Teachers Pay Teachers

Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) was founded in 2006 by Paul Edelman, a former New York City public school teacher. Edelman started TpT with the vision of creating a platform where teachers could share their original educational materials and resources, thereby helping each other to improve classroom learning experiences. His goal was to empower educators by providing them access to a wider range of teaching materials than they could individually create, tapping into the collective expertise of educators across the globe​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Teachers Pay Teachers)​.

Since its inception, TpT has grown significantly, impacting the educational sector by providing a marketplace where over 5 million teachers exchange resources each year. Remarkably, TpT boasts that 70 percent of all U.S. educators have downloaded resources from the platform. The success stories include several "teacherpreneurs" who have earned millions from their sales on TpT, highlighting the platform's capacity to support educators not just pedagogically but financially as well​ (Wikipedia)​.

Grades Covered Resources are available for a comprehensive range from PreK to 12th grade, catering to a broad spectrum of educational stages.

Cost While the platform itself is free to join, resource prices vary, typically ranging from free to around $25, with bulk packages or more comprehensive curriculum sets costing more. On average, users might spend anywhere from $10 to $100 per month depending on their needs. Users can filter by price on the platform.

Differentiation: What Makes TpT Special

Teachers Pay Teachers is unique in that it is predominantly a user-generated platform that allows educators to buy and sell original educational materials. This peer-to-peer marketplace model supports a diverse range of content that is continually updated by its users, reflecting current educational trends and needs. TpT supports various formats, from lesson plans and worksheets to interactive lessons via its tool, Easel by TpT, which integrates assessment and learning management functionality​ (Wikipedia)​.

How It Works

TpT operates as an online marketplace where educators can either sell their own educational products or purchase others' materials. The platform includes a wide range of resources categorized by grade, subject, and resource type, making it easy to find materials suitable for specific educational needs and teaching scenarios.

Getting Started

To use TpT for homeschooling, parents can create a free account, which allows them to browse, purchase, and download resources. Starting is as simple as visiting the TpT website, signing up, and then using the search functionalities to find the needed resources. Educators and homeschooling parents can also choose to sell their own resources by setting up a seller account.

Usage in Homeschooling Curriculum

TpT is highly flexible, allowing parents to choose how much time they want to dedicate per day or week based on the resources they select. The activities can range from "open-and-go" sheets that require minimal preparation to more in-depth projects that might need more planning and parental involvement. The platform offers both independent and parent-led resources, accommodating different teaching dynamics and schedules.

Educational Content Included

The platform includes a robust list of educational content:

• Printable worksheets

• Interactive digital lessons

• Project-based learning kits

• Full curriculum programs

• Educational games and simulations

• Assessment tools

Subjects covered:

TpT offers a vast range of subjects, including but not limited to:

• Mathematics

• Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)

• English Language Arts

• Social Studies (History, Geography)

• Foreign Languages

• Arts and Music

• Computer Science and Technology

Pros and Cons Users generally appreciate the vast array of resources available, the ability to customize educational content, and the community-driven aspect of the platform. However, some critiques include the variability in the quality of resources, as the content is user-generated, and the costs can add up if many resources are needed.

Pro tips from parents and caregivers Many parents recommend taking the time to review ratings and feedback on resources before purchasing. They also suggest starting with free resources offered by TpT to gauge the quality and relevance before committing financially.

Pros

• Extensive variety of resources

• Customizable content tailored to specific educational needs

• Community-driven updates and resource variety

Cons

• Variability in resource quality due to user-generated content

• Potential high costs with extensive use

Ideal Fit

TpT is ideal for homeschooling parents who appreciate a flexible approach to education and are willing to explore a vast array of teaching materials to customize their children’s learning experiences.

Non-Ideal Fit

TpT may not suit parents seeking a highly structured and uniformly styled curriculum, as the platform’s diverse content varies widely in approach and structure.

Ways to Access Resources can be accessed through the TpT website, where users can browse, purchase, and download materials directly.

Top Secular Alternatives for All-in-One Curriculum:

Here are our favorite other all-in-one options for different types of learners.

Book Lovers, Gifted and Profoundly Gifted Learners: Torchlight Curriculum
For Gifted, Workbook-Lovers: Critical Thinking Co
Nature-Based Curriculum for creative, Hands-On Learners: Blossom and Root
Adaptive learning app for kids who love video games : BrainPOP Homeschool
For Middle and High School Students: Build Your Library
For kids who love watching videos, here are highly Engaging Free YouTube videos for middle and high school: Crash Course
For Project-Based, Standards-Aligned Curriculum and Online School: Oak Meadow
For Free or Freemium online curriculum: Khan Academy Kids, Khan Academy or FishTank Learning
For more Traditional/schoolish Standards-aligned adaptive online learning: Time4Learning

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