After reading a post by another teacher who isn’t a fan of TeachersPayTeachers, I have decided to write a post about why I AM. In order to do this we are going to go on a little trip down memory lane. Let’s get started, shall we?!
I officially entered the classroom world in 2006. As part of my quest to acquire teaching materials, I utilized the Internet a LOT. I stumbled upon lots of websites, including TpT, at the time. I remember printing a few things lifted from teacher websites and thinking, “I am not going to pay for teacher resources online.” So, I didn’t. I just used resource books, printed offline from websites, and created some of my own primitive resources. I wasn’t ready for TpT….yet.
That was my routine for two years. As I created lessons for my students, I continued to search online, print resources from Scholastic and Mailbox, and I continued to create my own stuff. In 2007, I was really inspired and invigorated by Debbie Miller’s work, especially after having the great pleasure seeing her in a conference. I devoured TONS of professional literature like Strategies That Work, Reading with Meaning, Mosaic of Thought, To Understand, and many more. I fell in LOVE with Reader’s Workshop, and I was determined to implement it the following year.
During my third year of teaching, I discovered Angela Bunyi and Beth Newingham through the wonderful world of the worldwide web. 🙂 I followed their Scholastic blog posts, and I went back to their websites regularly. I felt like they mentored me from afar as I was beginning to set up mini-lessons and a structure that would allow me to implement a challenging Reader’s Workshop workshop within my own classroom. {I admit it! I was a total groupie!} I was so impressed by their pearls of wisdom, and I LOVED being able to interact with Angela that year through Scholastic. In fact, I had the pleasure of interacting with her for about three years, because she was continually asked back as a contributor. In the meantime, I also started to follow Victoria Jasztal through Scholastic as well. That led me to follow her amazing website, and needless to say, after lots of online correspondence, I was able to strike up a level of friendship with both Angela and Victoria.
As a result, in 2009, Victoria asked me if I was interested in contributing to a collaborative blog on WordPress. Of course, by that time, I had launched my own classroom website, and I had a lot of fun sharing my ideas through that venue. I also enjoyed collaborating at ProTeacher and other online forums. Since I enjoyed reading the blogs on Scholastic so much, I figured I’d give it a shot, and I LOVED it! Eventually, I loved it so much that I ventured into the world of Blogger during the summer of 2010. At the time, teaching blogs were just getting started, and it was a lot more interactive than WordPress in terms of comments and collaboration. I guess you could say, I’ve never looked back!
Three years ago, blogging became a fascination of mine. I was amazed by all of the incredible teachers out there. Their lessons inspired me, and I hoped that I could do the same for others. At the time, I was so excited to have five people reading my blog. My poor husband had to listen to me say, “Oh my goodness! Babe! I have fifteen followers! Can you believe that people are actually reading this!?” Bahahaha! It seems kind of silly now, but as my blog continued to grow, I really relished knowing that people were reading and responding to my ideas. 🙂 I still get excited about that… knowing that the hours I spend at my computer, not only impact my own students, but others as well.
Of course, as blogging went through a little growth spurt during the fall of that first year, I heard about all of the people selling on TeachersPayTeachers, and I started buying a few things to supplement my lessons. I was encouraged to put some of my stuff onto the site, and I thought, “Eh, why not?! Maybe I’ll make some extra change.” So, I started selling in January in 2011. Still, I didn’t expect much. Truth be told, I still don’t have expectations.
Here’s the long and short of my experience. For one thing, everything I make is created at home on my own computer on my own “free time”. I have been incredibly supported by both of my school districts, and I believe that’s largely because I don’t do anything on contractual time, I don’t use district resources, and I don’t use our curriculum as a basis for my products. If I do create anything to supplement my curriculum, I offer it for free, along with lots of other freebies. 🙂
Furthermore, my classroom responsibilities always come first. My students come first. Blogging is kind of far down on my list of priorities when the school-year is in session. 🙂 Everything I create is created out of a need. Maybe I will only use it for one year. Maybe it won’t fit with my next group of kids, but that’s the chance I take when I sit down to work on a project for days on end. And that’s okay because at that moment, that’s exactly what my students need, and that’s always my end goal— meeting the needs of my students and helping them grow.
The bottom line is… everything is created for use with my own students. I really try to create resources that can be adaptable and differentiated with different vocabulary word lists, different comprehension strategies, and different grade levels. Every student is so different, so rather than focusing on worksheets, I try to focus on strategies that encourage higher-order thinking and strategic reading. The resources are not “cookie cutter”, and despite the fact that I do enjoy creating cute resources, it’s not fluff by any means. I subscribe to this school of thought: Resources can be practical, challenging, thought-provoking AND cute! I don’t think you should have to choose either/or, and I can tell you that my third graders do respond to well-designed resources. Is it the most, important thing? Certainly not. Is it my biggest priority. No way!!! However, I can tell you that, when I added a really colorful, fun, football themed test prep blitz to the rotation this past school-year, it totally enhanced all of the rigorous, high-level reading we had been doing all year… that we continued to engage in while the blitz was in session. It was a HUGE motivator to my students, and when the test scores came back, I was a happy camper. Like everything else, moderation is key! If cuteness is an enhancement, then in my opinion, that’s wonderful! I think we just have to be careful not to let it become the ultimate goal. Relationships, rigor, student growth, and achievement are always of paramount importance. We cannot lose sight of that. Ever.
