not the most attractive unit available, but for under $20 it’ll do the trick for any teacher on a budget.

2) JBL JBLGO2CPN GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker

JBL JBLGO2CPN GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The JBL JBLGO2CPN GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker comes in almost a dozen different colors, so you’re sure to find something to match your classroom decor. This little gadget has five hours of continuous playtime before the included lithium polymer battery needs charged.

This speaker can also be stored in a hardback case (sold separately) for stashing inside your desk drawer. At 3.8 x 1.4 x 4.2 inches, it’s so tiny you won’t have a problem finding room for it in your classroom.

Reviewers were impressed by how loud this speaker got for its size. Most reviewers used it for listening to music in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, so you should have no issues with the sound quality, weather it be in your enclosed classroom or in a large gym full of rowdy students.

3) Govee Portable Bluetooth CD Player

Govee Portable Bluetooth CD Player. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next up is the CD Player with Bluetooth, Govee Portable CD Player with Remote Control. This is by far the coolest gadget on our list because it’s much more than just a bluetooth speaker. It contains a CD player, FM radio, and MP3 player. You can hook it up to your Iphone via bluetooth as well.

The whole unit is also wall-mountable or can be stood upright on your desk. It can be controlled with the provided remote. The built-in LCD screen is unlike anything you’ve seen in a CD player before. Consider it your one-stop audio shop.

One downfall of this unit is that it does not take a battery; it must be plugged into an electrical outlet for use. Also, some users found the CD player’s exposed design strange. However, overall most users found its appearance sleek and modern. They also love how they can use it for so many things.

It’s hard to find a good CD player these days, so this could be an easy solution for teachers who want to play read-aloud CD’s in the classroom!

4) MIABOO Mini Bluetooth Speaker

MIABOO Mini Bluetooth Speaker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next we have the MIABOO Mini Bluetooth Speaker. The MIAMBOO Mini Bluetooth Speaker is small, but durable. It is made of high-strength metal and durable rubber, making it scratch proof and dust resistant. It is made even more portable with a hook that you can clip anywhere.

The bluetooth connection works with Ipads, smart phones, Mac Books, laptops, and anything that can be connected via bluetooth, but there appears to be no aux cable. It boasts five hours of playtime before needing charged.

Reviewers loved its portability and the fact that it’s practically child-proof. One user stated her kids dropped it from their bunk beds and it didn’t even scratch! I can’t think of anything more durable for a classroom full of little hands.

By the way, there’s also a cute puppy design also available for a child-friendly option!

5) Voisecret Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Voisecret Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

With the range of EQ features available, you’re able to customize the kind of sound that you want this speaker to create for your classroom

You’re also able to easily control the settings by using the simple control panel that has been fitted.

With a dual-coil design available, the speaker is able to produce high-quality sounds. Therefore, all of your students will be able to clearly hear the sound, regardless of whether they’re sitting at the front, middle, or back of the class.

If you need to be traveling between different classrooms, you’ll love the portability of this speaker.

Another great feature is that it has a Bluetooth feature that makes it incredibly easy to connect to various devices.

6) Ematic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker & Speakerphone

Ematic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker & Speakerphone. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last up on our list we have the Ematic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker & Speakerphone. This inexpensive little wireless speaker is perfect for small classrooms, with its 30+ feet range.

It can be used in bluetooth mode or with a cable to connect to your computer so that you can watch movies. Perfect for teachers who don’t have an overhead projector or large screen to project on! It can also be used with your Ipad or smartphone.

Users love how tiny it is– half the size of a coke can!– and how much sound it puts out, especially in small rooms. Some users were disappointed by the sound quality, but for the size, price, and convenience, this is a good gadget for teachers who just want to use it for basic classroom needs.

Best Bluetooth Speakers for Classroom Use – What’s Your Favorite?

Technology is becoming such a necessity in the classroom, but if you’re lacking an adequate sound system for showing movies, listen to audio books, or playing soft music during quiet time, then you should consider one of the bluetooth speakers on our list. Don’t waste your time on hooking up wires. Bluetooth makes it easy to use your already existing, personal devices for classroom activities.

