Questions on tote bags
 

I need ideas/opinions on what features to add to a tote bag I am making for my DD. She has accepted a position as an 8th grade teacher for the next school year and wants a tote for school. I have asked her what she wants and she is absolutely no help, leaving it entirely up to me. I want to put a large pocket on both outside pieces, big enough for papers....and pockets all the way around the inside about 10" deep. I don't think it needs any zippered pockets like a purse, but what am I missing? I am going to use 1" nylon webbing for the straps, sewn from the very bottom seam for extra strength. I am not using a specific pattern, so I can add whatever seems appropriate. TIA

I think one zippered pocket on the inside, large enough for something she might not want seen at once, a good option.
Also a D ring or place to clip keys.

maybe a loop for keys

The professional tote is a great bag, but it does have lots of pattern pieces. I have used mine for years.
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/

Put in a loop near the bottom to hold her water/coffee mug so it won't tip over. Of course you could also put it on the outside. Just something I really use.

Maybe add a flap that can hold the sides together - especially if it's a very large bag.

I would also add a small pocket that could be securely closed with velcro or a zipper to hold a phone or money - and I would put it on the inside of the bag.

For those times when both hands are full, I'd also want a large D-ring at the top of each side and a removable longer strap to carry it across the body like a messenger bag, less chance of slipping off the shoulders.

A row of pen/pencil holders, some sized larger for markers.

It all depends on how she wants to use her tote. When I taught I had a tote for each day of the week. I used them for keeping homework to grade. That way I kept track of when the homework was turned in. Students couldn't say they handed them in on Tuesday if their papers were in the Thursday bag.