Elementary school teachers don’t have to limit their teaching tools to blackboards and chalk anymore. Now they can employ a variety of iPad apps to make their jobs easier. Here are 10 must-have iPad apps for elementary school teachers.

Speak It! Text To Speech

This app allows you to talk and your iPad types. You can used it to make notes, create informal lesson plans, or just remember what questions students had that day that you need to find answers for.

GoogleReader

GoogleReader allows you to download files from the internet or your email over a Wi-Fi connection. Whatever files you need you can download this way. This app works well with a number of the most commonly used servers.

WritePad

With the WritePad app you can write out notes on your iPad so that they come out in your own handwriting. You can use the stylus or your finger if you want. You can edit your text too.

Note Taker HD

This app is the ultimate tool for whenever you have to take notes. It can shrink your notes so that more fit on every page. This is always helpful when you take a lot of notes but you don’t have the daintiest handwriting.

Print Magic HD

This app allows you to print using signals sent from your iPad. Now you don’t need to stick to only viewing the information on your iPad. You can print it out to share.

1Password

The 1Password app helps you to keep your private information private. It can store your passwords and allows you to access web sites that require your passwords with a single tap.

Idea Boards

The Idea Boards app is the place where you can put all of your ideas. The “drawing surfaces” that this app offers make this a fun way to get your ideas down before you forget them. It works whether you have ideas for fun class projects or on how to streamline the process of grading papers.

IM+

This app allows you to stay connected with friends through all the popular forms of instant message communication. You can be linked to Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, Myspace, Google Talk, and more. You know you need to talk to some grown ups after the school day is over.

Browser Duo

Browser Duo is an app that lets you view two web pages at the same time. They show up side by side on your screen and help you out when you need to do some multitasking.

Evernote

Evernote is an app that allows you to take notes in many different forms. Going beyond the limitations of most note taking apps, Evernote allows you to take notes, snapshots, and even make recordings when the situation calls for it. And you can access it all from your Windows or Mac desktop.

These are 10 must-have iPad apps for elementary school teachers. Each one will help you gather and utilize information or just unwind. When you teach elementary school both are important.

TR Rheinecker writes on enrolling in a masters in teaching online program.