Please be sure to check out our list of 7 of the best classroom speakers currently on the market. That list includes both bluetooth and great non-bluetooth options for your class.

What do you use bluetooth speakers in your classroom for? We’d love to hear your ideas as well as which of our chosen products you think best fit your needs!

Feel free to share any of your own recommendations below too!

Are you in the market for a new classroom easel? Keep on reading to learn about our recommendations for the 5 best classroom easels to help you improve your students educational experience!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best classroom easels for you.]

What are the Best Classroom Easels?

Here are our picks for the top 5 recommended easels for classroom use:

1. 1. Copernicus School Classroom Office Storage Royal Reading Writing Center
   2. Best-Rite Cart Easel Teaching Center
   3. Little Partners 2-Sided A-Frame Art Easel
   4. Magnetic Mobile Standing Whiteboard with Flipchart Easel
   5. VIZ-PRO Light Magnetic Tripod Flipchart

1) Copernicus School Classroom Office Storage Royal Reading Writing Center

Copernicus School Classroom Office Storage Royal Reading Writing Center. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

First on our list of the best classroom easels is the Copernicus School Classroom Office Storage Easel. This is our top choice because the options for storage and use are endless!

Let’s begin with all of the storage spaces! First you will find 4 sliding tubs that fit on the legs of the easel. Within these bins you can store books, art supplies, math manipulatives, or all those dry erase markers you protect with your life! Above the 4 sliding tubs there is a shelf where you can put more supplies, stored in the extra 2 tiny tubs provided! Last but not least there is a special vertical book organizer on the shelf as well.

When it comes to the learning experience you can choose to use either side of the easel! One side has a magnetic dry erase board and the opportunity to attach chart paper using the snap-on hooks. Also on this side you can take advantage of the 2 magnets used to keep the chart paper attached to the white board. This side also comes with a specialized shelf to hold your chart paper markers, dry erase markers, and erasers. On the flip side, you will find a removable magnetic dry erase board. This will make the teaching experience a mobile one, so that you can teach handwriting or spelling anywhere in your room, no longer tied to your easel. The entire easel can be mobile thanks to the 4 caster wheels that have safety stops on 2 of the wheels.

This portable multi-use easel is highly rated with only 5-star reviews on Amazon! If you are looking for an easel that provides you storage compartments and flexible learning experience surfaces, it is time to invest in this easel! You will not be disappointed with his quality purchase!

2) Best-Rite Cart Easel Teaching Center

Best-Rite Cart Easel Teaching Center. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next, if you are looking for a classroom easel that can be a complete teaching center, this is the easel for you! This is a useful classroom addition for those who are looking to stick to a smaller budget!

Starting from the bottom of this rolling easel you will find 4 caster wheels, allowing you to move this easel anywhere in your classroom. Moving on up, you will find 4 large plastic tubs that can be used to store any and all materials you could need for a reading, writing, math or science center! Above the shelves you will find a metal shelf that is very sturdy, and will hold up to all of those chapter books!

At the top of this easel there are two different learning opportunities available. On one side you will find a dry erase board that is attached to the easel with 2 hooks. Be aware that this white board is not magnetic, but can be detached if you would like to replace it with a magnetic white board. The hooks that hold the white board can also be used to attach flip chart paper. There is also a specialized tray that has a dual purpose. You can use this tray to hold your dry erase or chart markers and erasers, or you can use it to hold a book open during story time.

Overall if you are in the market for a quality portable easel and storage unit that will not break the bank, look no further!

3) Little Partners 2-Sided A-Frame Art Easel

Little Partners 2-Sided A-Frame Art Easel. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This classroom art easel is the epitome of quality and functionality. While this easel is advertised as an art easel, the opportunities for other educational experiences are limitless.

One of the coolest components of this easel is at the very top, where you will find a paper roll, that can be pulled down to allow your student creativity to flow, or allow you to create floor to ceiling length charts! The paper roll can also be replaced with any standard paper roll! This easel is also dual sided where one side is a magnetic dry erase board and the other side is a chalkboard. Both sides of the easel comes with a special trays that boast cupholders where you can put cups of paint, or store pencils to help so students can practice their handwriting. The trays can also hold the classic chalk or dry erase markers.

