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Teacher resources: 20+ lesson planning tools, communities, and more
Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out in the classroom, having access to the right tools can make all the difference in your experience. Classroom strategies, professional organizations, and educational news are just a few of the countless types of resources available online for educators at every stage of their career.
Browse the resources for teachers below to find insights, lesson plans, teaching tips, and community support. Online teaching courses can also be a great way to engage in a community and develop skills.
The links below are just a sample of what is available to educators online. GetSmarter does not endorse any specific lesson plans, organizations, or publications listed here.
Lesson planning and classroom resources
Edutopia offers teaching strategies, classroom tools, and evidence-based project ideas. It focuses on promoting best practices across topics like social-emotional learning and technology integration.
National Geographic offers a free collection of resources for teaching that includes maps, videos, interactives, and more. Browse resources by topic, resource type, and U.S. grade level.
This is a free collection of reading and language arts instruction materials. ReadWriteThink offers lesson plans, printables, and student interactives for teachers of all ages.
The Teacha! platform is a library of lesson plans and teaching resources offered for free or priced by the seller. From printables to decorate your classroom to worksheets, there are resources available for a variety of ages and languages.
Teachit offers an online library of English-language teaching resources for primary and secondary classrooms. Browse worksheets and lesson activities that are curated by their publishing team of former teachers.
Twinkl is an online library of downloadable education resources for teachers in the United States, South Africa, and around the world. Browse lesson plans, art projects, unit assessments and more by schooling phase.
Professional organizations for educators
For teachers in South Africa
The communities page on Teacha! is a message board for teachers to share resources and find support among different teaching groups. These communities focus on different focus areas, such as tutors and teachers from specific countries.
National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA)
NAPTOSA is a trade union representing educators in South Africa. It advocates for members’ rights and interests, providing support in labor matters, salary negotiations, and improving working conditions. Trade unions can also have resources on how to become a teacher in South Africa.
South African Society for History Teaching (SASHT)
This professional organization promotes the development of history education in South Africa. Founded in 1986, SASHT organizes conferences, produces the journal Yesterday & Today, and offers resources to foster teachers’ professional development.
The South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)
SASMT has been a professional association for music educators in South Africa for more than one hundred years. It supports members through advocacy, professional development, and music competitions and events.
South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT)
Founded in 1964, SAALT supports language teachers and researchers through resources, conferences, and global networks. They focus on multilingualism and cutting-edge teaching practices.
For teachers in the United States
National Education Association (NEA)
The NEA is the largest professional organization for educators in the United States, representing over three million members. It advocates for public education and educator rights, providing resources, professional development, and a platform for educators.
National Art Education Association
NAEA is a professional organization for art educators in the U.S. Founded in 1947, it provides members with access to online learning, local community associations, grants, and more. NAEA also engages in advocacy for arts education and hosts an annual convention.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Founded in 1920, NCTM is the world’s largest mathematics education organization. Members have access to resources, research, and a community of math educators.
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
NSTA is a community of more than 35,000 science educators and professionals devoted to science literacy and education. The organization supports members with access to professional development, conferences, a national network, and more.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
NCSS is a professional association focused on promoting and enhancing social studies education. Membership includes access to learning resources such as instructional videos, educational guides, and more.
For teachers everywhere
A global federation of education unions, Education International (EI), represents over 33 million teachers and education workers in 180 countries. EI champions quality education, teachers’ rights, and democratic values. Additionally, it facilitates collective action to enhance education globally.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE is a global nonprofit organization that supports educators to innovate teaching and learning using technology. It offers professional development, networking, and resources, including standards, to enable educators to develop engaging learning experiences with technology for their students.
Teaching news and publications
Education Week is a source of news and information on K-12 education in the U.S. It provides in-depth coverage of educational policy, teaching practices, and research.
The Mail & Guardian’s “Teachers” section covers in-depth news, analysis, and stories related to educators in South Africa.
TEACH Magazine is a Canadian publication for K-12 teachers that delivers practical content on classroom management, reading, professional development, and more. Read about how AI is changing education, get tips for dealing with difficult parents, and find reading recommendations.
World of Education is a publication from Education International for teachers, activists, and advocates to share their insights and engage in a global conversation. Browse articles that cover everything from the global teaching shortage and academic freedom to engaging students.
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