Category: Teachers Pay Teachers

Getting Started on TpT: Subject Areas

Published on by Sandy Davis

For those you who read my post Tips for Getting Started on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), I’ve decided to write more posts on creating for TpT, starting with choosing a subject area for your store to focus on.

You DO NOT have to stick with one type of resource, but it helps to have a general focus. For example, my store is focused on English Language Arts resources.

English Language Arts is a popular, in-demand topic for TpT, and can include:

Balanced literacy, close reading, creative writing, EFL – ESL- ELD, ELA test prep, grammar, informational text, literature, phonics, poetry, reading, reading strategies, short stories, spelling, vocabulary, writing, writing essays, writing expository, other (ELA)

Here are some other K-12 subject areas and topics you might consider creating resources for:

Arts

Art history, cooking, dance, drama, graphic arts, instrumental music, music, music composition, visual arts, vocal music, other (arts), other (music)

Holidays/Seasonal

Autumn, back to school, black history month, Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza, earth day, Easter, end of year, Halloween, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, spring, St. Patrick’s Day, summer, Thanksgiving, The New Year, Valentine’s Day, winter, women’s history month

Math

Algebra, algebra 2, applied math, arithmetic, basic operations, calculus, decimals, fractions, geometry, graphing, math test prep, measurement, mental math, numbers, order of operations, place value, statistics, trigonometry, word problems, other (math)

Science

Aanatomy, archaeology, astronomy, basic principles, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, environment, forensics, general science, physical science, physics, other (science)

Social Studies

African history, ancient history, Asian studies, Australian history, British history, Canadian history, civics, criminal justice – law, economics, elections – voting, European history, geography, government, middle ages, native americans, psychology, U.S. history, world history, other (social studies)

Specialty

Career and technical education, character education, child care, classroom community, classroom management, coaching, computer science – technology, critical thinking, early intervention, family consumer science, for administrators, for all subjects, gifted and talented, handwriting, health, instructional technology, international baccalaureate, library skills, life skills, occupational therapy, oral communication, physical education, physical therapy, problem solving, products for TpT sellers, professional development, religion, robotics, school counseling, school psychology, special education, speech therapy, student council, study skills, test preparation, tools for common core, vocational education, other (specialty)

World Language

American sign language, Arabic, Chinese, en Francais, Gaeilge, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, other (world language)

For all subject areas

For educators who are not K-12 teachers, you will select either university discipline or adult education that is appropriate for your skill set. The next question is about the grade level you teach which has selections for preschool, higher education, K-12, homeschoolers, etc.

In the coming week I’ll write more about how to create resources that will sell!

If you’re not already following this blog, enter your email below to subscribe. I’ll be doing a subscriber giveway at the end of the month.

Celebrating my Subscribers with a TpT Gift Card Giveaway

Published on by Sandy Davis

Welcome to all of my new subscribers! I currently have 23 people who have followed or subscribed to this blog (WordPress refers to them as “followers”), so I’ve decided to celebrate by giving away a $25 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card to one random suscriber once I reach 25 subscribers. You will then be notified by email and I will send your gift card to your subscriber email or to the email of your choice.

If you’re not currently following this blog and would like to, please enter your email in the side menu ->

I DO NOT SHARE OR SELL your emails. I will not spam your email with sales pitches or newsletters (I hate it when my email gets clogged up with that junk). The only time you will get email is when I post here.

My plan is do some kind of giveaway the first of every month to thank my followers (Starting with this giveaway on August 1st). Sometimes it will be other kinds of gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, etc.) and sometimes it will be free digital products from my TpT store or free digital books. These are not hyped up giveaways to drum up followers (I only want real followers), but just to thank my current followers. So you don’t have to jump through crazy hoops that other giveaways require. You DO NOT have to like, comment, follow me on Twitter, share this post, etc.

Thank you again to all of my lovely followers!

Creating in Real Time

Published on by Sandy Davis

I’m in the process of learning how to create online courses for the general public. I’m currently taking a Udemy course called “How to Create In-Demand Online Courses.” This is to learn how the nuts and bolts of creating an online course, but will also benefit me in my professional life, since as a professors I also teach an online course. I’m hoping to both improve as a teacher and a content creator, but also pass along that knowledge to you.

As a full-time college professor, former middle school and high school teacher, and someone who has a doctorate in curriculum design and is in the process of learning game design and digital marketing (as fun hobbies, lol), I feel uniquely qualified to help you on your journey to becoming a better teacher or content creator, or to get started on a side-hustle.

One of my biggest frustrations as a newbie content-creator is that so many of the resources out there are loaded with generic bullshit, click bait, and useless platitudes. For example, many of these resources will tell you to “choose a niche” or “know your audience” without really giving you the nitty gritty details of HOW to do that.

That’s why I’m doing a fun experiment and bringing you along for the ride. I’m going to explore several different types of content creation, from blogging to YouTube to TpT (Teachers Pay Teachers) to Fiverr and walk you through the step-by-step details of EXACTLY what I’m doing, how it’s going, what’s working and not working, and how to see results.