While making resources for my own kiddos, I really try to create resources that are supplemental… that can be incorporated into existing frameworks and lesson plans. My lessons evolve and change every year depending on my population and needs, so I want to create resources that will evolve with my students. I post them on TpT on the off-chance that they will be helpful to other teachers and fit into their frameworks too. Just remember, you are the boss in your own classroom! You have to decide how the resources you find, buy, or make are going to be maximized for student performance. You have to decide what is utilized, what is put into binders, what is laminated, and what remains on your computer unprinted. That’s totally okay! You are the expert, and what’s more, those categories may look completely different year after year. That is a beautiful thing! Classrooms should be flexible and responsive. You absolutely SHOULD create charts with your students and make them stake-holders in the classroom! TpT should enhance this… not take away from what we know is quality, research-based instruction. I have purchased SEVERAL resources from TpT over the years, and it certainly has enhanced mine. I can attest to that.
As I have said before, I always try to be very transparent on my blog, and with that said, I want to put this out there. I spend a TON of time creating resources. They are not ready to go “lesson plans”, although some lesson suggestions are included. Even when I create them, I still have to sit down after spending what can be hours, days, weeks, or months on a resource, and I still have to write my lesson plans around those resources—tweaking them, changing them at times, differentiating for my students, and deciding what won’t fit after all. Creating resources and writing lesson plans are two distinct processes, and although my resources eventually are used in my classroom, my planning is a synthesis of district resources and goals, a careful examination of standards, a close look at where my students are and where I want them to go, and about a million other things. No TpT product will ever be ready-to-use in entirety, even when I make it myself, because so many factors come into play. The classroom has so many variables. It is the ULTIMATE “Black Box”. With that said, again, I believe that there are really wonderful products out there that can really enhance your lessons, if you carefully work them into your plans and consider what’s best for your students on a week-to-week (and sometimes day-to-day) basis.
Additionally, since I am all about being transparent, I also want to address the elephant that is undoubtedly in the room whenever selling on TpT is discussed: MONEY. Let me just be explicit here. I did not start selling for the money, and I do not create my resources for that purpose. At all. Ever. I have made the decision to sell because it has allowed me to pay some bills, and it has allowed me to pour money into my classroom for supplies and resources that I want my students to have access to without worrying about paying the aforementioned bills. I have been able to provide things to students in need without vowing to live on Ramen Noodles alone… which was my diet when I was making $19.000 (no joke) during my first year of teaching… while trying to build a classroom library… buy resources… and trying (unsuccessfully) to live on my own and pay my outrageous student loans before I had to move back home with my parents for a while. In addition, it has allowed me to be more generous. I have been able to give more at church and to sponsor a child from Bolivia who struggles with poverty every day, but hopefully will have a better life because of my small monthly contribution and our letters.
I say all of this because I often read that sellers are characterized as greedy or money-hungry. and that’s a gross generalization. At the very core, my heart goes out to children, particularly under-served and marginalized children. TpT has enabled me to better serve my own students, my school, my district, my family, and my church, and that is a beautiful blessing. I price my items because it allows me to experience financial security, and it allows me to love my students like Jesus does without stressing out too much about how much a particular book costs or how much it would cost to do a project with my kiddos if I feel like it would have a HUGE impact on them. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for following me and supporting my classroom through my little shop. My students prosper and thrive, in a BIG way, because of your purchases and continued support. And that is exactly why I will purchase from a teacher on TpT before purchasing another resource any day of the week. It’s nice to know that each small purchase can help a teacher put food on the table and stretch their students farther than they even thought possible. God Bless you all! 🙂
Amazing post, Amanda! Very well said!!! Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to post this my friend. I have read some really disheartening things out there lately and I appreciate you speaking from your heart. Big hugs from Cali 🙂
Amen sister!!!
Mackey's Classroom
Great Post Amanda! Thanks for sharing and creating wonderful things!
-Lovely Nina
Your generous heart shines through 🙂
This is such a great post, Amanda. It is so nice to read something so sincere and from your heart.
I have only been in the blog world for a little less than a year, and I have seen lots of blogs- good, bad, and ugly. The reason I continue to follow you through and through is because you are the teacher I strive to be. You are so well versed, so passionate both about kids and instruction, that I just can't help but hang on every word.
