14 Things You’d Find in Every ’70s Teacher’s Desk Drawer

Back in the 1970s, teachers had to be ready for anything—classroom chaos, impromptu lessons, and the occasional disciplinary action.

Their desks were like command centers, stocked with everything from musty old hall passes to an endless supply of red pens. If you ever peeked inside a teacher’s desk drawer, you’d likely find a mix of practical tools, weirdly specific supplies, and a few surprises that definitely wouldn’t fly in today’s classrooms.

Here are 14 things you’d almost certainly find lurking in a ’70s teacher’s desk.

1. Red Correction Pens

Grading papers was a serious business in the ’70s, and a teacher’s drawer was never without a collection of bright red pens.

Whether circling spelling mistakes or leaving cryptic “See Me” notes, these pens were both feared and respected by students. The distinct red ink symbolized authority and precision.

2. Gradebook with Perfectly Handwritten Marks

Before digital records, teachers meticulously recorded every grade in a neat little ledger. Losing this book would be an absolute disaster—so it was always safely tucked away.

These handwritten marks represented hours of dedication and accuracy. The gradebook was more than just numbers; it was a testament to each student’s journey. Teachers took immense pride in maintaining impeccable records.

3. Chalkboard Erasers (and a Cloud of Dust)

Teachers didn’t just keep erasers on the chalkboard—there were always extras in the desk, just in case a student got a little too enthusiastic with their spelling corrections. And if you got caught misbehaving? You might find yourself outside, clapping two of them together in a dust storm.

These erasers were integral to maintaining a clean slate for new ideas. Despite the mess, they were indispensable for clearing lessons and making room for fresh knowledge.

4. Metal Scissors That Could Cut Through Anything

These weren’t the rounded safety scissors kids used—these were the real deal. Sharp enough to cut construction paper, poster board, and probably a finger if you weren’t careful.

Teachers used them for everything from crafting projects to precise paper trimming. Their sturdy build meant they were a long-lasting tool in the classroom arsenal.

5. The Mystery Key Ring

Every teacher had a massive collection of keys, most of which opened long-forgotten filing cabinets or classroom supply closets. Only the teacher knew which key was which… usually.

This key ring symbolized authority and access. It held the power to unlock not just doors but possibilities within the school ecosystem.

In a world where security was paramount, the mystery behind each key added a layer of intrigue to the teacher’s daily routine, ensuring they were always prepared.

6. An Emergency Stash of Mints or Hard Candy

For those long teaching days, teachers kept a tin of mints, butterscotch candies, or peppermint Lifesavers. And no, they were not for sharing.

These sweets provided a quick energy boost, a moment of solace amidst the chaos. The candies were a teacher’s little secret, a treat reserved for moments of triumph or exhaustion.

7. A Loud, Clunky Stapler

Before quiet, sleek office staplers, there were the heavy-duty beasts that sounded like a small explosion every time they were used.

These staplers were built to last, capable of binding numerous sheets with a resounding thud. They added an audible punctuation to the end of a task.

8. Wooden Ruler (That Doubled as a Disciplinary Tool)

A teacher’s ruler wasn’t just for measuring—it was a multi-purpose tool used for pointing at the chalkboard, rapping on desks, or (for the strictest teachers) issuing a light tap on the knuckles.

This versatile tool was a symbol of authority and precision. Its dual purpose made it an essential part of every desk.

The sound of a ruler tapping a desk commanded attention, reinforcing the teacher’s presence and ensuring discipline and focus in the classroom.

9. A Giant Box of Paper Clips

Every drawer had an overflowing supply of paper clips, yet somehow, teachers were always looking for one when they needed it.

These small, unassuming tools were the backbone of organization, holding papers together in a tidy bundle. Despite their abundance, they seemed to vanish mysteriously.

10. Carbon Paper for Making Copies

Before the school copier was available to every teacher, carbon paper was the go-to method for making extra worksheets. You’d better hope the teacher wrote neatly, or the smudged copies would be impossible to read.

This thin, inky sheet was an innovation that saved time and effort. It allowed teachers to duplicate important documents with ease.

Despite the occasional smudge, carbon paper was a beloved tool for efficiency, ensuring every student had the materials needed for success.

11. A Coffee-Stained Mug That Had Seen It All

A teacher’s coffee mug was a sacred item, often covered in old slogans like “World’s Best Teacher” or “Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice.” The inside? Probably stained from years of coffee refills.

This mug was a daily companion, witnessing every triumph and trial. It provided the much-needed caffeine boost for early mornings and long afternoons.

12. Handwritten Detention Slips

Before schools went digital, teachers had an actual stack of detention slips ready to hand out. Some were even pre-signed for repeat offenders.

These slips were a physical reminder of the consequences of misbehavior. They served as both a warning and a record.

Teachers wielded these slips with discretion, using them to enforce discipline and maintain order, ensuring every student understood the importance of adhering to classroom rules and expectations.

13. A Rolodex of Parent Phone Numbers

Before cell phones, every teacher had a little rotating file of emergency contacts. If a student heard “I’ll be calling your parents tonight,” they knew they were in trouble.

This Rolodex was a lifeline, providing swift access to important connections. It symbolized the bridge between home and school.

Though a simple device, it was a powerful tool for communication, ensuring teachers could reach out when needed, reinforcing accountability and partnership with parents.

14. An Old, Worn-Out Chalk Box

Inside the drawer, there was always a small box filled with white, colored, and sometimes broken pieces of chalk—just in case the board ran dry in the middle of a lesson.

Chalk was the teacher’s primary tool for expression and creativity on the board. The box was a treasure trove of potential, holding lessons yet to be written.

Despite the mess, these chalk pieces were indispensable, enabling teachers to bring ideas to life and facilitate learning in vibrant, tangible ways.