Do you and your work besties really want to impress your students this year with top-notch teacher Halloween costumes? This list has so many clever ideas for every kind of teacher! From easy, low-prep costumes to those that really go all out, these options will help you get into the spirit of the season.
Also check out these book character costumes and literary Halloween costumes!
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Solo Teacher Halloween Costumes
Duo and Group Teacher Halloween Costumes
Solo Teacher Halloween Costumes
Holly Herbertson, High School ELA, for We Are Teachers
Insta-Gram
You gotta love a good pun costume, and this one made us chuckle. Teacher Holly noted that she carried around a variety of “filters” to change things up, just like the app.
Willa Barron, 8th Grade ELA, for We Are Teachers
Jenn B., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Olaf
This lovable guy loves warm hugs, just like a lot of the elementary school teachers we know! These Olaf sunglasses from Amazon would be a cool way to build this costume for yourself.
Danielle F. for We Are Teachers
Diction-Fairy
Who doesn’t love a good costume pun? Pick up an old dictionary at the thrift store, then use its pages to cover this set of wings from Amazon. Ta-da!
Jen E., Middle School ELA, for We Are Teachers
The Girl With the Green Ribbon
Remember that creepy tale from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark? She’d never take off her ribbon, and never tell anyone why …
Dalissa Salinas, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Box of Crayons
Is there anything better than a brand-new box of crayons? Teachers and kids know the answer!
Kathy G., High School Art Teacher, for We Are Teachers
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher for We Are Teachers
Jackie Kennedy
She might be one of the most famous first ladies of all time, and she has lots of terrific outfits to choose from.
Ms. Lupe Palacios for We Are Teachers
A Book
The teacher who crafted this clever costume notes that it opened up to a short story inside, while the back showcased “reviews” from students. So cool!
Liz B., Preschool, for We Are Teachers
Pete the Cat
Add big colorful buttons to a yellow shirt, throw on some cat ears, and you’ve got a Pete the Cat costume! If you can do the different-colored sneakers, even better.
Lisa Jacobs for We Are Teachers
Phileas Fogg
If you really love putting effort into your costume, take inspiration from this incredible Around the World in 80 Days costume! A giant beach ball balanced in a Hula-Hoop forms the “balloon,” and a pair of steampunk goggles adds an authentic touch.
Loretta O., 6th Grade, for We Are Teachers
World War I Soldier
This is an especially cool costume idea for a history or social studies teacher, but it works for any history buff.
Amy, Pre-K-6 Librarian, for We Are Teachers
Super Reader
Readers are the real superheroes! Make a cape from old book pages, or buy some book-printed fabric instead.
5th Grade Teacher for We Are Teachers
Beetlejuice
With the sequel coming out soon, this could be the perfect year to resurrect this mischievous old favorite!
Jenn B., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Sully (Monsters, Inc.)
If you’ve got a teacher pal, they can dress as Mike for a cute duo costume. But Sully is fun on his own too. Use this Sully horns headband to get your costume started.
Presley, 2nd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Ms. Frizzle
This is one of those teacher Halloween costumes that’s become a perennial favorite. Don’t forget to attach a stuffed lizard pal to your shoulder!
Morgan M., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Grumpy Librarian
Today’s librarians are nothing like the stern, grumpy book guardians of days past. That makes it fun to dress as one of them for a day! Don’t forget the reading glasses on a chain for a finishing touch.
Kimberly H., 8th and 9th Grade ELA, for We Are Teachers
Cereal Killer
Oh no! Look out, Captain Crunch! A cereal killer is on the loose!
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, for We Are Teachers
Cindy Lou Who
If you’ve got long hair, put it up in a wacky style to become the adorable little tyke from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. No long hair? Try this fun wig from Amazon instead.
Daletta G. for We Are Teachers
Poison Ivy
It’s easy to find artificial ivy strings. Just dress in green, wrap yourself in vines, and you’ve transformed into the classic comic book character!
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher for We Are Teachers
Political Party
If only politics were always this much fun! This is an especially fun costume for a major election year.
Meenal P. for We Are Teachers
Jellyfish
The beauty of this costume is that you can put it down when you need to, you know, teach. A clear umbrella and iridescent streamers make this a super-easy costume too.
Amy, Pre-K-6 Librarian, for We Are Teachers
Josie M., 2nd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Joy (Inside Out)
Your favorite yellow dress and a bright blue wig are all you need for this costume. Oh, and a super-sunny personality, of course!