Your resources have enhanced my reading instruction tremendously and I thank you so much for sharing. Believe me, I tried the whole TpT thing. It's hard work! After I made my first few matching games, I was done! I have a HUGE amount of respect for you and other teachers who take the massive amounts of time to put together resources and packs that will help other teachers. It's an act of pure selflessness. It's one thing to have great lessons in your head, but it's a whole other thing to write it out in a way that makes sense to others.
I will admit that sometimes when I read blogs it feels like I am constantly being marketed to. Some blog are all about the cute and the fluff. But I read blogs for quality- it's my primary means of professional development. Seriously. So those blogs that are cute and fluff, I'll scroll through and skim, but with yours, it's the put-the-coffee-down, pull-out-my-notepad kind of reading- the best kind.
I guess I'm just hoping that you really don't allow those nay-sayers out there to shake you at all. Those teachers who know the value of your products and know the goodness in your heart will never question your motives. Keep going, girl!! I need you! You have been a huge part of my growth this past year much like Angela and Victoria were for you. You will never know the reach of your influence.
Thank you so much for being who you are and doing what you do. 🙂
Kelly
You are incredible! Thank you for always being transparent!
Kelly
Beg, Borrow, Steal
Nicely said Amanda. Disappointing that some people have to discourage what you strive to do to help others. Students are ever changing and we have to change also. TPT and all the teachers that blog are so important in helping teachers adapt for their students. Thank you for all you do!!!
Well said! I can't imagine why anyone would complain about TPT. Why do people think that teachers need to be poor? I personally admire the teachers who are creative enough to put their products on TPT. I know I would love for my child to have teachers that post to TPT because they go above and beyond is expected of teachers today. Keep up the great work.
Great post:) I have been a huge fan for years. Your products are some of the best I have purchased. I for one love TPT for many reasons. I love being able to put money back into other teachers pockets & see what others teachers have created for their classrooms across the United States and the world.
Kristy
The Phonics Phenomenon
Beautifully written! I agree with everything you said. Thanks!
Amanda
Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten
Amen!
Faithful in First
I agree with you. The products that I make, I use. I have seen a difference in the way my kiddos respond, and they really get excited when they see the copyright symbol with their teacher's name! There is nothing wrong with cute. Cute graphics get the kids attention. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? Capture and keep their attention. You are spot on!
karen
The 85 Mile Commute
Very well said! I haven't come across any TPT nay-sayers (not yet, anyways!), but if I ever do, I will send them this way 🙂 This is why I love you!
Natalie
Teachery Tidbits
Awesome post, Amanda! 🙂
Donna
Math Coach’s Corner
Amanda,
This was a wonderful, touching post and it obvious that your desire it to do what's best for children. I, too, believe that colorful and engaging designs and graphics do catch children's attention and really enhance the activity — my kiddos made many comments about it this year. I noticed that regardless of skill they were learning, their interest went up if the activity looked exciting. However, the cuteness of something is irrelevant if the content is weak! Thank you for taking the time to write this post. I am going to share it on my facebook page — I think many would benefit from having read it!
I can tell that you are a fabulous teacher!! But, of course, I've known that since I discovered your blog two or so years ago when I was in college!!
Ashley
That's So Second Grade!
Sitting here reading and nodding my head the entire time. Your words are perfect!
Jennifer Smith-Sloane
4mulaFun
Great post! And I'm right there with you! I'm a single homeowner with school loans and bills… and struggle the last two weeks of every month to make ends meet! (We only get paid once a month) People should also take into consideration the work that is put into the units… as well as the price we pay for clipart, backgrounds, font, etc…. I completely understand why teachers use TPT both for buying and selling! Don't feel bad for sharing your items on TPT… I think it's generous for teachers to SHARE their creations whether they are free or not! =)
Jessica
Thank you for your wonderful post. I love TPT, and the way I look at it: I'd rather give my money to a fellow teacher than a big box store…
I ABSOLUTELY agree with you! My thoughts exactly!
Jamie
Loved reading your history! I myself am pleased to use TpT both free and purchased! I am THRILLED there are teachers out there that take the time to create supplemental materials that are USEFUL to me…and I didn't have to do anything but print, cut, laminate and cut again! I have friends who think I spend too much time doing this, however, my test scores show that what I'm doing is working…so I will keep doing it! THANK YOU again to ALL teachers who create and share materials on TpT!
Well stated, Amanda!
Jill
a-little-red-wagon
Thank you for this amazing post. TpT allows me to be a better teacher. The truth is, I spend lots of time, money, resources on making sure I am doing what's best for the kids in my room. Sometimes, what's best is buying a lesson for a specific skill for that specific year. I would much rather spend $5 on one lesson that I know I am going to use instead of $20 for a book by someone who has never been inside of a classroom. Even with (or because of) TpT, teachers are still the most generous, collaborative professionals anywhere. Thanks for all you do,
Heather
Kickin' It With Class
Well written post! Thanks for your thoughtful insights and taking us down memory lane with you!
