Dr. Rabin

Recommended

Thoughtfully curated resources for leading and living well.

Dr. Rabin

Recommended

Thoughtfully curated resources for leading and living well.

Most people first find me through my work in education leadership and literacy, often looking for resources, strategies, and practical guidance to support schools, educators, and families. As they've continued to follow my work, many have also become curious about the books I read, the tools I use, and the everyday products that support my life and work.

This page is my growing collection of those recommendations, brought together in one place.

Some are items I use regularly. Others are carefully selected alternatives or resources that align with the standards of quality, practicality, and intentionality I value. Whether you're leading a school, supporting a child, building your career, or simply looking for ideas that make everyday life a little more organized and enjoyable, I hope you'll discover something here that’s both useful and inspiring.

*Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me continue producing content and resources for you, and keep them up to date. Thank you for your engagement and support!

Most people first find me through my work in education leadership and literacy, often looking for resources, strategies, and practical guidance to support schools, educators, and families. As they've continued to follow my work, many have also become curious about the books I read, the tools I use, and the everyday products that support my life and work.

This page is my growing collection of those recommendations, brought together in one place.

Some are items I use regularly. Others are carefully selected alternatives or resources that align with the standards of quality, practicality, and intentionality I value. Whether you're leading a school, supporting a child, building your career, or simply looking for ideas that make everyday life a little more organized and enjoyable, I hope you'll discover something here that’s both useful and inspiring.

*Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me continue producing content and resources for you, and keep them up to date. Thank you for your engagement and support!

Travel & Productivity

Whether you're traveling for work, attending a conference, or simply looking to stay productive on the go, the right tools can make every journey a little smoother. This collection features thoughtfully selected travel essentials and productivity resources designed to help you stay organized, prepared, and ready for whatever the day brings.

  • Travel Backpack. Designed to keep travel days organized with dedicated space for laptops, essentials, and in-flight convenience. I use a similar version from this brand that has held up well over years of frequent travel.

  • Airplane Foot Hammock. Adds a little extra comfort on longer flights by giving your feet a sligtly elevated place to rest.

  • Front Seat Car Organizer. Turns your front seat into a functional mobile workspace with organized storage for documents, devices, and everyday essentials while traveling between professional commitments.

  • Expandable Carry-On Suitcase. A durable, hard-shell suitcase designed for short trips and conferences, with smooth-rolling wheels for easy movement through airports.

  • International Travel Adapter. Helps keep your devices powered when traveling internationally by working with outlets in multiple countries.

  • Car Trunk Organizer. Keeps supplies, materials, and everyday essentials neatly organized and secure while traveling between schools, meetings, or work sites.

  • 8-piece Packing Cubes. Keeps clothing and travel essentials organized, making it easier to pack, unpack, and stay organized while traveling.

  • Compression Packing Cubes. Keeps clothing organized while compressing items to maximize suitcase space and makes packing more efficient.

  • Travel Backpack with Insulator. This is the one I've used for years. Designed for organized travel with space for a laptop, a built-in insulated compartment for meals or snacks, and convenient USB charging for staying powered on the go. Carry-on friendly.

  • Compression Socks. Designed to support circulation and comfort during long flights and extended travel days.

  • Roadside Emergency Car Kit. Provides essential safety tools and emergency supplies to help you stay prepared and supported during unexpected travel disruptions or vehicle issues.

Travel & Productivity

Whether you're traveling for work, attending a conference, or simply looking to stay productive on the go, the right tools can make every journey a little smoother. This collection features thoughtfully selected travel essentials and productivity resources designed to help you stay organized, prepared, and ready for whatever the day brings.

  • Travel Backpack. Designed to keep travel days organized with dedicated space for laptops, essentials, and in-flight convenience. I use a similar version from this brand that has held up well over years of frequent travel.

  • Airplane Foot Hammock. Adds a little extra comfort on longer flights by giving your feet a sligtly elevated place to rest.

  • Front Seat Car Organizer. Turns your front seat into a functional mobile workspace with organized storage for documents, devices, and everyday essentials while traveling between professional commitments.

  • Expandable Carry-On Suitcase. A durable, hard-shell suitcase designed for short trips and conferences, with smooth-rolling wheels for easy movement through airports.

