The Results are In: The Top-Rated Teacher Planners of 2024

Hello everyone! I’m Katherine Barker, and after hearing from hundreds of educators, I’ve compiled a list of the top-rated teacher planners for 2024. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each planner and where you can find them.

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The Top-Rated Teacher Planners of 2024

1. The Happy Planner

The Happy Planner is a vibrant, fun option that’s perfect for those who love a touch of creativity in their organization. It’s loaded with a wide variety of themed stickers, which you can easily find at Hobby Lobby.

Pros:

• Affordability: Starting at $34.99, it’s the most budget-friendly option.
• Ready-to-use: This planner is essentially a done-for-you teacher planner. The weeks are laid out horizontally, which some may prefer, and it includes teacher checklists and other handy extras.
• Customizable: The planner features round discs, allowing you to add any papers you want using a disc punch.

Cons:

• Basic Layout: While it has some teacher-specific features, it’s essentially a regular planner with a few add-ons.
• Limited Customization: You can’t personalize it much beyond what’s provided.
• Design Preferences: Some teachers may not like the disc binding or the horizontal layout.

Best For:

Teachers who prefer a simple, straightforward planner without the need for customization. It’s also ideal for those starting out and looking to keep costs down while organizing their classroom supplies.

2. Plum Paper Planner

The Plum Paper Planner is a step up in terms of customization. It starts at $41.95 and can go up to around $48, with further customization potentially increasing the cost.

Pros:

• Highly Customizable: You can personalize almost every aspect, from the cover to the layout, and even add custom holidays or events. You can also choose your planner’s start date and include additional pages like goal setting or behavior logs.

Cons:

• Overwhelming Options: The extensive customization options can be overwhelming for some.
• Potentially Expensive: Depending on the level of customization, the price can exceed $100.

Best For:

Teachers who love being detail-oriented and have specific needs for their planner. It’s perfect for those who want a tailored planner that meets all their classroom and personal preferences.

3. Erin Condren Planner

Starting at $60, the Erin Condren Planner offers a middle ground between the simplicity of the Happy Planner and the extensive customization of the Plum Paper Planner.

Pros:

• Moderate Customization: While not as customizable as the Plum Paper Planner, it allows for some personalization, such as cover design, layout options, and personal details.
• Balanced Approach: It’s a good mix of ready-to-use features with enough customization to make it your own.

Cons:

• Limited Teacher Themes: The cover options are less teacher-themed compared to others.
• Higher Price: It’s the most expensive of the three main planners.

Best For:

Teachers who want a balance between a pre-made and a customizable planner. It’s ideal for those looking for a few personalized touches without the complexity of too many options.

Honorable Mentions

For the Love of Pi Planner

Created by a teacher, this planner offers eight different layouts and a variety of cover options.

Pros:

• Teacher-Focused: Designed with teacher needs in mind.
• Variety of Covers: Plenty of cover choices to match your style.

Cons:

• Price: Starting around $60 and can become more expensive with additional customizations.
• Subject Layouts: It might be more suitable for teachers with multiple subjects or classes, which can be tricky for elementary teachers.

Creating Your Own Planner in PowerPoint

I’ve personally found creating a planner in PowerPoint to be helpful. You can customize it exactly to your schedule and preferences.

Pros:

• Full Control: You can design every detail to fit your needs.
• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper if you don’t go for fancy binding options.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Requires effort to design and assemble.
• Simple Aesthetics: Unless you invest extra time, it may not look as polished as pre-made planners.

Conclusion on The Top-Rated
Teacher Planners of 2024

We’ve covered the top-rated teacher planners for 2024: the Happy Planner, Plum Paper Planner, and Erin Condren Planner. We also touched on two honorable mentions: the For the Love of Pi Planner and creating your own planner in PowerPoint. Don’t forget to check out my video on essential classroom supplies for elementary teachers for more helpful tips. Until next time, happy planning!