Great post! We spend so much time making resources for our classroom. The money that we make on TPT doesn't even begin to cover the time we spend creating them, but it helps. It just amazes me that people would even have a problem with TPT.
Camp Kindergarten
Great post! I agree with all you said. Keep creating your amazing resources!
Aloha,
Corinna
Thanks for the honest post! I was skeptical about Teachers Pay Teachers at first, but now I couldn't live without the site! It's been so helpful in many ways, for so many children and their needs! I've also loved the opportunity to sell my own materials that I've made for my own students.
Sally from Elementary Matters
Girl, your post is like music to my ears!! Thank you for speaking out for Teachers Pay Teachers which is providing us with the means to be even better teachers than we already are!!
Lisa
Learning Is Something To Treasure
Fantastic post! Thank you!
Well written! I think many times the depth of what is really going on gets taken away and assumptions are made at a surface level. Thank you for showing the depth of what is really happening for the teachers using and selling products on TpT and blogs.
Amanda – I came to your blog to read this post but ended up going to your TPT site. I have now added a ton of your things to my wish list!! I really need and want the SUB TUB pack and the Wax Museum pack! Hopefully next month when I get paid! you are amazing and creative!! Keep it up!!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! You have a wonderful way of saying things! Truly an excellent post!
Jennifer
Teaching with Grace
I don't think anyone could have said it better! You are such a true example of the spirit of giving! What a blessing to your students AND to TpT! Thank you for sharing this post!
XO
Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade
Great post! I couldn't have said it better!
Well said! Thank you from my heart too!
Maggie
Since I think I am "that teacher" that promoted you to post this I feel like I should jump in. First thanks for the thoughtful words. I value everyones opinion and through that dialogue I become a better teacher. I truly believe the people selling on TPT are doing so for their class and they deserve any money that comes to them. I never once mentioned money in post. My concern is how people are using what they buy. I posted my comments to make sure the focus is on the kids and to speak out about the pressure I think primary grade teachers often feel to have the cutest resources and room. I hope you will post this link in the comments of my blog or allow me to do so. -Matt mattbgomez.com
Matt,
I read your blog post, and I think you did bring up some thoughtful points. As a TpT seller, I do agree with your thoughts on how some teachers use TpT as an "end all be all" and they should not. But this happens with publisher's resources as well. I have seen plenty of "basal huggers" who are doing their students a huge injustice because those lessons and activities may not be best for that standard or concept, but they use them because they are already completed and are just flat out easy to use instead of making their own lessons that DO fit the needs of their students and actually address standards.
For me, your blog picture did not match up with your points. I agree with the other comments that your post is more about how can we make ineffective teachers more effective and how do we foster collaboration among teachers to design their instruction to make sure it is what is best for their individual students using the available resources already out there, whether these resources are from TpT or a publisher.
Heather
2 Brainy Apples
Matt, I have a lot of respect for what you do, and I also value your opinion. We are all certainly entitled to our own! My blog post was simply somewhat of a rebuttal, neatly tucked into a narrative of my own experience and motives as a TpT seller. I do think you made some valid points to consider. As you may have noted, I did not completely disagree with you. I also believe that teachers need to be discerning customers, regardless of where their resources originate. I also believe that we have to tailor our lessons for our own students and be willing to let them lead us and become active participants/stakeholders in our classrooms. I do agree that the "cute factor" shouldn't be the biggest priority in our classrooms, and maybe too much emphasis is place upon it at times. Although, as I said, I DO think it has a place in the classroom, when used as an enhancement to already rigorous and engaging lessons. Fluff doesn't have a place in today's classroom. It's a great disservice to our students and our society, in my humble opinion. Lastly, I do realize you didn't comment on the monetary aspect of TpT. I simply addressed it because it typically comes up on other blogs when this topic is discussed, and I wanted to lay my thoughts and feelings out on the table. 🙂
Amanda, I loved the narrative. My next blog post will be a narrative of how I came to my views. This was a very thoughtful response and it did help me see more of the other viewpoint. Thanks for reading, responding and engaging. We really are all on the same team. -Matt
Heather, it was difficult to find an image to use for that post. I honestly have been working on it for 6 months and it wasn't easy to press publish. Your point is noted and maybe a different image would have been better. Maybe I should have put a question mark over the TPT instead. – Matt
You have eloquently stated what SO many of us are thinking! I am so glad you wrote this blog post and I hope others who do not have such a favorable opinion of TpT (because all they hear are negatives) will rethink their views after they read this post. I am definitely going to share this post with as many people as I can.
