June 09, 2021

How To Make Sure A Teachers Pay Teachers Resource Is Right For Your Class

June 09, 2021/ Melina Dahms

Teachers Pay Teachers is filled with some really fabulous, high quality and engaging teacher resources. But how can you make sure the lovely resources are right for your students and your teaching situation? Here’s a few ways to make sure any Teachers Pay Teachers resource is right for your class.

How To Make Sure A Teachers Pay Teachers Resource Is Right For Your Class. A Galarious Goods blog post exploring ways teachers can make sure they're purchasing the best resources for their students and their teaching style

1. Use the Grade Filters

When you do a search on Teachers Pay Teachers, there are a number of ways to filter down your results. One of the easiest ways to find what’s right for your class is to use the grade filter - you’ll find it on the left hand side of the page when you’re using the desktop version.

One thing that’s really great about the grade filter is that you can use it to look for more than one grade. This is perfect if you’re teaching a multi-age or composite class or if you have students who need to work up or down a grade level. You can also check out grade levels which are close to yours to see if the material will work for your students.

2. Read the Description

This is the must read section of any Teachers Pay Teachers resource listing! The resource description - under the photographs and any bundle listings - usually includes a brief description of the resource, then more details which you can use to decide if it’s the right resource for you.

Each seller includes slightly different elements in their descriptions, but in a Galarious Goods description, you’ll find an introductory paragraph about the resource, then an extended list explaining what is included and some information about whether it uses US or UK English spelling and the number of pages included. This allows you to reflect on whether the resource has the activities you would like to complete or if the format will work for your class.

3. Check Out the Thumbnails and Watch the Video

So, you’ve read the description but you really want to get the feel of the resource. This is where the thumbnail photos and the video preview - if included - are super helpful. You can find these resources underneath the main cover photograph - if there’s a video, it will be the second ‘image’, and the thumbnail photographs will come after that.

Again each seller does things in their own way, but many sellers will take photos of their resources printed out, so you can get an idea of what they might look like in the classroom. Any included preview videos can also help you get a better idea of how to use the classroom or an overview of what is included in the resource.

4. Look Through the Preview

Did you know that Teachers Pay Teacher sellers can add previews to their resources? These previews can be a great way of checking to see if the resource is the right thing for your class. Many sellers highlight included pages in their resource, allowing you to check for text density or if the design will be appealing to the age level you teach. Some sellers will include an introductory note or highlight elements which they think will help you as a teacher, while others will include a full range of the included activities so you can browse through on your own.

The preview is hands down the most useful part of a Teachers Pay Teachers resource listing and it’s well worth taking the time to look through it. Don’t forget to use the little zoom tool (the addition and subtraction symbols at the top) to look closer if you need to!

5. Ask a Question

Did you know you can ask a question on ANY Teachers Pay Teachers resource? Just above the resource description, there’s a little link bar with Q&A which will take you to all the asked questions and allow you to ask your own questions. This is perfect if you’re still not sure if the resource is right for you and you haven’t found your answers in the previews - a seller might be able to give you the little more information you need or direct you to a blog post with more info.

When you’re asking the questions, make sure you give the seller a bit of time to get back to you (after all, we’re all around the world and we do have to sleep at some point!) and make sure to check the box so you get an email when the seller responds. Unfortunately replies can’t be threaded, so you may need to ask another question if you need further clarification - that’s the best way to make sure the seller sees the question!

Just one last point - if you have a question about a specific resource, ask on that resource page or include the title of it if you’re asking the question at the general ‘Ask A Question’ page for each seller - otherwise it’s hard for the seller to know which of their resources you’re asking about!

I hope this helps you to find the right resource for your classroom!

Looking for more?

So You Want To Be a Teachers Pay Teachers Seller?

October 14, 2019/ Melina Dahms

Maybe you love creating engaging resources for your classroom which your students adore. Or you’ve had great success with a particular resource which has all your colleagues talking. Or you’ve got a bit of a following on Instagram and those followers are super enthusiastic when you show them your latest resources.

It’s time to monetise that interest and passion and get on Teachers Pay Teachers.

