Many companies and organisations offer freebies specifically for teachers, including school supplies, books, and educational materials. These programmes are designed to support educators in their work, often requiring proof of teaching status or school affiliation to access. Free resources can range from physical items sent by post to downloadable digital materials, helping to alleviate the cost burden on teachers. Eligibility requirements vary, with some programmes serving all educators and others targeting those in specific subjects or low-income schools.
Understanding Teacher Freebie Programmes
Free stuff for teachers by mail typically requires participants to sign up on company websites and provide information about their teaching status or school affiliation. Once approved, freebies are sent directly to the mailbox. Eligibility requirements are common; some programmes may require proof of teaching status or school affiliation, while others have specific criteria such as serving in a low-income school or teaching a particular subject. It is essential to read instructions carefully and check eligibility requirements before signing up for any freebies.
In addition to supplies for teachers, some programmes offer free school supplies specifically for students. These are designed to help students in need, often requiring proof of student eligibility, such as income verification or enrolment in a free or reduced-price lunch programme. The frequency at which teachers can request free stuff by mail varies depending on the programme.
Sources of Free School Supplies and Educational Materials
A variety of companies and organisations provide free resources for educators. Below is a list of verified programmes and resources based on available information.
Scholastic Educational Magazines
Scholastic offers a 30-day free trial for educational magazines. Teachers can access magazines such as My Big World, Let’s Find Out, Scholastic News, StoryWorks, DynaMath, SuperScience, and Scholastic Art. No credit card is required to place an order. These magazines are suitable for elementary, preschool, and high school teachers.
Pass It On
Pass It On provides free posters and DVDs for schools or non-profit organisations. Teachers can request three posters by signing up on their website.
Maplesoft
Maplesoft offers free math and engineering posters for classrooms. Teachers can request these posters through their designated page.
Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers is a site where lesson plans can be purchased and downloaded. However, it also offers over five hundred thousand plans that can be downloaded for free. Teachers can find free resources by browsing the site.
Super Peace Monkeys (Super Kind You)
Super Peace Monkeys, through Super Kind You, provides a free "Confidence, Kindness, and Mental Health SuperPowers" kit for students. Teachers can request this kit from the Super Kind You website.
Stossel in the Classroom
Stossel in the Classroom offers two educational DVDs for free. No credit card information is required; teachers must sign up for an account and provide feedback about the DVDs after use.
Legoland Passes for Florida Teachers
For teachers located in Florida, Legoland offers free passes valid for one year. To obtain these, teachers must show their ID and teaching certificate at the park. This offer is geographically restricted to Florida.
Flinn Scientific Teacher’s Survival Guide
Flinn Scientific provides a free guide for first-year teachers, focusing on managing classrooms and students. This resource is available through their website.
Schoolmate Goodies
Schoolmate Goodies offers a free gift upon signing up for their catalogue. Teachers can choose between a planner, folder, or wall calendar.
Richard C. Owen Books
This publisher sends free book samples for teachers of classes from pre-K to 5. Teachers can call the number listed on the site or fill out a form to receive coupons for books.
T.A. Barron Packet
Author T.A. Barron provides an educator packet that includes posters, maps, bookmarks, video collection access, book discussion guides, articles, inspirational quotations, and activity guides. The packet is available by filling out a form on the author's website.
EVERWhite Whiteboard Sample
EVERWhite offers a 6-inch wide by 9-inch tall surface sample of a whiteboard. Teachers can request this by filling out a simple form on the company's website.
SpeedStacks
SpeedStacks provides special cups designed for stacking and collapsing to teach hand-eye coordination. The company offers a free school demo and workshop for students. Details are available on their site.
MathMammoth.com
MathMammoth.com provides free math worksheets and practice tests that can be downloaded from the website.
MockoFun Free For Schools & Teachers Programme
MockoFun offers a programme for teachers and educators in kindergarten, primary school, middle school, high school, or college/university, granting access to all premium features for free. Teachers can sign up for this programme through the MockoFun website.
Twinkl.com
Twinkl is a teacher resource website offering instant access to lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, and teaching ideas. The site has an annual "Twinkl USA Free Day" where all teaching material is free for 24 hours. For the year mentioned, Twinkl USA Free Day falls on 28th November. Teachers can access freebies on that day through the Twinkl website.
Eligibility and Access Considerations
When seeking free resources, teachers should be aware of common eligibility requirements. Many programmes require verification of teaching status, which may involve providing a school email address, teaching certificate, or a letter from school administration. Some programmes are specifically for teachers in certain regions (e.g., Florida for Legoland passes) or those serving low-income communities. It is crucial to review the specific requirements for each programme before applying.
For student-focused supplies, programmes may require documentation of student need, such as income verification or proof of enrolment in free or reduced-price lunch programmes. These requirements are typically outlined on the programme's website or application form.
The frequency of requests varies. Some programmes allow teachers to request freebies once per year, while others may have more frequent opportunities. There is no single rule; each programme sets its own policy.
Digital Resources and Downloadable Materials
In addition to physical items sent by post, many organisations offer digital resources that can be downloaded and printed. These include lesson plans, worksheets, posters, and educational guides. Digital resources are often available immediately after sign-up or registration, eliminating the need for postal delivery.
For example, Teachers Pay Teachers and MathMammoth.com provide extensive libraries of downloadable materials. Twinkl offers a vast collection of digital teaching resources, with free access days providing an opportunity to download materials at no cost.
Final Thoughts on Accessing Free Resources
Teachers have numerous avenues to obtain free supplies, books, and educational materials. The key is to research available programmes, understand eligibility requirements, and follow application procedures carefully. By utilising these resources, educators can enhance their classrooms without incurring significant personal expense. While some programmes are available to all teachers, others have specific criteria, so checking the details for each opportunity is essential.