Heather
2 Brainy Apples
Before I begin, I want to say I love TPT, and have loved ALL that I have purchased there. Also, I agree with everything you have said about the work it entails. However, I find it disheartening when TPT posts the amounts of money that are coming into the various teachers. I believe this DOES put the focus on the "elephant in the room," and takes focus away from the children. I have taught for over 20 years and KNOW what it takes to make and do these types of product. Maybe TPT needs to look at WHAT the focus is on the website?
I read the "other" post this morning and several retweets and was so disheartened! I am only a buyer on TPT, but I truly appreciate all that you and so many other teachers do to help teachers for such a small monetary price. One line that really bothered me about the post was the reference to not wanting to appear as attacking. Why even post then? Why not simply say TPT isn't their cup of tea? Don't we have enough outsiders attacking our profession and our motives? Do we need to turn on each other?
The bottom line- your post was a great response! Sue
I posted to start a discussion. As I prepare for next year I want to remember the purpose of everything I do. I am sorry if you felt attacked. I also spend hours and hours sharing resources for others to use and want nothing more than for teachers to succeed. I feel we can have dialogue and even disagree without being "against" each other. This post was a very thoughtful response as to why TPT is important to the author and I learned from it. I hope you have a great year! -Matt mattbgomez.com
Matt, Maybe if you wanted to open a discussion on uses and misuses of TPT that other teachers have experienced, you could have inquired more than only wrote about the misuses you've seen. Maybe you could have asked a TPT graphic artist to create a good graphic for your post too. There is a lot of talent on the site and my experience it someone is always willing to create exactly what I need when I post a request. 🙂 Sue
PS- Love your pinterest boards!
I think opening the discussion is what happened. I have learned a lot and gained insight. I think there is still more to discuss. Thanks Sue!
Wow, I'm shocked that ANYONE would use words like "greedy" or "money-hungry" when referring to TPT teachers. Clearly the work they put into every one of their products is extraordinary. I am always amazed at the creativity and the quality of work. It's my favorite go to place for finding meaningful resources that I don't have the time or expertise to create myself. Thanks for the post. I think all of you are fabulous and deserve every penny you make.
Everything you said is Ditto for me! Well written!
-Nick
Sweet Rhyme – Pure Reason
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
I remember thinking the exact same thing! Why in the heck would I pay another teacher for stuff! Whoa! Obviously because actual teachers create it!! Not huge companies who think they know what we should teach with! Teachers are so guilty of trying to recreate the wheel! Not anymore!
And I too felt that Angela and Beth changed how I teach! Funny how that happens!
love you!!! Way to go girl!!
Amanda, this was a beautiful post. I LOVE TpT because I feel the products are creative and authentic. I feel so good using units that real teachers use. I also have no problem purchasing from real teachers. I love knowing that my money is supporting a fellow teacher, not some corporation! YOUR products are AMAZING to me because I know you put your heart and soul into what you create. I am so jealous of all the creative sellers on TpT! I wish I was that creative. But since I'm not, I hope you and the others awesome teachers that I follow and buy from, will continue to be creative for me, and keep sharing-no matter the price!
I really appreciate your post and completely agree with your points Amanada! I love your products and have purchased several of them to use in my classroom. As good teachers do, I am sure most adapt them to meet their classroom needs and add to make the level of rigor accordingly. As for you selling on TPT, I applaud you and think there is nothing wrong with it! All of the units and blogs have inspired me to be a much better and creative teacher and for that, I am truly grateful!! I believe any teacher that takes the time to create and put their materials out there, deserves every penny they earn and should not for one moment feel ashamed or concerned about what anyone else thinks. KUDDOS to you!
Well said, Amanda! I admire you!
Alisha
First Grade Follies
This was so nicely written and I'm glad you have the courage to show your transparency. It can be hard but you did it with such grace! Thank you for this post, it's a great reminder why we all do what we do!
~Rachel
A Tall Drink of Water
Great post! I love that you clearly state where many of your profits are going. Giving more to your church, sponsoring children and helping children that you serve. You should get some profit for all your time and effort.
Great post! I love that you clearly state where many of your profits are going. Giving more to your church, sponsoring children and helping children that you serve. You should get some profit for all your time and effort.
Refreshing to read your post after I read the other one this morning. I do see some teachers teaching "fluff" or what I call "Crafts 101". But teaching is a learning process, which you explained beautifully. I am a better teacher today because of Pinterest, teacher blogs, and TpT.
