TeachersPayTeachers Tips

Five Stars!

How I began TeachersPayTeachers...

As a ESL teacher, the biggest difficulty is catering to the language differences. Working in Hong Kong - it was all about the language differences between Cantonese and English.

When I first started as a tutor, what I quickly realized was I couldn't find the resources I wanted. Either (1) free resources online were not catered to my students’ needs or were not attractive enough or (2) I couldn't afford the quality paid products.

One day, I was a typical teacher Googling for free materials and I came across TeachersPayTeachers (TpT) and made one purchase. Since that one purchase, I've bought more and more and decided to do more research about the site. First thing I came across? Deanna Jump – TpT’s famous million earning teacher.

The next thing was “I should make my own resources!” That’s how I started on this awesome TpT ride.

What I love about TpT most is the community, everyone shows absolute support to each other. But, the best part is that making quality resources improves your own teaching so much! Materials I've designed have made learning so much more fun for my kids.

Of course, money is another awesome part. 

If you're planning to start on TpT, my top 3 tips:

1. Create unique products. 

It may be obvious but many teachers and I have fallen into the trap of making products that can pretty much be found anywhere. I have a Beginning Sounds Bundle and it includes so much for just $3.50! Yet the sales have been very poor. I've sold less than 10.

2. Build Social Media Presence

Searches on TpT might drive you sales but TpT data shows Pinterest and blogs are the biggest drivers to the site. 

3. Make detailed product descriptions and specific grade levels (max 3)

If I don't know what I'm buying, I won't buy. 

All I can say is TpT has been a truly amazing site.

It’s given me a great source of income as well as improved my teaching immensely.