Free resources for educators have become increasingly vital, particularly following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a shift in teaching methods and strained educational budgets. Many teachers face financial pressures, with some experiencing pay cuts or extended periods without work. Recognizing that teaching supplies can be costly and that educators are often underpaid, numerous organizations and companies have established programs to provide free materials, tools, and support. This guide compiles current, verified freebies and resources available to teachers in the United States, focusing on items that can be used in classrooms, for homeschooling, or during online instruction.
The following information is derived exclusively from the provided source documents, which include lists of free tools, resources, and supplies. These sources highlight a range of offerings, from digital lesson plans and printables to physical classroom supplies shipped by mail. Eligibility for these programs varies; some are open to all certified teachers, while others require specific criteria such as teaching grade level, subject area, school demographics, or geographic location. Teachers are advised to review each program’s requirements carefully before applying.
Free Teacher Resources for Personal and Classroom Use
Several resources are available for personal use, supporting teacher well-being and professional development. These often require simple sign-ups and are designed to be accessible without financial investment.
- Happy Teacher Revolution Starter Pack: This free starter pack, developed by Danna Thomas, a Teach For America Baltimore alumna, is designed to help teachers implement self-care practices both inside and outside the classroom. The kit includes materials to support mental and emotional well-being. Teachers can sign up to receive the starter pack at no cost.
- Flu Shot Information: While not a physical product for the classroom, the source notes that teachers can typically receive a flu shot at no copay if they have health insurance, providing a resource for personal health protection.
- Mellow Monkey Masks: Mellow Monkey has a program where they donate KN95 face masks to local teachers for every $100 in face mask sales. Teachers can also request a free KN95 mask directly from the company.
Free Classroom Supplies and Materials by Mail
Many businesses and organizations have adapted to offer free teaching supplies and materials by mail, making it easier for teachers to obtain necessary items without visiting closed retail stores.
- School Health Hand Sanitizer and Dispensers: School Health provides free hand sanitizer and dispensers for classrooms and entire schools. Teachers can fill out a form on the School Health website to request these items. For school-wide requests, it is recommended to contact the company directly first.
- ZooZingo Animal Cards: Schools with over 150 students can request a free set of ZooZingo animal cards. This offer is specifically for elementary school administrators, who must register with an official school email to receive the cards.
- American Electric Power (AEP) Safety Kits: Teachers in grades K-4 whose communities are served by one of AEP’s seven operating companies can request free safety booklets or kits. These kits, which include materials featuring Louie the Lightning Bug, are mailed upon request.
- Hot Wheels STEM Kits: Certified teachers, particularly those teaching kindergarten, 4th grade, or STEM/STEAM subjects, can apply to receive a free classroom kit from Hot Wheels. The kits may include physics, math, and science lesson plans, and in some cases, up to 40 cars and tracks for classroom activities. Applications are accepted from certified teachers.
- RentCalculators Free Rulers: RentCalculators will mail sets of 6-inch wood rulers to classrooms upon teacher request. This resource is applicable from elementary school to high school.
- RentACalc Free Pencils: RentACalc provides a box of free #2 HB Dixon Ticonderoga pencils for students if requested by an educator. The pencils are shipped free to teachers in the United States, with a limit of one pencil per student.
- SitSpot Free Carpet Pad: SitSpot offers a circular carpet pad for classrooms that adheres to carpeting or area rugs. This is available as a free item for teachers by mail.
- Schoolmate Goodies Catalog: Schoolmate Goodies provides a free catalog that is mailed to teachers, which includes freebies and samples such as a planner, folder, or wall calendar.
- EVERWhiteboard Sample: EverWhite Surface offers a free whiteboard sample by mail for teachers. The sample measures 6 inches wide by 9 inches tall and can be requested by completing a form on the company’s website.
- Kids Need To Read Books: This organization provides free books for students of all ages. To qualify, the school must serve at least 50% of children living under the national poverty level. Teachers can complete a form to request books for their students.
Free Digital Resources and Educational Materials
In addition to physical supplies, there are numerous free digital resources available, including lesson plans, printables, and educational magazines.
- Pass It On Posters and DVD: Teachers and non-profit organizations can request free posters and a DVD from the Pass It On program. Three posters are sent upon request via a designated page.
- Scholastic Educational Magazines: Scholastic offers a 30-day free trial for its educational magazines, which are designed for classroom use. No credit card is required. Available magazines include My Big World, Let’s Find Out, Scholastic News, StoryWorks, DynaMath, SuperScience, and Scholastic Art.
- Pearls in School Program: PearlOnly offers a free kit for science classes to teach about pearl culturing and an oyster’s lifecycle. The PearlKit includes 30 packets with five pearls each, 30 care cards, and 30 certificates of accomplishment. Lesson plans are available for the US, UK, and Australia, tailored for elementary, middle, and high schools. The kit is free, but a shipping fee applies.
Important Considerations and Eligibility
When seeking free resources, teachers should note the specific eligibility requirements for each program. Some offers are limited to certified teachers, while others are for school administrators. Geographic restrictions may apply, such as being located within a utility company’s service area. Additionally, some freebies are available on a first-come, first-served basis or while supplies last. It is crucial to use official websites and verified sign-up forms to request materials, as third-party sites may not have current or accurate information.
Conclusion
A variety of free resources and classroom supplies are available to U.S. teachers to support their educational efforts. These include personal well-being kits, physical classroom materials like hand sanitizer, masks, rulers, pencils, and whiteboard samples, as well as digital resources such as lesson plans and educational magazines. Eligibility varies by program, with factors such as certification, grade level, school size, and geographic location influencing availability. Teachers should consult the official websites and sign-up forms linked in the sources for the most current information and to ensure they meet all requirements for receiving free materials.