Thanks
Thank you for opening the discussion. Everyone has their own "reasons" for what they do. I respect the ideal that "cutesy" isn't the priority, but the enhancement!If I can draw my first graders into reading HFW by using a cute animal picture on a word card, my goal has been met. Not the picture, the reading of important words for their future. You always have to keep your "clients" in mind when teaching. That's why we sing, dance, clap, and rejoice in success! I get EXTREMELY tired…but my kiddos learn. TPT has helped me become a better teacher by connecting with those who create! My choice! Keep an open mind…you never know when you might want to jump right in! wendy 1stgradefireworks
Very nicely written and detailed! Thank you for taking the time to defend something you know to be a great place with intelligent people sharing what they've spent countless hours working on. I think TpT inspires people to want to constantly be better – whether it's creating or buying. We are looking for the best ways to get the standards across to our students and it's a bonus when it turns out cute and fun in the process. Our main goal as teachers is for our students to succeed and we pull from thousands of different resources in order to do this – TpT just happens to be ONE of those resources. There are often times when I feel pressure from other teachers to "tone down the cute" because it is making them feel inadequate. I think you should want to motivate your students and sometimes that means making work look like more fun. So if there is pressure on teachers, then maybe it means they do need to step it up a little in their classrooms. Creating a game or center to reinforce a skill is *sometimes* better than more worksheets. If we want our students to be inspired, then we need our teachers to be inspired too! Just my thoughts 🙂
Thanks again for sharing!
Melissa
First Grade Smiles
I loved this post! I haven't come across anyone who is against TpT, but if I do they will need to read this post! 🙂
Michelle
Miss, Hey Miss
This is why I adore you. Well said! Thanks for your honesty and for shedding light on the whole purpose of selling on TpT: to challenge ourselves to be better educators who truly know what our students need to succeed. Thanks so much Amanda! 🙂
I feel blessed everyday for the blogging community and TPT. I was really at a low point in my teaching. I just didn't like how things were going and I happened upon The First Grade Parade. I became so inspired and I started following the other blogs she had recommended and eventually that led me to you:) and TPT. To me it really isn't about having to buy things on TPT (thought I love too!), it is about becoming inspired by others and sometimes it is confirming that what you are doing is right. Teaching blogs and TPT has made me a better teacher and a happier person in general. So, don't listen to the negative people out there and just think about all the lives you have changed for the better!
Ashley
Ashley, I feel listening to feedback is crucial to growth. I wasn't trying to be "negative". I was speaking from my heart on the issues I see. Amanda has done an amazing job of listening to my concerns and showing why she sees the value and I respect her a lot for that.
Very, very, very well-stated, sweet friend! Love you!
Well said! 🙂
I'm riding the fence a little bit. I see valid points in both posts. The main issue for me probably has to do more with blogging and promoting items on TpT rather than the actual site itself. I think there are a lot of good resources on TpT (both free and as an expense), but it seems like so many bloggers shamelessly promote their "cute" products that don't have a lot of "meat" in them in such a way that you feel (as a new, vulnerable teacher) that you have to have them to be successful! I am in my third year of teaching, and I have spent more money on "resources" than I care to think about because of the un-needed pressure to be cute and "cool", if you will, like other teachers in my district and in blogland. I agree with Matt that we need to be careful in pushing that cute factor onto NEW teachers; there's pressure enough those first few years! I don't see any harm in TpT, as long as people are told to use it cautiously and really weed out the good from the bad. I wish someone would have told me that 2 years ago; just because something comes in a "cute" package, doesn't automatically make it useful. And just because the person selling it is well-known to the blogging & TpT community doens't necessarily mean it will work for you and your unique students! More food for thought, like Matt's & yours, Amanda, needs to be out there…but I think sellers do need to be very careful of the amount of "commercials" they do for their products. That turns the point of TpT from a helpful resource to a money-hungry corporation.
I'm speaking not only from experience as a customer, but as a new seller that has started to go down this path! I'm warning myself as much as anyone else to be very careful about influencing others into buying something they probably really don't need!
SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments
My next post on TPT will be published by tomorrow and my big question is how can we make it better. How can we help teachers sort through the tidal wave and get support for what they are using.
Happy to read your post. I don't have a blog or sell things on TpT. I love, love, love reading all of the awesome teacher blogs and love, love, love finding the perfect item on TpT! Don't ever let a few Negative Nellies get you down.
I too get so much from reading others blogs. I love the items I have purchased from tpt. They are things tried and tested by the true experts, the teachers that are actually teaching. No one is forced to use tpt so if you have negative feelings about it find your resources elsewhere and stop harassing these hard working individuals.
Amanda, I totally agree with you. Thank you for posting your thoughts so others could share in your point of view too. It was making me sad to see how many people were happily against TPT. Are there bad resources on the site- fluff and cutesy? Sure. Just like there are at every school supply store too. That's going to happen. I can appreciate his worry about what some teachers are doing, but that's where his argument should have gone- to the teachers! How can we help them become better, and get out of that rut? TPT is only a "new" version of like a School Box store, with posters to cover walls that never get read, and resource books to buy to keep students busy. No one was mad at School Box when teachers were buying from them. Why are people mad about TPT?? Anyways, thank you for a great post. I always appreciate your blog! 🙂
Jivey
ideas by jivey
Thank you for all you do to help others. I will continue to use your materials. . . even though I have been at this since the Statue of Liberty was a little girl, I don't have the talent to create the resources you do!
