7 Free Things Teachers Can Do on TpT This Summer

Summer is a well-earned time to relax, recharge, and maybe even catch up on a few things you didn’t have time for during the school year. If you’re popping onto Teachers Pay Teachers over break, there are plenty of productive things you can do without spending a dime. Here are some free ways to make the most of your TpT time this summer!

1. Leave Feedback to Earn Credits

Before you start buying anything new, check your My Purchases tab and leave feedback on past resources. TpT gives you credits for every review, which you can apply toward future purchases. It's a quick and easy way to save money—plus, you’re helping out fellow teacher-authors by sharing your thoughts!

2. Search for High-Quality Freebies

TpT is full of amazing free resources! Take some time to search for freebies that will work all year long. Think graphic organizers, classroom management tools, writing prompts, math games—there are so many gems out there. Bonus tip: Once you find them, save them into organized folders on your device or Google Drive so you can grab them quickly when school starts back up.

3. Follow New Sellers

Summer is a great time to explore! As you're browsing, keep an eye out for sellers who match your grade level, teaching style, or curriculum. When you follow a seller, you’ll get updates when they post new products or sales. Some sellers even offer follower freebies or sneak peeks!

4. Build Your Wishlist

Wishlisting now means quicker shopping during the next big TpT sale. Browse your favorite categories and add resources you might want to grab before the year begins. It's like creating your own personalized teacher shopping guide.

5. Organize Your TpT Resources

If you’re anything like me, you’ve downloaded a ton of amazing resources that you haven’t quite filed yet. Take an hour or two to sort through your TpT files and set up folders by subject, month, or standard. Future you will thank you during the school year!

6. Join a TpT Email List or Facebook Group

Many TpT sellers have free email newsletters or teacher Facebook groups where they share tips, freebies, and classroom ideas. Joining a few of these over the summer can be a fun, low-key way to stay inspired and connect with other teachers.

7. Leave Questions for Sellers

If you’ve downloaded something and aren’t sure how to use it, don’t be shy—ask the seller a question! It’s free, and most sellers are more than happy to help you get the most out of their resources.

Summer is your time—whether you’re diving into professional development or just poking around TpT for inspiration. These ideas can help you save money, stay organized, and be ready for a fresh start in the fall… all without spending a single cent.