You will find storage shelves under the writing portions of the easel. Here you can use the two included fabric bins that are large enough to store paper, craft materials, math manipulatives, or any other learning materials. On the side of one of the shelves you will also find a clip where you can dry art work or some worksheets!

The frame of this easel is made from real pine wood. You can choose from 6 different stain or paint colors to customize the look of the easel to fit your classroom. When choosing this easel make sure you keep in mind that it is made of sturdy wood, and therefore will be difficult to move around your classroom. Remember though, that this easel will be able to stand up to all of the intense learning and creative experiences your students will have!

4) Magnetic Mobile Standing Whiteboard with Flipchart Easel

Magnetic Mobile Standing Whiteboard with Flipchart Easel. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The next classroom easel is just that, a basic moveable easel. This is perfect for the teacher that needs a white board and flipchart that can be transported throughout the classroom.

The main component of this easel is a triple-layered whiteboard. This will allow you and your students to use dry erase markers that can easily be erased without leaving behind any smudges or residue. The board is also magnetic, and you can take advantage of this quality as soon as you get the product because it comes with 6 small circle magnets. On top of the magnets you will also receive 6 markers, an eraser, and a paper pad. You can use this paper pad by using the large, stable clip at the top of the easel.

Adjustability is the name of the game for this easel. First of all you can move this easel throughout your classroom with ease. This is because of the 5 caster wheels, and each of the wheels can be locked, to ensure the safety of your students. From there you can also adjust the height and angle of the whiteboard itself. You can have the whiteboard at 53 inches tall all the way to 76 inches tall, allowing you to accommodate for all of your students heights. The angle can also be changed to make the writing experience more comfortable.

You will have to assemble this easel, but it can be done easily in 5 steps. Best of all, if you don’t love it you can get your money back. This company is determined to provide you with a happy and satisfying buying experience, which has lead to all of their positive reviews on amazon.

5) VIZ-PRO Light Magnetic Tripod Flipchart

VIZ-PRO Light Magnetic Tripod Flipchart. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our final recommendation is for the teachers that want the most basic easel while remaining on budget.

This whiteboard and flipchart combination comes in a variety of sizes, based on what you need for your classroom. The whiteboard portion is magnetic to allow you to post sight words or the goals for the day. The top of the white board does have specialized clips where you can insert your favorite flip chart pads. This easel does not come with any paper pads, but this just allows you to purchase exactly what you want!

The best quality of this easel is the simple construction and ability to fold down for easy transport. This easel would be perfect for a teacher that has to travel from room to room, or to allow your students to easily transport it from one space to another. A pen or marker holder is another quality of this easel that will make it convenient for both you and your students to use it no matter where it stands!

Best Classroom Easels – What’s Your Favorite?

We hope you have found the best classroom easel to suit your classroom! Which one is your favorite? Comment below to tell us which one you choose and why!

Do you need an amazing teacher desk for your classroom?  Look no further! Here we have put together a review of 6 of the best desks for teachers currently available.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto the awesome teacher desks for you.]

What is the Best Teacher Desk Currently Available?

Here are Our Picks for the 6 Best Teacher Desks:

1. Balt Stand Up Mobile Teacher Workstation Desk
2. Learniture Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk
3. OFM Mesa Series Teachers Desk with Laminate Top
4. Sandusky 600 Series Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk with Maple Top
5. Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk
6. Learniture Single Pedestal Teachers Desk

1) Balt Stand Up Mobile Teacher Workstation Desk

Balt Stand Up Mobile Teacher Workstation Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our list of the best teacher desks with the stylish and versatile Balt Stand Up Mobile Teacher Workstation Desk.

This stand up mobile teacher workstation is perfect for the classroom. The strong wheels are connected well and the casters are built to deal with many years of wear and tear.  The stand’s interior has great ventilation so that your device will stay cool. The locked cabinet is great to store teaching materials or lunch.

This teacher desk is of course easy to move around the classroom so that you can maintain a fresh perspective! Furthermore, the rounded design of the top lends itself to being able to push around to a variety of locations.

One small nuisance that some teachers mentioned was that the wheel locks tend to fall into the locked position when stationary.  However, this was a very small complaint among otherwise fantastic reviews.