I think there are two kinds of TpT seller/bloggers. There are a number who ARE very superficial. The main purpose is "cute" and the educational content is cookie cutter at best. The other group I refer to as the "thinking" seller/bloggers. You can see the difference right away. You can see the difference in the intent and the value of the educational content. It still looks nice and might even be "cute" but there is more to it than that.
I did a technology presentation for preservice teachers in April and I talked about this very topic. I told them that you will find some teachers online that you cannot relate to at all. Ignore those. Then you will find some who are just like you. Those are fun to follow. My favorite though is when you find a site and you think, "I want to be this teacher." Those are the ones that are most important to follow. For me, those are the people on TpT who are thinkers and who have their heart in the right place.
I love how you teach metacognition. I follow your blog because you are one of those teachers I want to be more like. I love everything I have purchased from your store. Your resources help students to think. Thank you!
Jenny
Suntans and Lesson Plans
Love this Jenny! Great comment
I can honestly say that all the TPT sellers that I know through blogging are the most genuine, humble and down to earth people that I know. They are always willing to lend a hand and help out a friend in need. You are seriously a ray of sunshine in this crazy world! Keep doing exactly what you are doing!
The Polished Teacher
Amazing post. Your blog was one of the blogs that I started to follow when I first started teaching 5 years ago. It has been such an inspiration to me. As a teacher in Hong Kong, it is hard to find resources and ideas but through you, I have been able to do so. As Jenny said above, you are def one of those teaches I want to be more like!
Constance
Life with Ms. Learn
Thank you for writing this. I also read the other bloggers post. I had to stop and think for a while before I got ready to post a comment on his blog because it made me so mad. It seems that he actually doesn't have a problem with TPT, but with teachers themselves and the ones that use TPT. So, thank you for sticking up for all us who buy and sell from TPT. We are all not all cookie cutter teachers just as our students are not cookie cutter kids – so how another teacher could assume we all (or most) teach that way is disheartening. :)Keep up the good work!
Hard to believe but there are always going to be those that criticize what we do, how we teach, what we believe is important, the list goes on and on. I'm not sure about the rest of you but negative fuels me in a positive way. First it makes me think and reexamine my teaching and my priorities which I must say wouldn't have happen had it not been for a "negative Nellie." Then it fuels me to do something bigger and better than before whether that be to make a better lesson, to think of a better way to do something, to create a new bulletin board, to redesign something. I might also be fueled to volunteer more, give more to others, make someone else's life a bit better. Negative comments fuel, revitalize and reinvigorate me. How about you??!! P.S. Thanks, as always, Amanda, for all you do!!
I'm so sad that you even have to write a post like this. Why is it so terrible for a teacher to make money on something that they created. I am so thankful for all of the talented people that blog and create materials and share ideas with others. I LOVE teachers pay teachers and I am happy to contribute to others and have my students benefit. Thank you so much for all you do and remember we can not please everyone. Ignore the haters.
Fabulous post, Amanda – I'm your newest fan!
Fabulous post! I had to run over and read Matt's post just now too to see what all of the talk was about! Just to give my two cents for what it's worth. I have to recreate the wheel every single year as not only am I a special needs teacher for a very diverse group of students, I also have grades 1 – 5 and most of my students remain with me for five years! I love TpT for this reason. I can usually find what I need to accommodate any of my students needs and if I don't I create it! I have been creating my own resources to fit my diverse students since I began teaching. I have also been writing grant after grant and purchasing most of my own materials since I began teaching. I send home supply lists and usually get nothing. Last year, one mother donated some pencils, no lie! I was so excited though, just to get some pencils! After much reluctance, my husband finally convinced me to open at TpT store in April to help buy things for my students. Before that I was Free with all of my materials….heck I give everything away! I can honestly say that every dime I make in my store, and it isn't much, but every cent of it goes right back into my classroom! I do sometimes feel bad selling my stuff, which is why it is all so dirt cheap, but then I remind myself of how much it is actually helping my students!
~Traci
The Bender Bunch
This really hit home. Thanks so much for posting this!
Hugs and love!
Irene
Learning With Mrs. Leeby
Well said Amanda! I couldn't agree more with your post. I am a tpt seller and buyer and I'm completely devoted to help my students become successful. I choose to help my students through any form possible. TPT has definitely allowed me to help my students even more. I just came back from I teach K! It was truly an amazing experience to hear presenters that are as passionate about their students as I am. I feel that I've come back from the conference with a million ideas! Some can be purchased on tpt and some I can make or buy. Either way, I feel that the importance is placed on our student's needs. I view tpt as a way to support other teachers that are wanting to help their students as well.
Wonderful post Amanda!
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls
Powerful!!!!!!!!!!!
Great post!! I couldn't agree more! 🙂
✿ Regina
Keepin It Krazy
Great post!! I love following your blog!
