If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had one of those “Where did I put that?” moments approximately… five times a day. Teaching special education in middle school means juggling IEPs, paperwork, copies, behavior plans, and the copies I swear I literally just saw! So when I found a system that actually helped me stay organized without losing my mind? I clung to it like a lifeline.
The secret? File folders. So simple. So underrated. So life-saving. Here’s how I use them to keep my desk clear and my piles at bay – and how they’ve become my not-so-secret weapon for staying on top of it all.
Student Work Folders – A Lifesaver during Progress Reports!
For each student on my caseload (and a few others I’m responsible for), I keep a file folder labeled with their initials. Anytime I collect a writing sample, math assessment, or tardy reflection slip, I stash it in their folder instead of my old method of leaving it in the turn in bin or in a giant pile on my desk!
When it’s time for IEP meetings or progress reports, I don’t have to go digging through piles or wondering if I imagined that integer quick check from October—it’s all there, filed and ready to go!
I even like to color code the folders – purple for my own caseload, blue for others!
A Home for My Ready-To-Go Copies!
I try to prep my copies ahead of time—because nothing raises my blood pressure like racing to the copier five minutes before class, only to find it backed up or my copies stolen. So, I print and hole punch ahead of time, and use file folders to keep the copies organized. I use a set of file folders labeled 1–31 for each day of the month. If I make copies for the 14th, they go right in the folder labeled 14. I keep these folders in a crate by my desk, so I can easily grab them when I’m ready to teach.
Full disclosure: I’m never planned more than a month ahead, so I’ve never had to worry about putting copies for multiple months in the same folder. If you are, please teach me your ways! But this system keeps my plans organized and makes my mornings smoother.
A Place for the “Extras”
I keep a second set of 1–31 folders up at the front of the room—this one’s my “extras” station. After I hand out classwork or notes, any extras go straight into that day’s folder instead of – you guessed it – a pile.
So when a student is absent, or someone loses their paper to the mysterious black hole of middle school backpacks, I know exactly where to find a replacement. No more frantically reprinting or remaking assignments.
Exit Tickets on Deck
I love using exit tickets. (In fact, I wrote a whole blog post about them—check it out!) But I don’t always remember to prep them in advance. That’s why I’ve built up a pretty large stash over the years.
I use file folders labeled by subject to store my go-to exit tickets—fractions, integers, equations, you name it. When I’m scrambling for a quick formative check, I can grab one and go. If I have extras? Right back into the labeled folder for next time!
Space Saving Student Mailboxes
File folders also make for compact student mailboxes! Use student numbers or names to designate each student a folder, using different color folders or tabs for different classes. When you have something to pass back or send home, just put it in the folder!
Even More Ways to Use File Folder Tabs – Because Why Stop Now?
Once you start labeling, you won’t want to stop—and honestly, your future self will thank you. Here are a few extra ways to put those editable file folder tabs to work:
- Organize curriculum materials with large tabs for unit titles and smaller tabs for specific lessons, activities, or standards. No more digging through a pile to find that perfect review sheet.
- Create a “Fast Finisher” bin with clearly labeled folders so early finishers can grab an activity, extension task, or puzzle without interrupting your flow.
- Sort your master copies by month or season—because let’s face it, no one remembers where they put the snowman math pages in September.
- Use them in notebooks or binders! Print the tabs on cardstock and tape or glue them into composition notebooks, student journals, or data binders to act as customizable dividers.
Editable tabs = infinite possibilities. Trust me, once you get started, you’ll want to label everything.
Want to Set Up a System Like This?
If you’re ready to level-up your classroom organization game, I’ve got you covered! I created a set of editable file folder tabs that match all of these systems. Use the premade tabs with numbers 1–31, class hours, months, and more, or really make them your own with the three included ways to customize the tabs! They’re cute, easy to use, and save you from having to decode your own scribbles two months later. My favorite part? They are specially designed to fit into your file folders WITHOUT any annoying plastic tabs! Snag them here and your future self will thank you!
Your Turn:
How do you stay organized during the school year? Drop your favorite hacks or folder systems in the comments – I’m always looking for ways to tweak my system!