Of all the teacher desks we feature, this one is the most unique and also has the most rave reviews!  This teacher desk on wheels is perfectly suited for the modern classroom.

2) Learniture Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk

Learniture Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Second on our list is the Learniture Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk.

This elegant desk features two pedestals as well as locking side drawers for all of your supplies. The high pressure laminate desk top is easy to clean and the steel frame is scratch resistant.

There are leveling glides on the legs that help to ensure an even work surface. There is also t-mold edge banding that helps protect the desk. Two grommet holes will help you with wire management as well.

This modern teacher desk is built well and looks great. We’re also happy to note that it comes with a lifetime limited warranty so you can purchase with peace of mind!

3) OFM Mesa Series Teachers Desk with Laminate Top

OFM Mesa Series Teachers Desk with Laminate Top. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The OFM Mesa Series Teachers Desk with Laminate Top is both functional and attractive. With a 16-gauge steel frame it is built to last as well. Features include a scratch-resistant powder coat paint finish, locking pedestal and center drawer as well as full ball bearing center drawers.

This desk is huge, with lots of room for your books and other teaching materials. The size and weight is one drawback when purchasing. It can take awhile to unpack and set up. However, most agree that this beautiful desk is worth the trouble!

All-in-all a great classroom teacher desk option.  This one is durable and built to last.  It should survive even the rowdiest of classrooms!

4) Sandusky 600 Series Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk with Maple Top

Sandusky 600 Series Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Continuing our review of teacher desks is the Sandusky 600 Series Steel Double Pedestal Teachers Desk with Maple Top.

This desk is built for comfort and safety. It features a laminated wood top surface with vinyl covered edges and rounded corners.

There’s a 6″ rear overhang, perfect for student conferencing. Keep your teaching materials safe with the central locking system that locks all drawers.

Teachers who have gone with this option have said that they are just the right size and the drawers offer ample storage space.

Highly recommended!

5) Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk

Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The affordable but sophisticated Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk is another great teacher desk option.

This desk has a spacious tabletop for all of your teaching essentials. There’s a storage area that can hold a vertical computer tower, as well as two drawers that roll smoothly on metal runners. The lower drawer holds hanging files and is built to help you organize your papers.

Teachers who have purchased this desk mention that it does take a good amount of time to put together. However, it does come with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.

Again, not only is this teacher’s desk stylish but compared with our other reviewed teacher desk options it also easy on the wallet.

6) Learniture Single Pedestal Teachers Desk

Learniture Single Pedestal Teachers Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Rounding up our list of the best teacher desks is the sleek, modern Learniture Single Pedestal Teachers Desk from Learniture. This teacher’s desk has a steel base and laminate top that is easy to clean.

The dual locking drawers provide lots of storage space and will keep your teaching materials safe. This desk is sure to have an even work surface with its leveling glides on the legs.

Another strong and sturdy teacher classroom desk from Learniture that should last you a long time.  As with other Learniture products, this desk has a lifetime limited warranty.

This one has the highest teacher recommendation!

What’s Your Favorite Teacher Desk?

We hope you will share some of these fantastic teacher desks with the special teachers in your life. If you have your own favorite teacher desk, please share it in the comments below!

Do you have gross fluorescent lights in your classroom? They may be easier on the environment, but they can be hard on your eyes, not to mention your students’ eyes! Eye strain, headaches, and migraines can all be side effects of fluorescent lighting, but popular new light covers can help. Don’t know where to start? Here is a list of our top picks in fluorescent light covers. Some of them are even pretty cute!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we love and that have our highest recommendation. Thank you kindly for supporting of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best classroom fluorescent light covers.]

What are the Best Fluorescent Light Covers for Classroom Use?

