From Zero to 2,036: My Slow Burn Journey as a TpT Seller

I'm eager to share more about my side endeavor where I craft and vend educational digital content. My process involves considering what educators might need—be it customizable digital worksheets, interactive games featuring mythological characters, or innovative lesson plans that incorporate philosophy into the classroom. I'm dedicated to creating these resources with a special focus on enriching the teaching experience for middle and high school English and humanities instructors.

The chart shows visually how my store has grown bit by bit.

    Hello, fellow educators and creators! I want to share my personal journey as a TpT (Teachers Pay Teachers) seller to offer encouragement to those just starting out and connect with my fellow middle and high school humanities and English content creators.

My Timeline on TpT

• 2017: Took the plunge and opened my TpT store. However, I didn't manage to sell any units.
• 2018: Still dipping my toes in, I sold a meager 4 units.
• 2019: Finally began to take things a bit more seriously midway through the year, resulting in 107 units sold.
• 2020 & 2021: This was when I really decided to commit, and it paid off. I sold 188 units in 2020 and a whopping 541 units in 2021.
• 2022: Continued my upward trajectory with 603 units sold.
• 2023 (as of November 1st): Already close to last year's total with 588 units sold.
• All-Time Units Sold: 2,036 and counting!

A Closer Look

As I posted (see figure above), my TpT journey is visually a slow burn (maybe burning a wild campfire, who knows?!). The quick snapshot of my journey is from the online tool TpT has created for sellers to see stats and stuff. 

My Style

I'd be the first to admit I'm not what you'd call a "serious" seller. My store doesn't follow traditional marketing techniques, and my cover designs are beautiful pieces of chaos. But the numbers speak for themselves — buyers, especially those in the middle and high school humanities and English sectors, appreciate what I bring to the table.

So, whether you're a newbie struggling to make your first sale or a veteran looking for some inspiration, remember that there's room for everyone in this marketplace. Just find your niche and stick with it!

Cheers to more learning and sharing ahead!

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Unlock Your Learning Potential: 16 Essential Resources at Just $2 Each! 🌟

As the school year gets into full swing—or if you're like me, gearing up to start teaching right after Labor Day—the need for effective educational tools for our middle and high school students couldn't be more crucial. 

In reviewing some of my most valued resources, I was thrilled to discover that 16 of them are available for just $2 each! Now that's a deal worth exploring!

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use — with printable PDFs and student-facing digital materials for each resource.

• Resources were all modified this Summer, ensuring up-to-date content.

Sharpen Your Analytical Skills

• Introduce resources aimed at analytical skills like:
• "Thinking & Writing: Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Quotes & Textual Evidence"
• "Opposing Viewpoints Debate: On Judging Appearances"

Master The Writing Process

• Focus on resources that target writing skills:
• "Detail Observation Guide: Enhance Narrative & Expository Writing"
• "Prewriting-Drafting-Revising: ELA Writing Cycle Guide"

Tools for Organized Learning

• Resources that help students stay organized:
• "Student Writing Presentation Toolbox for Middle & High School"
• "Student Writer's Portfolio Tracker: Organize & Showcase Work"

Multi-dimensional Writing

• Resources that help students explore different modes and purposes of writing:
• "Writing Modes: ELA Exercise for Improving Writing Skills"
• "Purpose & Mode in Writing: Comprehensive Chart for Student Success"

Boost Creative and Factual Writing

• Resources that offer brainstorming and research techniques:
• "Using Print & Non-Print Sources | Classroom Success for Writing"
• "Clustering Guide: Brainstorming Activity for ELA/Writing Students"

Reading for Success

• Encourage independent reading:
• "Teen Book List: Promoting Independent Reading for Grades 7-12"

Conclusion

I made each of these resources myself based on years of working in middle and high school English Language Arts and Humanities classrooms. You can't go wrong! And, listen, they're all each only $2. #winning

Call to Action:

Grab these essential resources as a bundle, save even more, and take your teaching (and your kids' learning) to the next level! 🚀

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