But - wait a moment - how can you make sure you're doing the right things when it comes to an unfamiliar venture? How can you avoid some big mistakes when it comes to Teachers Pay Teachers?

So you want to be a Teachers Pay Teachers seller? Some advice and tips to help you avoid common mistakes of new TpT Sellers. A Galarious Goods blog post

Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) is probably the biggest educational marketplace around. It attracts resource creators from around the world, creating everything from high quality, technological wonders, to engaging hands on classroom materials to worksheets quickly whipped up when a need was recognised.

If makes sense that a teacher who is passionate about creating resources would want to be involved in TpT. But, as a Teacher Seller with a number of years of experience, I’ve seen a rapid increase of new sellers who are unprepared, unprofessional, or - worst of all - are breaking the law as they step into the TpT world.

The good news is that there are ways to avoid that! Here’s some tips to help you avoid the most common pitfalls when it comes to TpT!

1. Check Your Employment Conditions

You’ve just made a new resource and you’re ready to post it on TpT . . . but wait! Does your job allow you to do that?

Your employer - the state, school district, religious educational authority or private school - probably had you sign a contract when you started teaching. Some of those contracts prohibit you from taking on other work. Others require you to get permission - from your Principal or the district or someone else - to engage in other work. Other employers may regard the resources you make to be their property, so you aren’t allowed to sell them. Or they might ask you to ensure that you restrict all TpT work to personal computers and personal time.

This is a really important thing to consider when you’re thinking about becoming a seller. Selling on TpT will take a lot of work - it can be years before you replace an annual income. You don’t want to be out of a guaranteed income because you unwittingly broke the terms of your contract.

Takeaway: Check your employment conditions and see if you can be a seller - and if you need permission to do so.

2. Register your Business

(Note: I’m approaching this tip from the Australian perspective - but it’s important to check if you need to do this if you live in other parts of the world!)

Did you know that you need to register your business name in Australia - unless you’re operating under your own name? The good news is that it’s a really easy online process and it’s very affordable. (You can read more here)

You might think that it wouldn’t apply to you if your business was only a hobby. It’s important to know that if you intend to make any profit, if you regularly carry out activities in the business - even setting up as a seller on TpT! - can qualify you as a business.

(You will also have tax obligations for any income you make from TpT - an accountant is the best person to talk to for more information)

Takeaway: Register your business if you’re required to - and make sure you keep receipts and paperwork!

3. Check Your Trademarks and Copyright

These are probably the biggest errors made by new sellers - and the ones which can get you in the deepest trouble.

First a note on terminology - copyright is the legal right for the creator of text, songs, images, photographs, films etc to determine who reproduces that work. Trademarks are symbols or words which are registered as representing a company or organisation - and only that company or organisation can decide who uses them. For example - the words and images of The Very Hungry Caterpillar are covered by copyright law, Eric Carle’s name is trademarked and cannot be used under trademark law.

New sellers may break copyright laws if they don’t take care with the images they use in their products. The creator (or owner, in some cases) of the image decides who can use the image. This means you cannot just save images from Google, from other websites or from social media to use in your resources without permission. This also applies to free resources.

(If you’re looking for images you can use, check out the fabulous and affordable clip artists on TpT or search for public domain images (make sure you check the terms of use for those images) or seek permission from the copyright owner)

As for trademarks . . . well lots of things are trademarked. Many popular brands are trademarked and cannot be used within resources. Author’s names might be trademarked and many educational programs are also trademarked. There are some great resources in the TpT forums and TpT University which will give you more information as well as searchable registers - but unless your work is completely your own, make sure you do your research. Trademark owners have the right to challenge your work and have it removed - and they often do.

Takeaway: Have a good understanding of copyright and trademarks - and do your research when you create new resources.

4. Be Original

You’ve seen a fabulous looking TpT resource on social media or in a shop and you know you can make something just like it. You’ll just change the words a bit and make it with images you like . . .

Don’t. Do. It.

Copying another seller is a deeply unethical thing to do. TpT is also a relatively small community and other sellers (and buyers) will notice if you do this - especially if you do it regularly. You’re also not producing the best possible resources - the best resources come from your own imagination, your own research and your own experiences.