Here are our picks for 6 best fluorescent light filters for classrooms:

1. 1. Educational Insights Pete the Cat School’s Cool! Decorative Light Filters
   2. High Pixel Astronomy Light Covers by Octo Lights
   3. Educational Insights 1232 Patterned Fluorescent Light Filters—2-Pack
   4. Educational Insights Fluorescent Light Filters (Tranquil Blue), Set of 4
   5. Fluorescent Light Covers (4 pack; tranquil blue)
   6. Abilitations Cozy Shades Softening Light Filters

1) Pete the Cat School’s Cool! Decorative Light Filters

Pete the Cat School’s Cool! Decorative Light Filters. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our #1 pick for classroom light filters is the Educational Insights Pete the Cat School’s Cool! Decorative Light Filters! As with all products on our list, these light filters promise to reduce fluorescent light fatigue in the classroom, which in turn will reduce headaches. These filters easily attach to a standard-size light fixture with strong magnets. They’re also heat-resistant and can be used with LED or fluorescent lights, as well.

What sets these filters apart from the others is obviously their colorful, fun, storybook-themed illustrations. Pete the Cat, as any elementary school teacher can tell you, is the main character of a best-selling picture book series. Each panel contains its own unique Pete the Cat illustration. Kids and adults alike love them!

Teachers say these panels easily fit over standard-sized lights and are simple to install. They praise their ability to block out harmful light, yet simultaneously create a colorful atmosphere. They say these filters are good for even pre-k students who may have headaches or eye strain during the day.

2) High Pixel Astronomy Light Covers by Octo Lights

High Pixel Astronomy Light Covers by Octo Lights. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Second on our list is Astronomy 001 Fluorescent Light Filters 2’x4′ – High Pixel Light Covers by Octo Lights. These filters are another fun option for filtering out harmful fluorescent light while also decorating your classroom. Unlike most of the others on our list, these are actually inserted inside the ceiling panel. That means you may have to use a screwdriver to open your lights. A short video can help you install them in a breeze. While slightly inconvenient, the result certainly seems worth it!

Teachers report that the filters create a darker atmosphere than they expected, but that the stars look super cool. Elementary school and high school science teachers also use this product to create themed rooms during astronomy units.

3) Educational Insights 1232 Patterned Fluorescent Light Filters

Educational Insights 1232 Patterned Fluorescent Light Filters. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This pack of two patterned light filters promise to reduce eyestrain, headaches, and anxiety caused by fluorescent lighting. The fabric panels easily attach to standard-sized light panels with built-in magnets. They are also heat-resistant and flame retardant for safety. The blue color and fun pattern make them a good fit for creating a calm setting that doesn’t clash with your classroom decor.

Users love how easily these light covers just cling to lights with the sewn-in magnets, as well as how they instantly reduce glare. Teachers who have previously suffered from migraines by the end of the day report that they are now migraine-free thanks to their new, subdued lights.

One small concern that teachers had with these filters is the price. Teachers would have liked for a more economical choice for a 2-pack. However, most agreed that they were well worth the cost. They report students are calmer, complain less about glare, and seem less distracted under the cool blue hue. Several teachers pointed out that they work to create a more natural light situation in low-light areas such a temporary mobile classrooms.

4) Educational Insights Fluorescent Light Filters (Tranquil Blue)

Educational Insights Fluorescent Light Filters (Tranquil Blue). Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Like the other Educational Insights light filters on this list, these filters tranquil blue promise reduced migraines and headaches caused by fluorescent lighting. In addition, they are heat-resistant and certified safe.

Reviewers say they noticed an instant change in the lighting and atmosphere after they hung these filters. They snap on easily with small magnets. All you may need to install them is a step ladder!

Teachers also report that students complain about headaches and stomach aches less often. They make using computers under harsh lighting easier, too! Several teachers recommend purchasing the “whisper white” color option, as the blue can be hard to get used to or make your room feel like you’re in an aquarium. Overall, students and teachers are happier and less stressed under the soothing colors.

5) Fluorescent Light Covers ( tranquil blue)

Fluorescent Light Covers (tranquil blue). Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

These covers boast that they help reduce headaches by decreasing glare and flickering from overhead lights. Also like the other light covers, they come with a SGS CPAI84 certificate to show that they are flame retardant. Some public schools are picky about what materials you can use in your classroom due to state safety standards, and most teachers state these covers passed inspection from fire marshals. Ten magnets along the outside edge of each filter ensure a more secure fit than some of the others on our list.