  • International Travel Adapter. Helps keep your devices powered when traveling internationally by working with outlets in multiple countries.

  • Car Trunk Organizer. Keeps supplies, materials, and everyday essentials neatly organized and secure while traveling between schools, meetings, or work sites.

  • 8-piece Packing Cubes. Keeps clothing and travel essentials organized, making it easier to pack, unpack, and stay organized while traveling.

  • Compression Packing Cubes. Keeps clothing organized while compressing items to maximize suitcase space and makes packing more efficient.

  • Travel Backpack with Insulator. This is the one I've used for years. Designed for organized travel with space for a laptop, a built-in insulated compartment for meals or snacks, and convenient USB charging for staying powered on the go. Carry-on friendly.

  • Compression Socks. Designed to support circulation and comfort during long flights and extended travel days.

  • Roadside Emergency Car Kit. Provides essential safety tools and emergency supplies to help you stay prepared and supported during unexpected travel disruptions or vehicle issues.

Speaking & Presenting

Whether you're presenting to colleagues, facilitating professional learning, teaching, or speaking to a larger audience, preparation extends beyond the presentation itself. This collection features tools and resources selected to support confident presentations, organized travel, and meaningful audience engagement.

  • Presentation Remote. Allows you to move freely and engage your audience while advancing slides. Includes a built-in laser pointer and works with both Mac and PC.

  • Portable Voice Amplifier. Provides clear, amplified sound for teaching, training, and presentations. Especially useful in larger rooms or when speaking for extended periods.

  • Portable Banner Stand. Provides a simple, professional way to display visuals, branding, or presentation materials at conferences, workshops, and speaking events. I've found this exact one to be easy to set up at my book events.

  • Wireless Microphone & Speaker System. Supports clear and confident communication in large or open spaces by amplifying voice and enabling wireless microphones for teaching, training, and presentations.

Speaking & Presenting

Whether you're presenting to colleagues, facilitating professional learning, teaching, or speaking to a larger audience, preparation extends beyond the presentation itself. This collection features tools and resources selected to support confident presentations, organized travel, and meaningful audience engagement.

  • Presentation Remote. Allows you to move freely and engage your audience while advancing slides. Includes a built-in laser pointer and works with both Mac and PC.

  • Portable Voice Amplifier. Provides clear, amplified sound for teaching, training, and presentations. Especially useful in larger rooms or when speaking for extended periods.

  • Portable Banner Stand. Provides a simple, professional way to display visuals, branding, or presentation materials at conferences, workshops, and speaking events. I've found this exact one to be easy to set up at my book events.

  • Wireless Microphone & Speaker System. Supports clear and confident communication in large or open spaces by amplifying voice and enabling wireless microphones for teaching, training, and presentations.

Workplace & Organization

A thoughtfully organized workspace helps me think more clearly and create more intentionally. This collection features tools and organizational resources selected to help create workspaces that are functional, inspiring (and even enjoyable) to use each day.

  • Large Wall Planning Calendar. Provides a shared visual system for planning and tracking priorities, helping leadership teams see timelines, responsibilities, and goals at a glance.

  • Aluminum Laptop Stand. Improves ergonomics and workspace setup by elevating your laptop to a more comfortable viewing height, supporting better posture during long work sessions or virtual meetings.

  • LED Desk Lamp with Clamp. Creates flexible, customizable lighting for workspaces to support clarity, comfort, and reduced eye strain during long work sessions or virtual meetings.

  • Document & Receipt Scanner. Helps streamline paperwork by turning physical documents into searchable digital files, supporting better organization and easier access to important records.

  • Under-Desk Foot Rest. Adds ergonomic support to seated workspaces, helping improve comfort and reduce physical strain during extended periods of desk work, meetings, or computer use.

  • Reusable Dry Erase Index Cards. Supports flexible thinking and quick capture of ideas for planning, prioritization, and organizing tasks in work or learning environments.

Workplace & Organization

A thoughtfully organized workspace helps me think more clearly and create more intentionally. This collection features tools and organizational resources selected to help create workspaces that are functional, inspiring (and even enjoyable) to use each day.

