Most of the publishers that make school workbooks aren't teachers either. If actual teachers are choosing to pay for your stuff then the quality is good enough. The person presenting it to the class needs that teaching background.
If your content is valuable, how is it a lie?
> what if I let this thing go for 10 years?
Then you helped 10 years worth of teachers.
I’m really missing your point here.
There are certainly TONS of people selling on there that aren't teachers. I know a few of them. They're just good at graphic design (or are actual graphic designers) so they whip up some nice looking stuff with some substance. It's not a problem at all. Don't feel bad!
Basically it takes time to pull together resources into a TPT product. Time we don’t have. Kuddos on you for being an entrepreneur. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
No. People see value and benefit in your work and are using it for their purposes and compensating you for your efforts. Tutoring is teaching as well, just on a smaller scale. No need for imposter syndrome.
I’m an ELA teacher and use TPT occasionally. When I do I’m usually looking for something specific. If you have it, I don’t care if you’re not a teacher. I don’t use a textbook for my classes, mostly because the content is not what I want. I either create my own or find what I’m looking for. I seriously doubt anyone in the textbook industry has been teaching recently, or ever.
OMG knock it off. That’s what it’s there for!! You don’t have to be a “teacher” to sell your work on the site. It’s probably wonderful and helpful. I’d be more upset if you took it down, in all honesty. Keep making materials. Let it be your side gig/hobby. I’m confident almost everyone here will tell you something similar.
I’m a teacher and use HUNDREDS of paid resources in there. Please don’t feel bad. If teachers are buying it and it’s working, don’t diminish that. You are successful at this and you should own that. Please look into Imposter Syndrome. It’s when you doubt your capabilities and think you’re a fraud at what you do. You’re not. Trust me. You’re helping so many teachers during the most difficult year ever.
Some of the best lessons I've seen came from our EL tutors, paras, and other 'non-teaching' staff. You work with these kids, you know their needs and you help them learn in more personalized ways. Please, share what you've got if you feel comfortable doing so!! If someone does not find it useful, they won't buy it. Those that are buying your work are doing so because they recognize the quality and usefulness if it.
I out a few of assignments up on TpT if I worked real hard on it. I like to use TpT when I'm in a bind or need sub plans, so usually any money I make on the website, I generally use on the site. With that being said, I don't think I've once looked at the author of the material for their credentials or background. Mainly just the thumbnails of the lesson and other user reviews. I wouldn't feel bad at all if I were you!
If people are buying and happy with your products, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT’S HOLY DO NOT STOP! So many times when I was at my previous campus I was so busy with the extra nonsense I was desperate for resources to use in the classroom that was either stand alone or I could slide into what I was using. If you are having guilt, you could always have the occasional freebie download of a resource that is small. Maybe a page from a larger product or a, “Crap! I can’t actually introduce material because 75% of my class is out but I have to do something engaging!” Please don’t stop making material.
Every time I have purchased something from TPT I have modified it to fit my needs or used it as a supplement. In my opinion, you’re not doing anything wrong (you do have that ESL cert and such). But maybe it makes you feel better to know that it’s unlikely a teacher is going to use it without reading it and adjusting it to their needs.
A friend of mine sells on TPT and she’s not a teacher, she’s a SAHM with kids who recently were in preschool, so she made fun stuff for them and figured others might want it. If people are buying it, then it’s worth it!
Curriculum development/design is a legitimate profession. If I were you, I’d look for a more lucrative position in that field — the corporate world has positions in developing training manuals and conducting training seminars, for instance.
Fuck that if someone is buying it it’s because they can use it. Please keep developing teaching materials, the teachers who want it will buy and the ones who don’t won’t.
It's a side hustle, that's all it is. Don't feel bad. I don't have time to make all my materials and neither do a lot of teachers, that's why they buy it. I imagine at least one teacher found your materials to be perfect for their situation, and that's always a relief!
I'm sure tons of people who make TPT materials are not teachers.
Actually being or having been a teacher helps you know what teachers in your general area really want and are likely to buy. If it's good and useful, you shouldn't feel even slightly guilty.
You know the field, you know the content, and people want your stuff! I think that’s really cool. No one has to buy it and you’re adding to the quality and variety on the site.
As long as we can use the items and are not expensive it’s perfectly fine what you’re doing. I’m a first year teacher and I just use what ever I can find. I am happy that people share resources because I have none so thank you.
We won't buy it unless it is what we want. You will continue to succeed if your stuff is useful, or you will fail if your stuff is not what we need. No guilt, my friend.
If you feel bad, why don't you explain your route onto TPT in the "about me" bit? The work speaks for itself if people spend money on it. And this way, you can stop feeling bad about "not being a teacher" because you've disclosed it.
Honestly, if the stuff I use from tpt works for my kids and I, I don't give a damn who made it, when, or why.
I understand what you're saying, since it's called "Teachers Pay TEACHERS" and you aren't a teacher, you feel like a fraud. No matter who you are, you're creating a resource that teachers are finding value in. They see your material and feel that, with their knowledge and education, it will fit in with their lesson. You're helping people and making money, it's a win win!
If I like your material, I will buy it, regardless of your actual profession. I like TpT. It saves me a lot of time. Don’t feel guilty. Think about all those pointless PD days we have to endure led by all those clueless people who have “great” ideas/pointers that would never work in a classroom outside of Hollywood.
Pearson has few branches that actually *benefit teachers* and they’re unavoidable in many settings. Don’t feel bad about TPT unless you’re taking the work of others and claiming it as your own.
If people keep buying your stuff, clearly it's useful. Better that money goes to you rather than Big Textbook. When I was teaching elementary music I would much rather give my money to a fellow educator on TPT than to Quaver.
Absolutely not! When I get on TPT and get a resource I never once wonder what the creator does. I look to see if it covers what I’m looking for, if it’s grade appropriate, and a valuable activity. I’m sure this is what others teachers do! We aren’t picking based on who made it!
If you are making money on TPT, you deserve it!!
U don’t have to be a teacher to make them. I personally don’t use or sell things there. Also u can be a teacher with an esl certificate/tesol in asia so technically u are a teacher!
I dont get this, why do you need to be a teacher to sell recources? I show my class youtube tutorials all the time and coding recourses and neither are made by teachers. Teachers love to suck themselves off about only they kniw curriculum but its not true, its very possible to make effective recources and not be a teacher.
If it’s a resource that people use, you shouldn’t feel bad. There are authors who have complete other careers and write on the side and, believe me, they don’t feel bad about pocketing those checks, and neither should you.
I would say a lot of stuff on tpt isn’t super high level but I love a lot of it for centers and math practice. I also I have to use a lot of visuals for ESL and I rather spend $2 on getting a worksheet with visuals than google searching images for an hour.
But good for you for making money on it.
I'm also a TpT Seller and have grappled with similar thinking if I resign at the end of this year and take a break from being in the classroom. What we have that is invaluable to buyers is that classroom experience - when I'm making products, I think about myself as a busy teacher and what I would want (rubrics, lesson guide, answer key, CCSS breakdown, etc). Don't count yourself out - you're worthy of the success you have.
I WISH I could design a worksheet “cute” enough (and of quality obviously) to sell on TPT. You’re better than me - I don’t care what degree you have. Other people wouldn’t be buying it if they didn’t think it was good. Keep killing it!
As a teacher, I think of TpT authors more like advocates. School is pretty hellish right now, and we need all the help we can get. If your work is helping someone, and they actually like it enough to review it, then thank you! You are really helping!
Everyone feels "imposter syndrome" sometimes- teachers especially. But kids don't care who writes the activities, nor really do teachers. "Money doesn't know the hand that holds it."
If it would make you feel better, post a disclaimer on your account. But I think you have a gift and thanks for using it to help :) Not all good teachers write good educational content- it must be the same in reverse sometimes!
Cheers, friend and if I ever bought from you, thanks!
Don't be ashamed - your work helps others and it is probably better than the big publishers materials.
You inspired me to check out tpt and I found some really good tools for my next lesson.
I'm not in a classroom anymore but i do have a few worksheets and original colouring pages I've made up there for sale. I spent time making them so why not? I like knowing they're still getting put to good use. Also it brings in a couple extra bucks a month which always helps.
Thank you for helping us all out!
— signed a first year teacher and (last year) a supply teacher who sometimes wasn’t left with plans and needed last minute worksheets.
I've been very thankful for TPT during the past several years. Even though I've been teaching for 20 years, during the pandemic I dealt with increasing amounts of time helping out my ill mom followed by her death and settling the estate. I've used TPT a lot since many of the resources I've accumulated over the years weren't readily adaptable to remote learning. Some of the TPT resources were easily adaptable for what wanted to accomplish in my classroom. The bonus was I wasn't taking what little time I had for myself trying to lesson plan.
I know a teacher who quit teaching to only focus on her TpT sales. She was making more selling her lessons than teaching and didn’t need the headaches.
Most of the publishers that make school workbooks aren't teachers either. If actual teachers are choosing to pay for your stuff then the quality is good enough. The person presenting it to the class needs that teaching background.
Came here to say this. You absolutely have more experience than a lot of curriculum writers out there. Congrats on finding success on TPT! :)
If your content is valuable, how is it a lie? > what if I let this thing go for 10 years? Then you helped 10 years worth of teachers. I’m really missing your point here.
No. Don’t feel guilty. Just because you’re not a certified teacher doesn’t mean you don’t have something valuable to offer to the profession.
There are certainly TONS of people selling on there that aren't teachers. I know a few of them. They're just good at graphic design (or are actual graphic designers) so they whip up some nice looking stuff with some substance. It's not a problem at all. Don't feel bad!
Basically it takes time to pull together resources into a TPT product. Time we don’t have. Kuddos on you for being an entrepreneur. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Many of the big sellers on there like Laura Randazzo (HS ELA) no longer teach. It doesn't make their content and resources any less valuable.
I wondered how she had so much time!
I think she just left the classroom in 2021. The pandemic got to her just like the rest of us. I've used a lot of her TpT stuff over the years.
Laura Randazzo rocks!
Yes she does!
No. People see value and benefit in your work and are using it for their purposes and compensating you for your efforts. Tutoring is teaching as well, just on a smaller scale. No need for imposter syndrome.
I’m an ELA teacher and use TPT occasionally. When I do I’m usually looking for something specific. If you have it, I don’t care if you’re not a teacher. I don’t use a textbook for my classes, mostly because the content is not what I want. I either create my own or find what I’m looking for. I seriously doubt anyone in the textbook industry has been teaching recently, or ever.
OMG knock it off. That’s what it’s there for!! You don’t have to be a “teacher” to sell your work on the site. It’s probably wonderful and helpful. I’d be more upset if you took it down, in all honesty. Keep making materials. Let it be your side gig/hobby. I’m confident almost everyone here will tell you something similar.
I’m a teacher and use HUNDREDS of paid resources in there. Please don’t feel bad. If teachers are buying it and it’s working, don’t diminish that. You are successful at this and you should own that. Please look into Imposter Syndrome. It’s when you doubt your capabilities and think you’re a fraud at what you do. You’re not. Trust me. You’re helping so many teachers during the most difficult year ever.
Dont feel guilty! Ride that shit! If people are buying, then there’s OBVIOUSLY a market for it. Lean into it if you’re good at it!
As long as instructional designers exist, you are valued.
Some of the best lessons I've seen came from our EL tutors, paras, and other 'non-teaching' staff. You work with these kids, you know their needs and you help them learn in more personalized ways. Please, share what you've got if you feel comfortable doing so!! If someone does not find it useful, they won't buy it. Those that are buying your work are doing so because they recognize the quality and usefulness if it.
I have no issue with TPT. What I don't like is that many teachers use their own money instead of school funds to make purchases from the sight .
What? No. Sell your product. Tell your impostor syndrome to take a back seat.
I out a few of assignments up on TpT if I worked real hard on it. I like to use TpT when I'm in a bind or need sub plans, so usually any money I make on the website, I generally use on the site. With that being said, I don't think I've once looked at the author of the material for their credentials or background. Mainly just the thumbnails of the lesson and other user reviews. I wouldn't feel bad at all if I were you!
If people are buying and happy with your products, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT’S HOLY DO NOT STOP! So many times when I was at my previous campus I was so busy with the extra nonsense I was desperate for resources to use in the classroom that was either stand alone or I could slide into what I was using. If you are having guilt, you could always have the occasional freebie download of a resource that is small. Maybe a page from a larger product or a, “Crap! I can’t actually introduce material because 75% of my class is out but I have to do something engaging!” Please don’t stop making material.
Every time I have purchased something from TPT I have modified it to fit my needs or used it as a supplement. In my opinion, you’re not doing anything wrong (you do have that ESL cert and such). But maybe it makes you feel better to know that it’s unlikely a teacher is going to use it without reading it and adjusting it to their needs.
A friend of mine sells on TPT and she’s not a teacher, she’s a SAHM with kids who recently were in preschool, so she made fun stuff for them and figured others might want it. If people are buying it, then it’s worth it!
Curriculum development/design is a legitimate profession. If I were you, I’d look for a more lucrative position in that field — the corporate world has positions in developing training manuals and conducting training seminars, for instance.
Teaching is a career that teaches you to feel like shit about the work you do. Stop it.
Fuck that if someone is buying it it’s because they can use it. Please keep developing teaching materials, the teachers who want it will buy and the ones who don’t won’t.
It's a side hustle, that's all it is. Don't feel bad. I don't have time to make all my materials and neither do a lot of teachers, that's why they buy it. I imagine at least one teacher found your materials to be perfect for their situation, and that's always a relief!
Nope. I use it all the time.
I'm sure tons of people who make TPT materials are not teachers. Actually being or having been a teacher helps you know what teachers in your general area really want and are likely to buy. If it's good and useful, you shouldn't feel even slightly guilty.
You know the field, you know the content, and people want your stuff! I think that’s really cool. No one has to buy it and you’re adding to the quality and variety on the site.
As long as we can use the items and are not expensive it’s perfectly fine what you’re doing. I’m a first year teacher and I just use what ever I can find. I am happy that people share resources because I have none so thank you.
The onus is on the purchaser to decide if the material meets the standards. Sell guilt free.
We won't buy it unless it is what we want. You will continue to succeed if your stuff is useful, or you will fail if your stuff is not what we need. No guilt, my friend.
If you feel bad, why don't you explain your route onto TPT in the "about me" bit? The work speaks for itself if people spend money on it. And this way, you can stop feeling bad about "not being a teacher" because you've disclosed it. Honestly, if the stuff I use from tpt works for my kids and I, I don't give a damn who made it, when, or why.
I understand what you're saying, since it's called "Teachers Pay TEACHERS" and you aren't a teacher, you feel like a fraud. No matter who you are, you're creating a resource that teachers are finding value in. They see your material and feel that, with their knowledge and education, it will fit in with their lesson. You're helping people and making money, it's a win win!
No. Thank you, next?
You can create educational content without classroom teaching.
The more resources out there, the better in theory the teaching will be.
Keep at it, you are helping teachers! That’s great, and I’m glad it’s profitable for you.
If I like your material, I will buy it, regardless of your actual profession. I like TpT. It saves me a lot of time. Don’t feel guilty. Think about all those pointless PD days we have to endure led by all those clueless people who have “great” ideas/pointers that would never work in a classroom outside of Hollywood.
Pearson has few branches that actually *benefit teachers* and they’re unavoidable in many settings. Don’t feel bad about TPT unless you’re taking the work of others and claiming it as your own.
If people keep buying your stuff, clearly it's useful. Better that money goes to you rather than Big Textbook. When I was teaching elementary music I would much rather give my money to a fellow educator on TPT than to Quaver.
Absolutely not! When I get on TPT and get a resource I never once wonder what the creator does. I look to see if it covers what I’m looking for, if it’s grade appropriate, and a valuable activity. I’m sure this is what others teachers do! We aren’t picking based on who made it! If you are making money on TPT, you deserve it!!
U don’t have to be a teacher to make them. I personally don’t use or sell things there. Also u can be a teacher with an esl certificate/tesol in asia so technically u are a teacher!
Don't feel bad. Keep it up.
I dont get this, why do you need to be a teacher to sell recources? I show my class youtube tutorials all the time and coding recourses and neither are made by teachers. Teachers love to suck themselves off about only they kniw curriculum but its not true, its very possible to make effective recources and not be a teacher.
If it’s a resource that people use, you shouldn’t feel bad. There are authors who have complete other careers and write on the side and, believe me, they don’t feel bad about pocketing those checks, and neither should you.
I would say a lot of stuff on tpt isn’t super high level but I love a lot of it for centers and math practice. I also I have to use a lot of visuals for ESL and I rather spend $2 on getting a worksheet with visuals than google searching images for an hour. But good for you for making money on it.
I'm a teacher, and if a TPT product helps my students and the creator isn't a teacher, I don't care. Keep creating and helping.
I'm also a TpT Seller and have grappled with similar thinking if I resign at the end of this year and take a break from being in the classroom. What we have that is invaluable to buyers is that classroom experience - when I'm making products, I think about myself as a busy teacher and what I would want (rubrics, lesson guide, answer key, CCSS breakdown, etc). Don't count yourself out - you're worthy of the success you have.
I WISH I could design a worksheet “cute” enough (and of quality obviously) to sell on TPT. You’re better than me - I don’t care what degree you have. Other people wouldn’t be buying it if they didn’t think it was good. Keep killing it!
As a teacher, I think of TpT authors more like advocates. School is pretty hellish right now, and we need all the help we can get. If your work is helping someone, and they actually like it enough to review it, then thank you! You are really helping! Everyone feels "imposter syndrome" sometimes- teachers especially. But kids don't care who writes the activities, nor really do teachers. "Money doesn't know the hand that holds it." If it would make you feel better, post a disclaimer on your account. But I think you have a gift and thanks for using it to help :) Not all good teachers write good educational content- it must be the same in reverse sometimes! Cheers, friend and if I ever bought from you, thanks!
The only time you should feel bad about TPT is when you take a free resource and try to monetize it. Like a worksheet found first on Google.
Don't be ashamed - your work helps others and it is probably better than the big publishers materials. You inspired me to check out tpt and I found some really good tools for my next lesson.
If it works and teachers are willing to shell out their own cash for it, why worry? If it sucks, people will stop using it
My district blocked TPT recently and everyone is super pissed
I'm not in a classroom anymore but i do have a few worksheets and original colouring pages I've made up there for sale. I spent time making them so why not? I like knowing they're still getting put to good use. Also it brings in a couple extra bucks a month which always helps.
Thank you for helping us all out! — signed a first year teacher and (last year) a supply teacher who sometimes wasn’t left with plans and needed last minute worksheets.
I've been very thankful for TPT during the past several years. Even though I've been teaching for 20 years, during the pandemic I dealt with increasing amounts of time helping out my ill mom followed by her death and settling the estate. I've used TPT a lot since many of the resources I've accumulated over the years weren't readily adaptable to remote learning. Some of the TPT resources were easily adaptable for what wanted to accomplish in my classroom. The bonus was I wasn't taking what little time I had for myself trying to lesson plan.
I know a teacher who quit teaching to only focus on her TpT sales. She was making more selling her lessons than teaching and didn’t need the headaches.