Teachers report a serene, beautiful blue atmosphere in their classrooms when they use this product. Not all teachers note a change students’ behavior, but many say they experience fewer headaches as a result of these filters.

6) Abilitations Cozy Shades Softening Light Filters

Abilitations Cozy Shades Softening Light Filters Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

For a multi-colored, calming effect, teachers recommend the Abilitations Cozy Shades Softening Light Filters. This product comes in a pack of four, with striped green, blue, and purple panels. Unlike the other light filters on our list, the panels are meant to be hung in a way that creates “swags,” either single or double, on the lights. That also means that if you’re paranoid about hanging fabric close to your lights, you won’t have to worry so much. These are meant to be hung with a loose fit. They are much larger than most other filters, at 54 x 24 inches, and are hung with additional magnets.

Teachers love how these filters add a pop of color to their classrooms and fit well with various themes. They are as decorative as they are functional. Like with the other products we recommend, they help reduce glare, headaches, and agitation with both teachers and students.

Best Classroom Fluorescent Light Covers – What’s Your Favorite?

Whether you teach pre-school, elementary school, or high school, there’s sure to be a product on this list that fits your lights and classroom decor. If you want a more peaceful, serene classroom and fewer headaches at the end of the day, be sure to try one of our recommended light covers!

Do you use fluorescent light covers in your room? We’d love to hear how they’ve made a difference with you and your students!

As teachers you are on your feet all day long, but what do you do when you need a tabletop surface to grade papers or model handwriting? You need a standing desk!  Read on for our review of 4 of the very best standing desks for teachers currently on the market.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we love and that have our highest recommendation. Thank you kindly for supporting of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best standing desks for your classroom.]

What are the Best Standing Desks for Classroom Use?

Here are our picks for the 4 best standing desks for teachers:

1. 1. Line Leader AV Cart on Wheels
   2. Techni Mobili RTA-B005-BK Sit-to-Stand Laptop Cart
   3. SDADI Mobile Standing Desk
   4. VANKYO Foldable Laptop Standing Desk

1) Line Leader AV Cart on Wheels

Line Leader AV Cart on Wheels. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Starting our review of the best standing desks for teachers is the Line Leader AV Cart on Wheels. If you are a teacher that has to travel from room to room and cannot live without your technology, then this desk could be perfect for you! This AV cart that can also function as a standing desk is a little bit on the pricey side at $189.99, but all of the capabilities and functions it has make it worth every penny.

The frame of this cart is made out of steel that are covered in a power coat paint finish. This makes the cart look very sleek yet sturdy at the same time. There are 2 shelves that can be adjusted based on your needs. They can be moved from 24 inches to 42 inches at 2 inch increments. You will also have the top of the cart as another shelf or place to put your laptop or computer monitor. A huge bonus of this AV cart is the retractable keyboard tray. This is perfect for those teachers who need to travel and prefer to use a desktop computer.

In order to move this heavy-duty cart you have 4 full sized swivel casters that can allow you to push and pull this cart wherever you please. You can also lock two of the wheels to make sure the cart doesn’t move. The last, and arguably one of the most important additions to this cart is the 15 foot long power cord. Never worry about finding an outlet close to your cart again, because of this extra long attached power cord!

Overall, if you are looking for an AV cart that can double as a standing desk for your classroom, this is the one for you.

2) Techni Mobili RTA-B005-BK Sit-to-Stand Laptop Cart

Techni Mobili RTA-B005-BK Sit-to-Stand Laptop Cart. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This next rolling desk has the capability of being a sitting and a standing desk! It also has a very sleek design that comes in 2 different colors so that it can easily fit into your classroom decor.

To begin, this desk is sturdy! The two main materials that make up this desk are heavy-duty wood panels that have a laminate veneer finish and PVC that is resistant to moisture. Overall, this portable sit-to-stand desk will last you many school years to come.

The desktop surface can be adjusted to tilt from 0-60°. Techni also offers the same version of this desk with a permanent flat desktop, but it is slightly more expensive. Another huge benefit of this desk is that it can be a portable sitting desk, or standing. The height is adjustable from 31.5 inches to 45.5 inches. All of the adjustments are done using knobs, which ensures the safety of yourself and students. No need to worry about pinched fingers! With 4 caster wheels, 2 of which lock, you can easily move this desk around your classroom and then lock it in place when necessary.