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher for We Are Teachers
Electoral College
OK, that’s not really what they mean by “college,” but this costume is hilarious … and educational! Just attach state silhouettes to a grad cap and gown.
Suzi Hanninen, Elementary Special Ed, for We Are Teachers
Carmen Class, 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Amy, Pre-K-6 Librarian, for We Are Teachers
Queen for a Day
This teacher was dressed as royalty to celebrate a Kansas City Royals team day, but this costume works for Halloween too. Dress in your best, and don’t forget to sparkle!
Jenn B., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Kevin (Up)
This silly bird stole the scene every time he was onscreen in Up! Creating his look using a multicolored tutu is a brilliant idea too.
Brianna Sayegh, High School, for We Are Teachers
Where’s Waldo?
This one works as a solo costume or one for you and your teacher BFF. Wear your own striped shirt, or buy a Waldo costume on Amazon.
Eleanor Z., High School History, for We Are Teachers
Social Scientist
This is another costume you can do on your own or with a teacher friend. Simply borrow or buy a lab coat and cover it with social media logos.
Megan Newman, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Luxury Tax (Monopoly)
When a Monopoly app became a hit at this teacher’s school, they decided to dress up using a Monopoly, including the Luxury Tax card!
Denise H., SEL, for We Are Teachers
Mama Shark (Baby Shark)
If your students can’t stop singing this super-catchy tune, then this is the costume for you. Find some teacher pals to be Papa and Baby too.
Teacher Halloween Costumes for Duos and Groups
Kaitlyn H., Kindergarten, ESL, for We Are Teachers
Party Animals
Mix animal costumes with birthday hats and noisemakers, and you’ve got the whole cast of characters from Tara Lazar’s adorable book!
Elementary School Teachers for We Are Teachers
The Grannies (Bluey)
The Grannies might be the most popular of all Bluey and Bingo’s make-believe games. And the costumes are easy, requiring only a few blankets and accessories.
Defino Central First Grade for We Are Teachers
Anna L., 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Naomi Meredith, K-5 STEM, for We Are Teachers
Brittany G., 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
The colorful tutus are fun, but it’s those headbands that really make this teacher team costume pop!
Brittany G., 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Charlotte’s Web
Want something the entire school can get it on? Try the farm animals and other characters from Charlotte’s Web!
Naomi Meredith, K-5 STEM, for We Are Teachers
Barbie and Ken
Barbie has made a real comeback, and she has so many different styles it’s easy to find one that suits you. If you don’t know another teacher who can be your Ken, dress up your canine pal instead!
Kimberly H., 8th and 9th Grade ELA, for We Are Teachers
Morgan M., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Dress Like Your Teammate
Even teacher besties usually have their own individual styles. Make your students laugh by swapping for the day, wearing what your teammate likes to wear.
J. Douglas, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Museum Paintings
Art teachers, this one’s for you. Dress up as your favorite paintings and give your students a field trip without leaving the building.
Laura Ann Gryder, 2nd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Minions & Gru
You can be a Minion on your own, but it’s even more fun when you do it as a big group. Don’t forget to find someone to be Gru!
Stephanie Gable, 1st grade, for We Are Teachers
Laura Numeroff Characters
If you give a teacher a Laura Numeroff book, they’ll turn it into a Halloween costume! Each teacher can pick their own favorite.
Gabriella S. for We Are Teachers
The Magic School Bus
Where would Ms. Frizzle be without the rest of the gang? Extra points if you can convince someone to dress up as the bus itself.
Brittany G., 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Holidays
What’s your favorite holiday? Everyone can choose their own with this super-easy group costume theme.
Katarina Lupson, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Grammar Police
Stop, in the name of the Oxford comma! Don’t try to get away with any double negatives, either.
Amanda Mannino, 4th-6th Special Ed, for We Are Teachers
Zoom Buttons
Though these teachers used these costumes during their year of virtual classrooms, they’re still funny today!
Gabriella S. for We Are Teachers
Toy Story
Bring the Pixar classic to life, and watch your students’ eyes light up!
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, for We Are Teachers
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
How cute is this idea? Brown overalls covered in letters of the alphabet topped with palm leaves and coconuts make an easy costume that works for groups or individuals.
J. Douglas, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty
Give me your tired, your poor … it’s like it was written just for teachers! Find the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam costumes on Amazon.
Brooke B., 4th grade, for We Are Teachers
Winnie-the-Pooh
You can go all out with Pooh-themed costumes, but you don’t need to. These simple T-shirts and headbands get the idea across perfectly and are much more practical.
