Teachers Pay Teachers, or TPT, is a marketplace where educators buy and sell lesson plans, worksheets, activities and other teaching resources. Founded in 2006 and owned by IXL Learning since 2023, it has a large audience of teachers looking for ready-made materials. On 1 October 2026 TPT restructured its seller plans: Premium closed to new sellers and was replaced by an Exclusive plan with a higher payout but a rule that you sell digital resources only on TPT.
At a glance
| What it is | A marketplace for teaching resources |
| Owner | IXL Learning |
| Basic plan | One-time $29 fee; 55% payout; $0.30 per resource sold |
| Exclusive plan | $59.95 a year; 80% introductory, 77.5% from 1 Jan 2027 |
| Exclusive fee | $0.15 per resource on orders under $3 |
| Exclusive rule | Digital educational resources must be sold only on TPT |
| Where it works | Worldwide sellers, mainly US buyers |
How it works
You open a seller account, choose a plan and upload resources with titles, descriptions, previews and prices. Teachers search the marketplace and buy. You can also offer free resources to build followers and reviews.
Seller plans and fees
TPT’s help center describes two plans since October 2026. Basic costs a one-time, non-refundable $29, pays 55% of each sale and charges $0.30 per resource sold. Exclusive costs $59.95 a year, pays an introductory 80% for those who join by the end of 2026, then 77.5% from 1 January 2027, with a $0.15 fee on orders under $3. Exclusive requires your digital educational resources to be sold only on TPT. Former Premium sellers who don’t opt in to Exclusive move to Basic on 1 January 2027.
The changes were unpopular with some established sellers, who launched a petition asking TPT to keep Premium.
Is it worth it?
TPT is worth it if you create quality classroom materials and can build a catalogue. Basic suits occasional sellers, especially for higher-priced bundles, since the fixed fee bites hard on cheap items. Exclusive suits committed sellers who are happy to sell only on TPT.
Creating resources that sell
Focus on specific grade levels, standards and topics. Bundles often sell better than single sheets. Clear previews and thumbnails help buyers decide. Seasonal resources can sell strongly at certain times of year.
Your setup
You’ll need design software for worksheets and slides, and a consistent visual style. Make sure fonts and clip art you use are licensed for commercial use.
Common mistakes
Some sellers price single worksheets too low on Basic, where the per-resource fee eats much of the sale. Others use images without proper licences. Price thoughtfully and check licences.
Taxes and paperwork
You’ll complete tax details in your seller account and declare earnings.
Choosing a plan
Do the maths before choosing. On Basic, a $3 resource earns $1.65 minus $0.30, so about $1.35. On Exclusive at 77.5%, the same sale earns more but you pay $59.95 a year and can’t sell your digital resources elsewhere. If you sell on Etsy, your own site or other marketplaces, Basic may still make sense. If TPT is your main channel and you sell a lot, Exclusive usually pays off.
Building a following
Free resources are a good way to gain followers and reviews. Followers are notified when you post new products, which helps launches. Respond to buyer questions and keep resources updated.
Quick checklist
Before opening a store, decide between Basic and Exclusive, check licences for fonts and clip art, prepare a few free resources and plan bundles for your best topics.
Owen’s take
TPT still has the biggest audience for teaching resources, but the 2026 plan changes mean you should do the maths carefully. Decide whether exclusivity suits you before choosing Exclusive.
Who it suits
It suits teachers who create classroom materials and want a ready audience. It suits less well creators who also sell elsewhere and want high payouts.
Similar options
- Udemy sells video courses.
- Skillshare pays for minutes watched.
- Superprof suits live teaching.
- Wyzant suits US tutors.
More options are in Tutoring & Coaching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large audience of teachers
- Free resources build followers
- Exclusive pays up to 80%
Cons
- Basic pays 55% minus $0.30
- Exclusive requires selling only on TPT
- Premium plan closed
FAQ
How much does TPT pay sellers?
Basic pays 55% minus $0.30 per resource; Exclusive pays 80% now and 77.5% from 2027.
What happened to TPT Premium?
It closed to new sellers on 1 October 2026.
What is the TPT Exclusive rule?
Digital educational resources must be sold only on TPT.
How much does a TPT seller account cost?
Basic is a one-time $29; Exclusive is $59.95 a year.
Who owns TPT?
IXL Learning.