  • Large Wall Planning Calendar. Provides a shared visual system for planning and tracking priorities, helping leadership teams see timelines, responsibilities, and goals at a glance.

  • Aluminum Laptop Stand. Improves ergonomics and workspace setup by elevating your laptop to a more comfortable viewing height, supporting better posture during long work sessions or virtual meetings.

  • LED Desk Lamp with Clamp. Creates flexible, customizable lighting for workspaces to support clarity, comfort, and reduced eye strain during long work sessions or virtual meetings.

  • Document & Receipt Scanner. Helps streamline paperwork by turning physical documents into searchable digital files, supporting better organization and easier access to important records.

  • Under-Desk Foot Rest. Adds ergonomic support to seated workspaces, helping improve comfort and reduce physical strain during extended periods of desk work, meetings, or computer use.

  • Reusable Dry Erase Index Cards. Supports flexible thinking and quick capture of ideas for planning, prioritization, and organizing tasks in work or learning environments.

Home & Everyday Living

I've come to appreciate that the environments we create at home can support how we show up in our work and in our relationships. These are some of the everyday items that help make home feel organized, welcoming, and enjoyable.

  • 16 oz Glass Juice Bottles. Makes it easy to prepare juices, smoothies, or infused water ahead of time and carry them conveniently in a work bag or lunch tote.

Home & Everyday Living

I've come to appreciate that the environments we create at home can support how we show up in our work and in our relationships. These are some of the everyday items that help make home feel organized, welcoming, and enjoyable.

  • 16 oz Glass Juice Bottles. Makes it easy to prepare juices, smoothies, or infused water ahead of time and carry them conveniently in a work bag or lunch tote.

Wellness & Self-Care

Supporting others begins with caring for ourselves. Research and experience alike remind us that our physical, mental, and emotional well-being influence how we lead, work, and serve those around us. This collection features resources selected to support healthy routines, restoration, and overall well-being.

  • HEPA Air Purifiers (2-Pack) Helps improve air quality in multiple rooms while adding the option of calming aromatherapy for a more comfortable home environment.

  • White Noise Sound Machine Helps create a calmer environment for sleep, relaxation, meditation, or focused work by masking distracting background noise. I've used this to help soften apartment noise and create a more peaceful atmosphere for relaxing, meditating, or falling asleep.

  • Exercise Stability Ball Supports core strength, stretching, and active sitting to improve posture and encourage movement throughout the day. Also acts as alternative to traditional desk seating.

Wellness & Self-Care

Supporting others begins with caring for ourselves. Research and experience alike remind us that our physical, mental, and emotional well-being influence how we lead, work, and serve those around us. This collection features resources selected to support healthy routines, restoration, and overall well-being.

  • HEPA Air Purifiers (2-Pack) Helps improve air quality in multiple rooms while adding the option of calming aromatherapy for a more comfortable home environment.

  • White Noise Sound Machine Helps create a calmer environment for sleep, relaxation, meditation, or focused work by masking distracting background noise. I've used this to help soften apartment noise and create a more peaceful atmosphere for relaxing, meditating, or falling asleep.

  • Exercise Stability Ball Supports core strength, stretching, and active sitting to improve posture and encourage movement throughout the day. Also acts as alternative to traditional desk seating.

Parent & Home Learning Resources

Parents play an important role in supporting their children's learning, both at home and in partnership with schools. This collection brings together thoughtfully selected resources that can help make learning more engaging, build confidence, and support children's growth across a variety of areas. This collection will continue to grow with additional resources grounded in literacy, learning, and practical parent engagement.

  • Small Group Phonics & Word Work Set. Hands-on phonics and word-building set designed for structured literacy practice, with materials that can support multiple children learning together or guided at-home instruction.

  • Word Building Pocket Chart Kit. Provides guided, hands-on practice with phonics and early reading skills through interactive word-building activities that parents and children can do together.

Parent & Home Learning Resources

Parents play an important role in supporting their children's learning, both at home and in partnership with schools. This collection brings together thoughtfully selected resources that can help make learning more engaging, build confidence, and support children's growth across a variety of areas. This collection will continue to grow with additional resources grounded in literacy, learning, and practical parent engagement.