In addition to doing 30 days of blogging (which I’ll report on soon), I’m also learning how to create a course and then I’m going to create a post a course. Today I’m going to learn from Udemy and several other online resources, and then tomorrow I will start creating my course.

I would LOVE to hear suggestions for things you’d like to see me build a course on. Taking into consideration my experience and expertise, some options are:

How to improve student engagement

How to improve student writing

How to be a better writer

Reading like a writer

Game design in the classroom

How to sell on Teachers Pay Teachers

How to sell on Fiverr

Make Money Online

Published on by Sandy Davis

You should have a side hustle.

There are many reasons for this, which I list below. First of all, if you are a teacher, it’s okay to fantasize about leaving your profession. Teachers are not paid well or treated well, and there is no shame in leaving YOU are not the problem.

And even if you keep teaching, having a side hustle will make a you better teacher. This has been the case for me. In trying out and creating several different side hustles (mainly TpT and Fiverr), I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher, and a lot about creating engaging content. As a result, my lessons, assessments, and overall approach to teaching have gotten better, which has been a benefit to both me and my students.

Teaching is undoubtedly a noble profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of young individuals. However, the demands of the job can sometimes leave teachers with limited time and financial resources. In recent years, many teachers have turned to side hustles as a way to supplement their income, pursue their passions, and gain valuable experiences outside the classroom. In this blog post, we will explore why teachers should consider having a side hustle and how it can bring numerous benefits to their personal and professional lives.

If you’re here as a writer, someone in another profession, or as a stay-at-home mom, finding a side hustle and creating content will change your life for the better.

I’m going to help you get started.

What creating content and making money online can provide:

  1. Financial Stability and Flexibility

While teaching is rewarding in many ways, it’s no secret that the pay scale for educators may not always reflect the hard work and dedication they put into their profession. A side hustle can provide an additional source of income, allowing teachers to better meet their financial needs and alleviate any financial stress they may experience. Whether it’s tutoring, freelance writing, or offering online courses, a side hustle can contribute to greater financial stability and flexibility.

  1. Pursuing Passions and Talents

Teaching is a multifaceted profession, and educators possess a wide range of skills and talents beyond their classroom expertise. A side hustle presents an opportunity for teachers to explore and monetize their passions. Whether it’s photography, graphic design, crafting, or playing a musical instrument, a side hustle can serve as a platform to showcase and develop these skills. Not only does this enhance personal fulfillment, but it can also inspire creativity and bring a renewed sense of purpose to teaching.

  1. Professional Growth and Skill Enhancement

Engaging in a side hustle outside of the teaching realm can lead to professional growth and skill enhancement. It allows teachers to gain valuable experiences that can be applied in the classroom, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives in their teaching practices. For instance, starting a blog or YouTube channel can hone communication and technology skills, while running a small business can develop entrepreneurial acumen. These transferable skills can ultimately enhance the quality of education provided to students.

  1. Networking and Building Connections

Side hustles often require teachers to interact with a diverse range of individuals and communities. This presents an excellent opportunity to expand their network and build connections outside of the education sector. Networking can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and new career possibilities. Moreover, connecting with professionals from different fields can expose teachers to alternative perspectives and innovative ideas, enriching their teaching methods and broadening their horizons.

  1. Work-Life Balance

Balancing work responsibilities with personal life can be a challenge for many teachers. Engaging in a side hustle can actually contribute to a healthier work-life balance. While it may seem counterintuitive to take on additional work, a side hustle that aligns with personal interests and allows for flexible scheduling can provide a welcome break from the demands of the classroom. By dedicating time to their passions outside of teaching, educators can rejuvenate their energy and bring fresh enthusiasm back into their classrooms.

Conclusion

As we all continue to face financial constraints and seek personal and professional fulfillment, having a side hustle has become an appealing option. Whether for financial stability, pursuing passions, professional growth, networking, or achieving a better work-life balance, anyone can benefit greatly from the diverse opportunities and experiences that a side hustle offers. By embracing a side hustle, educators can enhance their well-being, broaden their horizons, and ultimately become even more effective and fulfilled in their role as teachers.

I am creating guides to start making money right away on Teachers Pay Teachers, Fiverr, Udemy, and Twitter. Let me know in the comments what you need and what you’re most interested in learning about.

Becoming a Content Creator

Published on by Sandy Davis

My posts on Side-Hustles for Educators and Getting Started on Teachers Pay Teachers were so popular and have generated so much feedback from my readers that I started thinking about the role that content creation can play in the lives of teachers, writers, and educators.

Let’s face it, in this economy, almost everyone is thinking about how to make more money. But I think content creation is about SO MUCH MORE, especially for educators and writers. It’s about the act of CREATION, finding an audience, and building a community.