Alex Jackson, Middle School, for We Are Teachers
101 Dalmatians
Spend a day being spotted puppies, and don’t forget to find someone to be Cruella de Vil. You can grab her wig here on Amazon.
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, forWe Are Teachers
Room on the Broom
The book Room on the Broom is absolutely perfect for group teacher Halloween costumes. We especially love the teacher dressed as the broom itself!
Stephanie Gable, 1st grade, for We Are Teachers
The Avengers
We all know teachers are superheroes, so this group costume seems especially appropriate.
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, for We Are Teachers
Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Adults and kids both love this zany duo, and their costumes are easy to re-create. Don’t forget the gold fanny pack!
Brooke B., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
J. Douglas, 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Amy, Pre-K-6 Librarian, for We Are Teachers
Seuss Characters
Every kid knows their Dr. Seuss characters, and the huge array of books gives you so many to choose from. Try this Cat in the Hat accessory set for an easy idea.
Naomi Meredith, K-5 STEM, for We Are Teachers
Astronaut and Rocket
Could that dog rocket costume be any cuter? Paired with an astronaut suit, it’s the perfect duo costume for a teacher and her best doggie friend.
Stephanie Sanders, 2nd Grade, for We Are Teachers
The Day the Crayons Quit
Crayon costumes are always a hit, and you can even theme them to the popular book. Birthday hats in multiple colors make perfect toppers.
Jeanne Tholen for We Are Teachers
Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? These teachers! These Ghostbusters jumpsuits come in sizes to fit every teacher on your team.
6th Grade Teacher Team for We Are Teachers
Camp Counselors
Camp counselors are really just the teachers of summer anyway, right? Love those tie-dyed T-shirts!
Naomi Meredith, 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Starbucks Baristas
Coffee keeps teachers going, so this costume is the perfect nod to their favorite fix. Green aprons, white shirts, and black pants are all you need, but you can add Starbucks caps too if you like.
Brooke B., 4th Grade, for We Are Teachers
Trolls
We love this group costume for those especially wacky teacher teams. Buy troll wig headbands, or make your own with tulle and a few basic supplies.
Jeanne Tholen for We Are Teachers
6th Grade Teacher Team for We Are Teachers
Biker Gang
Feeling tough? Don some tattoo sleeves and round up your favorite black ensembles for this group costume.
Naomi Meredith, 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Beanie Babies
With animal headbands and big hangtags made of cardboard, these costumes are a snap to throw together at the last minute.
Brittany G., 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Wizard of Oz
This group costume idea is always a lot of fun, and there are lots of characters available for big teams.
Amy Flynn for We Are Teachers
Bee Kind
These Bee Kind T-shirts come in every size, and they’re the perfect base for this simple costume idea. Add antennae and wings, and you’re good to go!
6th Grade Team for We Are Teachers
The Biggest Catch
Choose one teacher to wear the shark costume, while everyone else rounds up fishing vests, hats, nets, and other gear. Such a great photo op!
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, for We Are Teachers
’50s Girls
Poodle skirts and ponytails are always popular. Don’t forget the saddle shoes and neck scarves too!
Naomi Meredith, 3rd Grade, for We Are Teachers
Care Bears
One of the best things about this group costume is that it lets everyone pick a bear that best suits their personality. Personalize some colorful tees and add bear ears, and you’re all set.
6th Grade Teacher Team for We Are Teachers
Traffic Control
Sometimes it feels like teachers spend half their days directing traffic, whether in the classroom, in the halls, or on the playground. You might as well dress for the part!
Hilary Statum, Kindergarten, for We Are Teachers
Johnny Appleseed
If your students have been learning about Johnny Appleseed, they’ll appreciate these adorable costumes. Especially if you wear real pots on your heads!
6th Grade Teacher Team for We Are Teachers
Vampires
Go classic with vampire costumes. (Just remember not to go overboard with the scary aspect if you teach very young kids.)
Katina M. for We Are Teachers
Nerds Candy
Halloween is all about candy, making it a really fun costume idea. All you need are colorful shirts with the Nerds logo (make your own with a die cut machine) ironed on.
Heather Goudge, 2nd Grade, for We Are Teachers
M&Ms
Here’s another colorful candy group costume that’s easy to pull off. The tutus are optional but so fun!
What are your favorite teacher Halloween costumes? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!
Plus, 225 Halloween Words for Vocab, Writing, and More.
Lynne Doty is a news writer for politics, health, business, parenting, and finance. Lynne is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her kids—who are both competitive swimmers—and her husband.