Beneath the desktop surface you will find lots of storage options, a teachers dream! There is first a small shelf that can be utilized when the desk is in a standing position. Under the shelf there is a small drawer where you can keep your prized dry-erase markers, your secret stash of chocolate, or behavioral rewards for your students. To round out the storage opportunities, there is also a large open storage compartment that would be perfect for textbooks or a class set of novels.

This standing desk has a 4.4 out of 5 star review on Amazon, and many of the positive reviews come from teachers saying it is perfect for their classroom! After purchasing this desk you will will receive all of the pieces in one box, and some of the reviews say assembly can be tricky. But, if you need help you can call their customer support team, and they will help you with any questions.

3) SDADI Mobile Standing Desk

SDADI Mobile Standing Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

If your classroom has carpet, then the SDADI mobile standing desk could be the one for you! Besides its ability to move across carpet with ease, it also has endless possibilities for customization.

2 different flat-surface workspaces is the first characteristic that makes this standing desk stand out! Both of the table-tops are adjustable using the sturdy knobs. So, you can have one complete flat surface or you can stagger the surfaces so you have a space for your computer and another separate space for your work materials.

Overall the height of the desk can be adjusted from 27.5 inches all the way up to 45.3 inches. One of the surfaces also has the capability of tilting from a 0-90° angle. What’s more is that there’s a rubber stopper that can be used to keep your book or laptop in place.

The main structure of this rolling desk is strong. With a frame made of rust-proof, long lasting, and thick steel you don’t have to worry about this desk tipping over or only lasting a single school year. MDF panels that are environmentally friendly make up the flat surfaces of this desk.

One of the best characteristics of this desk are the well made, sturdy ABS wheels. There are 4 2-inch caster wheels that allow the movement of this desk to be a breeze across all flooring, including thick carpeting. You also have the option to lock 2 or all 4 of the wheels to keep the desk in one location.

This desk does need to be assembled, but this should be an easy process. All-in-all the installation process can be completed within 15-20 minutes. It is also important to note this offers a very innovative design that has “L” shaped holders. These ensure a more steady structure. Another bonus is that SDADI offers a guarantee of free part replacements for the lifetime of your product!

4) VANKYO Foldable Laptop Standing Desk

VANKYO Foldable Laptop Standing Desk. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our final recommendation comes in the form of a portable laptop standing desk! With this easy to transport standing desk you can work anywhere, at your teacher desk, at a students desk, at the counter top in the back of your classroom, or at home!

The tabletop surface is made to fit up to a 14 inch laptop while also including a small workstation. The height of the tabletop is adjustable, from 9.4 inches up to 12.6 inches, by using the leg extension locks on either side of the tabletop.

You also have the option to adjust the angle of the flat surface to 4 different angles between 0 to 36° using the two tilting locks. VANKYO says the adjustment of the angle and height of your workspace can help to reduce health concerns that come with working at a computer for extended periods of time, including back pain and neck pain. Also, raising your computer to your eye-level can help to fix your posture! Overall, this standing adjustable laptop desk is here to help keep your ergonomics in check.

This portable multi-use standing laptop desk is made of durable materials. It can truly withstand the use within your classroom and outside of it as well! The frame of the desk is made out of a premium alloy that is also environmentally friendly. Further, it has a smooth edge design to eliminate the possibility of ugly scratches. There are also removable rubber stoppers for both a laptop computer and a mouse at each end of the tabletop surface. These rubber stoppers can be used when you tilt your standing desk to fit your ergonomic needs, or removed if you are having the desk as a flat surface.

Consumers say this product is very easy to use and adjust, and can functionally be used anywhere! We are happy to share that this affordably priced standing desk comes with a 100% money-back guarantee as well as a 30 month warranty!

Best Standing Desks for Teachers – What’s Your Favorite?

Hopefully you found a standing desk that fits your teacher or classroom needs! What do you look for when purchasing a standing desk? Tell us in the comments below!

If you are considering traditional desks as well, be sure to check out our list of the best overall teacher desks currently on the market here.