Takeaway: Be your own fabulous self - it’s the best way to create resources and develop an audience.

5. Be a Professional - Treat your TpT shop like the business it is

It’s important, when it comes to TpT, to behave like you would in any other secondary income job. Real teachers will spend real money in your TpT store and by behaving as a business owner, you show them the respect they deserve as your customers.

What does that mean for you? It means being honest and just in your dealings with buyers - make sure the resources are of a high quality; take care to follow copyright and trademark laws; offer work that is original and thoughtful.

It means being kind to your buyers by letting them know what they are getting for their money. The best (and easiest) way to do this is by having comprehensive descriptions and previews of your work. (This is also good business sense! People are more likely to buy when they know what they’re getting!)

It means pricing appropriately. Do some research around pricing; read posts in the forums or in various Facebook groups. Ask a TpT friend for advice if you’re really stuck. Think about what value your resource has to the buyer, rather than how much time you put into it (especially in the beginning when everything takes a loooong time). Follow TpT guidelines on free resources and sales.

And - a note on freebies. Don’t use TpT as a host for your free resources. They make the money to employ staff and maintain the website through sales. A percentage of $0 is always going to be $0. If you only want to offer free resources, create your own blog or website or Facebook page or email list where you can give them away.

Takeaway: Treat your TpT shop as a business - even if you have limited time to work in it. Your behaviour reflects on you.

Looking for more?

What is a Teachers Pay Teachers Sale? (And how can you save?)

May 08, 2017/ Melina Dahms

Every now and again, you might see Facebook and Instagram posts advertising Teachers Pay Teachers sales. These pop up, with beautiful graphics and enticing promises, but you're not really sure what they're all about. What's the code? What is the discount? Why should you check it out?

Well, we're here to hopefully demystify the process a bit, answer all your burning questions and to show you some of our favourites: perfect for you when the next sale comes around!

What is a Teachers Pay Teachers Sale? (And how can you save money?) A blog post examining what a TpT sale is and how teachers can make the most of them when they come around

What is a TpT Sale?

Teachers Pay Teachers (or TpT) is a one-stop place to find downloadable teaching resources created by teachers. It's the best place to search when you're looking for teaching materials - small or large.

Several times a year, TpT hold a massive sales event. Many sellers take advantage of this event to put their shops on sale for up to 20% off. TpT also provides a code which takes 5% off the original price - which means you get up to 25% off!

How does this work with real-life money? If a product is usually $10, the seller may put it on sale for 20%, a discount of $2. The TpT code takes 5% off the original price - a discount of 50c - so you get a $2.50 discount and only pay $7.50 for a $10 product! (If the seller sets their shop at a 10% discount, you get 15% off with the code. If they set it at 5% off, you get 10% off with the code)

How Can You Save More?

The discounts for TpT sales are already great, but there is a way to save even more! TpT offers a wonderful incentive to leave feedback on products you love. Each time you leave feedback, you are rewarded with credit points - and these credit points, allow you to get a further discount.

Leaving feedback is really easy - simply go to 'My Purchases' and click on the 'Provide Feedback' link. Remember to think about what kind of feedback would be useful to other buyers - tell them what you loved about the product!

All My Friends Want to Save Too

Many products are licensed for single teacher use only, which means you can’t share, but there is a way you can help your friends save when they want to buy the same product. Many TpT sellers provide special 'additional license' prices - usually at a discounted rate. Simply go to your 'My Purchases' page and click on the 'Buy Additional Licenses' button. This allows you and your friends to save money while being safe in the knowledge that you are following copyright laws and helping a teacher-author.

How Do I Prepare For A TpT Sale?

The dates of TpT Sales are closely-held secrets - we all want the surprise! So what can you do to prepare? Follow your favourite sellers on TpT and through their preferred social media and look out for sale announcements. Make friends with your TpT wish list - it's a great place to keep track of those 'maybe one day' product. Think about what you'll be teaching later in the year - spend some time looking for the best products available. Give as much quality feedback as you can. And don't forget to use your code and your credits when sales time comes around.