  • Small Group Phonics & Word Work Set. Hands-on phonics and word-building set designed for structured literacy practice, with materials that can support multiple children learning together or guided at-home instruction.

  • Word Building Pocket Chart Kit. Provides guided, hands-on practice with phonics and early reading skills through interactive word-building activities that parents and children can do together.

Style & Accessories

Attention to looking your best isn't superficial. The way we present ourselves can influence how we feel, our confidence, and how we engage with others, especially in leadership roles. Whether for work, travel, special occasions, or everyday life, this collection includes clothing, accessories, and beauty finds that caught my attention, and that I hope inspire ideas for your own personal style.

  • Structured Tote Bags A structured tote bag is one of my favorite wardrobe staples because it combines style with practicality. I look for bags that can comfortably carry a laptop, notebook, water bottle, and other daily essentials while maintaining a polished, professional appearance. Whether you're heading to work, traveling, or attending meetings, a well-designed tote can transition easily between settings. Current Picks:

  • Everyday Lip Favorite: Fenty Glow This lip gloss shade, “Fenty Glow,” has consistently been a go-to for me. It pairs easily with different looks and makeup tones, making it a simple choice when I want something dependable and flattering. The formula is known for its high-shine finish and smooth, non-sticky feel.

  • Portable Travel Steamer. Keeps clothing smooth and presentation-ready for conferences, speaking engagements, and travel (without needing a full-size iron_.

  • KHENWEAR Jewelry (Etsy)
    I previously purchased a pair of statement earrings from this shop that I loved for their bold, African-inspired design. While that exact piece is no longer available, the shop continues to offer sculptural, African-inspired statement jewelry designed to stand out. Shop is also called "ItsAllCulture."

  • Oversized Soft Leather-Look Tote An oversized soft tote is perfect for those days when you need to carry a little more without sacrificing style. I like the relaxed silhouette, spacious interior, and leather-look finish that gives it a polished feel. It's a great option for commuting, weekend outings, or travel.

  • Classic Shirt Dresses I love a classic shirt dress because it's one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe. Depending on the fabric and accessories, it can be worn professionally or casually, dressed up or down, and adapted for every season. While the specific dresses I own are no longer available, here are a few current styles with a similar look and versatility. Current Picks:

Style & Accessories

Attention to looking your best isn't superficial. The way we present ourselves can influence how we feel, our confidence, and how we engage with others, especially in leadership roles. Whether for work, travel, special occasions, or everyday life, this collection includes clothing, accessories, and beauty finds that caught my attention, and that I hope inspire ideas for your own personal style.

  • Structured Tote Bags A structured tote bag is one of my favorite wardrobe staples because it combines style with practicality. I look for bags that can comfortably carry a laptop, notebook, water bottle, and other daily essentials while maintaining a polished, professional appearance. Whether you're heading to work, traveling, or attending meetings, a well-designed tote can transition easily between settings. Current Picks:

  • Everyday Lip Favorite: Fenty Glow This lip gloss shade, “Fenty Glow,” has consistently been a go-to for me. It pairs easily with different looks and makeup tones, making it a simple choice when I want something dependable and flattering. The formula is known for its high-shine finish and smooth, non-sticky feel.

  • Portable Travel Steamer. Keeps clothing smooth and presentation-ready for conferences, speaking engagements, and travel (without needing a full-size iron_.

  • KHENWEAR Jewelry (Etsy)
    I previously purchased a pair of statement earrings from this shop that I loved for their bold, African-inspired design. While that exact piece is no longer available, the shop continues to offer sculptural, African-inspired statement jewelry designed to stand out. Shop is also called "ItsAllCulture."

  • Oversized Soft Leather-Look Tote An oversized soft tote is perfect for those days when you need to carry a little more without sacrificing style. I like the relaxed silhouette, spacious interior, and leather-look finish that gives it a polished feel. It's a great option for commuting, weekend outings, or travel.