Well said! I got started posting my first product in TpT just a year ago and, quite frankly, did so because I spent so much time creating things…why not share with everyone else? I totally agree with this post and am excited to dive deeper into this blogging and TpT world! You rock!
Elyse
Happily Teaching
Thank you!
Wow- Lots of dialogue! I love TPT, but also know there are many types of sellers. I probably have a harder time with the PR spent in bloggy world than TPT. I am a SMALL seller on TPT and it means the world to me. The money I make mostly goes right back to TPT and I don't feel guilty for spending more money on my class. I also judge everything I do and others… "Is this TPT worthy?" that's the bar. I raise what I do to that standard. I also have a fit and a half when we get "stuff" from county office and I bring it to my Principal "This would never sell on TPT. Why are we doing it?" My point being, not sales, but a product worthy of teachers' and students' time. It has changed how I view everything – for the better. And thank you, I enjoy using your products too 🙂
jh
Bravo Amanda ! Even though I'm a relative newbie to TpT. All of my ideas or ones purchased from others are for 12 groups of students from K-5. It meets a need for that moment.
I would also like to thank you for your generous spirit when I needed help with a fundraiser.
God Bless !
Wendy
Ms-Ds-Literacy-Lab
Bravo Amanda ! Even though I'm a relative newbie to TpT. All of my ideas or ones purchased from others are for 12 groups of students from K-5. It meets a need for that moment.
I would also like to thank you for your generous spirit when I needed help with a fundraiser.
God Bless !
Wendy
Ms-Ds-Literacy-Lab
This is such a wonderful blog post! I read every bit and was nodding my head in agreement all the way through. I certainly think like you said it is all about the kids! Everything we teachers do is all about the kids! I love reading about your journey to blogging and TPT is was very similar to my own. I adore Beth Newingham and used to swoon over her classroom library and show other teachers. I also used to jump for joy at every each new follower. Blogging and TPT have brought so much more to this awesome career for me!
Rambling About Reading
Amanda, I posted this to Matt's blog and thought I would share here as well:
With all do respect, the conversation about money upsets me. We have not seen a raise in 5+ years in NC and teacherspayteachers has helped me make ends meet plenty of times. I recently bought a house as a single woman, not thinking that I could afford it, and TPT has been my saving grace in that respect. In addition, I think most TPT sellers do GIVE freely in addition to asking for a small price for the things we spend HOURS upon HOURS on. Believe me, it is no QUICK job to make a 50-60 page file, write 32 engaging word problems to turn into task cards, add the finishing touches of clip art (of which I am a minimalist), or upload to TPT. TPT has inspired me to create things with a flair and motivation that I never would have created in the same way without knowing that it would help other teachers beyond my grade level. The quality of my creations has improved greatly as TPT has exploded. I am inspired by the community of bloggers and sellers who work 60 hour weeks in their own classrooms and then spend time creating resources. I do feel that I own a small business, I have paid taxes on my earnings, and I am not ashamed of that. None of us should be and we should stop apologizing for making a few dollars.
Why should we continue to pour (and allow our states and districts to) money into textbook factories (Pearson, Houghton Mifflin, Harcourt)? I think these textbooks are dead weight before the ink even dries these days. TPT teachers constantly update their files (often adding more materials and resources than were in the original and therefore again giving away freely to their supporters and followers). I think the teachers in my school who are not using TPT as a resource for common core materials are not as far along as my grade level who creates common core materials for our grade (and then uploads onto TPT) and also seeks resources on TPT when we don’t have time to create our own.
At the same time, I think with any shopping experience, you must be choosy, and you must look for quality. I do see sellers changing the clip art on packets that contain the same exact word problems to fit a theme or holiday. I’m not going to do that–and I won’t buy from them–but to each purchaser his own freedom.
* Thanks for sticking your neck out there. Blogging and TPT is near and dear to my teaching heart and I believe one of the main reasons I continue to be inspired and motivated each and every day.
Beautifully well-written post, Amanda. Honest and informative, and full of integrity. I too, see TPT as my go-to resource for creative, current, and proven materials. The TPT resources I have bought, including yours, have always been reasonably priced, expertly crafted, and exactly what I needed to support my instruction.
I am not aware of the negative post you mentioned, but my experience with TPT has always been positive 🙂
Amanda, I'm a little late to the party, but wanted to join the applause for a post well-written!
Having joined TpT a year and a half ago as a seller, I've been truly amazed at the quality and creativity in products I've seen. But it goes beyond that. The community of teachers willing to help each other with no strings attached makes it the best "staff" I've ever worked with. We are truly a community with the sole purpose of sharing our knowledge with anyone interested.
It's easy to nitpick a successful forum. It's even easier to say, "hmmm, not for me," and move on.
I don't do cutesy, but I definitely do rigor!
Pam
Desktop Learning Adventures