by Marilisa Sachteleben

Created on: August 27, 2009

Back to school means back-to-school shopping for teachers as well as students. My top pick for must-have back-to-school products is a large carry-all portfolio bag. A sturdy, multi-use portfolio bag can prevent you from having to carry a separate purse, lunch bag and portfolio or briefcase. Your portfolio bag should include several features:

-Extra roomy: Teachers need to carry a large assortment of supplies to and from school daily. The portfolio bag should have room for textbook, student work files, organizers, lesson plan book and gradebook.

-Fully enclosing zippered top: I made a big mistake when I purchased my first portfolio tote-bag for teaching. The bag had only one compartment that zipped. The bag enclosed with a snap flap. Needless to say, rain and snow drenched my belongings and school supplies more than once.

-Separate sections and side pockets: Teachers need to store several kinds of school supplies. I like to keep my papers and books separate from other school supplies. Interior and side pockets give all the functionality of a portfolio and purse combined. You need different pockets for: keys, cell phone, organizer, wallet or billfold, cosmetics, medicines, gloves, umbrella, lunch and more. Many teachers routinely carry school supplies like pencils, pens, markers, scissors, paper clips, tape and staplers in their portfolio or briefcase. A separate pocket for each type of item improves overall organization.

-Solid, durable exterior: I have carried a briefcase before and I prefer the carry-all portfolio tote-bag for several reasons. The tote-bag expands to fit papers and books without crushing them. A hard-shelled briefcase is heavy and not as flexible. Teacher tote-bags require a flexible yet solid shape, however. In a shapeless bag, everything gets jumbled together in a disorganized heap.

-Separate padded laptop or Notebook computer case: This will protect your laptop and accessories from the buffeting of other classroom supplies. If you don't use a laptop, this padded case makes an excellent bag for storing electronics like scientific calculators, PDAs, Iphone, portable USB or 'thumb' drives, (Personal Data Assistant), mp3 player of Ipod, Blackberry and cell phone. The padded pull-out case also makes an excellent lunch bag.

-Adjustable handles and straps: The portfolio should have detachable, adjustable shoulder straps and separate grip carrying handles.

-Expanding file organizer: Despite the wonders of modern technology, teachers still handle a plethora of papers every day. A portfolio with attached expanding file organizer keeps the multitude of papers from becoming all-consuming. Make sure your portfolio has enough sections to store papers from each subject, class or period that you teach.

American Tourister makes several durable, attractive, multi-compartment portfolio bags. American Tourister is a recognized and respected name in luggage. No matter which style you choose you will get a quality product. My preferred teacher portfolio bag costs about $60 and has all the features listed. There are other respected brands, but I'm familiar with the American Tourister bags and have used their products. A portfolio is a must-have product for teachers.

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