  • Classic Shirt Dresses I love a classic shirt dress because it's one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe. Depending on the fabric and accessories, it can be worn professionally or casually, dressed up or down, and adapted for every season. While the specific dresses I own are no longer available, here are a few current styles with a similar look and versatility. Current Picks:

Digital Communication & Content Creation

Effective communication takes many forms. Whether you're creating educational videos, recording professional learning, presenting virtually, building an online business, or sharing your expertise through digital platforms, the right tools can make the creative process more efficient and enjoyable. This collection features resources selected to support content planning, recording, editing, and publishing with confidence.

  • Lavalier Microphone. Improves audio quality for videos, presentations, interviews, and online teaching with clear, hands-free recording. This is the microphone I use for my YouTube videos and other educational content.

  • Ring Light with Tripod. Provides even, flattering lighting for videos, virtual presentations, livestreams, and online meetings. This is one of the lights I use when creating my YouTube videos and other educational content.

  • Clip-On Video Conference Light. Provides flattering, adjustable lighting for virtual meetings, webinars, online teaching, and video calls (whether you're at home or traveling).

Digital Communication & Content Creation

Effective communication takes many forms. Whether you're creating educational videos, recording professional learning, presenting virtually, building an online business, or sharing your expertise through digital platforms, the right tools can make the creative process more efficient and enjoyable. This collection features resources selected to support content planning, recording, editing, and publishing with confidence.

  • Lavalier Microphone. Improves audio quality for videos, presentations, interviews, and online teaching with clear, hands-free recording. This is the microphone I use for my YouTube videos and other educational content.

  • Ring Light with Tripod. Provides even, flattering lighting for videos, virtual presentations, livestreams, and online meetings. This is one of the lights I use when creating my YouTube videos and other educational content.

  • Clip-On Video Conference Light. Provides flattering, adjustable lighting for virtual meetings, webinars, online teaching, and video calls (whether you're at home or traveling).

My Favorites!

Some things simply deserve a place of their own. This collection brings together books, places, experiences, discoveries, and everyday finds that I've genuinely appreciated, found inspiring, or think are worth sharing.

  • Urban Vegan Kitchen (Chelsea, NYC) Plant-based restaurant in Chelsea serving globally inspired vegan comfort food in a lively, creative setting. I especially love their vegan BLT! It’s one of the dishes I tend to go back for when I’m in the area.

  • NiLu Gift Shop (Harlem, NYC) A beautifully curated Harlem shop featuring books, candles, art, and culturally meaningful gifts. I’ve found some of my favorite small pieces here, especially items that center Black culture and independent makers. Items can be ordered online and shipped.

My Favorites!

Some things simply deserve a place of their own. This collection brings together books, places, experiences, discoveries, and everyday finds that I've genuinely appreciated, found inspiring, or think are worth sharing.

  • Urban Vegan Kitchen (Chelsea, NYC) Plant-based restaurant in Chelsea serving globally inspired vegan comfort food in a lively, creative setting. I especially love their vegan BLT! It’s one of the dishes I tend to go back for when I’m in the area.

  • NiLu Gift Shop (Harlem, NYC) A beautifully curated Harlem shop featuring books, candles, art, and culturally meaningful gifts. I’ve found some of my favorite small pieces here, especially items that center Black culture and independent makers. Items can be ordered online and shipped.

Meet Dr. Rabin

Dr. Rabin Nickens (also known as “Dr. Rabin”) is an award-winning educator, scholar, and systems-level education leader with over 25 years of experience advancing student achievement and professional excellence. As a former leader for the largest school district in the United States (serving over 1,800 schools across 42 districts), she brings both deep instructional expertise and practical leadership insight. Find more education leadership resources and services at www.DrRabinNickens.com.

Meet Dr. Rabin

Dr. Rabin Nickens (also known as “Dr. Rabin”) is an award-winning educator, scholar, and systems-level education leader with over 25 years of experience advancing student achievement and professional excellence. As a former leader for the largest school district in the United States (serving over 1,800 schools across 42 districts), she brings both deep instructional expertise and practical leadership insights. Find more education leadership resources and services at www.DrRabinNickens.com.

Empowering education leaders to improve teaching and learning.

©2024 Rabin Nickens Consulting LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact

Empowering education leaders to improve teaching and learning.

©2024 Rabin Nickens Consulting LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact