Why Do Educators' Use TeachersPayTeachers.com?

• In Event: Uses of Technology in Teacher Development and Support

Abstract

Online educational marketplaces are web platforms where educators download, buy, and sell classroom resources; these marketplaces are changing how many teachers approach curriculum. This survey research aimed to address a gap in the literature by exploring TeachersPayTeachers.com (TpT) users’ (N=1358) self-reported uses and perceptions of the site. Participants perceived TpT content to be of generally high quality, and most frequently used TpT resources to fill gaps in their curriculum, compensate for inadequate curriculum provision, and make up for areas where they lacked expertise or inspiration. TpT was also described as helping educators manage various demands and pressures on their time. These results provide insight into educators’ behaviors, motivations, and experiences related to an influential player in the curriculum marketplace.

Authors

• Jeffrey P. Carpenter, Elon University

• Catharyn Crane Shelton, Northern Arizona University