Teachers are not lauded and respected for their expertise in teaching, learning, and creating engaging content and lessons for their students. Reaching out to the larger internet community can boost your sense of self as an educator, generate a little self-respect, and even earn a little pocket money.

What is a content creator? Basically, anyone who creates CONTENT that people want to CONSUME. This includes stories, writing of any kind, articles, blog posts, photography, artwork, comics, podcasts, educational videos, vlogs, online courses, etc.

Here are the BENEFITS of becoming a content creator.

  1. Creative expression: Content creation allows individuals to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives with the world. Whether through writing, photography, video production, podcasting, or other mediums, content creation provides a platform for artistic and creative self-expression.

  2. Sharing knowledge and expertise: Content creators have the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with others. By creating informative and educational content, they can contribute to the learning and growth of their audience. It can be immensely fulfilling to see the positive impact of sharing valuable information and insights.

  3. Building a personal brand: Content creation enables individuals to build their personal brand and establish themselves as experts or thought leaders in their respective fields. By consistently creating high-quality content, they can gain visibility, credibility, and recognition among their target audience and industry peers.

  4. Connecting with like-minded individuals: Content creation provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests or passions. It can foster a sense of community and belonging, where creators and their audience can engage in meaningful discussions, collaborations, and support one another’s creative endeavors.

  5. Opportunity for monetization: Content creation can offer various avenues for monetization.
    Through advertising, sponsorships, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, or even selling products or services related to their content, creators can generate income and potentially turn their passion into a sustainable career.

  6. Professional and personal growth: Engaging in content creation can be a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Creators often acquire new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and refine their craft through consistent practice and feedback. It can also provide opportunities for networking and professional development within their niche or industry.

  7. Impact and influence: Content creators have the ability to make a positive impact on their audience and influence change. Through thought-provoking content, they can inspire, motivate, educate, and even advocate for causes they care about. The ability to shape opinions, raise awareness, and contribute to positive societal changes can be a driving force for many creators.

  8. Flexibility and independence: Content creation offers a degree of flexibility and independence in terms of working hours, location, and creative direction. Creators have the freedom to work on their own terms, pursue projects they are passionate about, and establish a work-life balance that suits their needs and preferences.

While content creation requires dedication, consistency, and effort, the rewards can be significant. It provides a platform for creative expression, knowledge sharing, personal growth, professional opportunities, and the ability to make a positive impact on others. Ultimately, the decision to become a content creator depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and aspirations.

Tips for Getting Started on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)

Published on by Sandy Davis


I’ve been selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (who recently changed their brand and name to TpT) since 2017, but I’ve only recently begun to have a small amount of success. I typically make between $25-50 a month (I made a grand total of $644 last year), but am slowly seeing that number increase as I work to create more products and improve the quality of my resources and product descriptions.

There is a little bit of controversy about TpT in some teaching circles, but in other professions it’s completely normal to sell IP (intellectual property) and consulting services. As an educator, I have found some high-quality resources that have ranged from life-saving to just making my life easier on a Monday morning. That being said, there are some poor-quality resources on TpT, so buyer beware. I never buy or sell anything that doesn’t have a detailed product description and a preview of what I’m buying or selling, but more on that below.

If you’ve never sold on TpT before, here are some tips to help you get started selling lesson plans and curriculum resources.

  1. Research the market: Before you start creating your lesson plans and curriculum resources, take some time to research what is already available on Teachers Pay Teachers. Look for popular topics and themes, as well as gaps in the market where you could provide valuable resources. Pay attention to pricing, too; you don’t want to underprice or overprice your materials.
  2. Identify your niche: Start by identifying your area of expertise and the topics you are most passionate about. Consider the subjects and grade levels you teach, the resources you’ve developed over time, and the areas where you feel you can make the greatest impact.
  3. Create high-quality resources: Once you have a good understanding of the market, it’s time to start creating your lesson plans and curriculum resources. Make sure that your materials are high-quality and well-designed, with clear instructions and engaging activities. Consider adding in some interactive elements, such as games or quizzes, to make your materials even more engaging.
  4. Price your resources strategically: Pricing your resources is an important aspect of selling on Teachers Pay Teachers. Consider the time and effort you put into creating your resources, as well as their quality and value. Check the prices of similar resources on the marketplace and use that as a guide.
  5. Promote your resources: Once you’ve created and listed your resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, you need to promote them to potential buyers. Use social media to share your resources with your network and encourage others to share them as well. You can also use email marketing and other digital marketing strategies to get your resources in front of more people.
  6. Update and improve your resources: It’s important to keep your resources up to date and make improvements based on feedback from buyers. Consider creating a feedback loop with your customers to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement. This will help you create better resources that meet the needs of your target audience.

Selling lesson plans and curriculum resources on Teachers Pay Teachers can be a great way to earn extra income while helping other teachers improve their classroom experience. With these tips, you can get started on the right foot and build a successful business on the platform.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at creating resources, I’ve made a simple product template to help you get started.