As an online teacher, one of the most daunting tasks is finding the right curriculum for your students. Whether you’re transitioning from a company like VIPKid or Palfish to a marketplace such as Outschool or even going completely independent, the challenge of sourcing curriculum can be a significant roadblock. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some strategies to help you find the perfect resources.
Understanding Fair Use Law
Before diving into curriculum options, it’s crucial to understand the Fair Use Law, especially if you’re in the United States. This law allows the use of copyrighted materials under certain conditions, like teaching, but it’s not as straightforward as it seems. The law is filled with gray areas, and using materials without permission can lead to legal issues.
“The Fair Use Law is not black and white; it’s filled with gray areas. It’s essential to understand it to avoid potential legal consequences.” – Jillian Shanahan
The law evaluates four factors: the purpose of use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market value of the work. As an online teacher, you’re likely using materials for commercial purposes, which means you need to be extra cautious.
Legitimate Curriculum Options
If you want to avoid the risks associated with using unauthorized materials, here are some legitimate options to consider:
Create Your Own Curriculum
While time-consuming, creating your own curriculum offers the benefit of being able to sell it to other educators, potentially generating additional income.
Contact Publishers for Rights
Reach out to publishers to see if you can obtain the rights to use their materials. Companies may offer options for teachers to use their resources legally- but these come with a price (and are often not affordable).
Explore Teacher-Created Resources
Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy are treasure troves of teacher-created resources. Just make sure to check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re not violating any rules.
Check Out New Companies
Some of my favorite curriculum creators are:
Twinkl: This is a site I think every teacher should have an account on, no matter what you’re teaching or who you’re teaching. They have a free account, as well as a paid version. Twinkl has games, slides, songs, worksheets, and so much more. I have used Twinkl every single day for years.
Abridge Academy: Abridge Academy includes a system of lessons that are divided into levels and units, and are great for engaging children. Before you even begin, you can easily sort your student into the correct level with their curriculum. They also have a free version, so you can try it out with a few students before you invest to see what’s best for you!
Recently, Abridge Academy also came out with a writing series in their curriculum, which is an amazing addition to all of their extra “special” lessons, like their holiday series.
Teachers Together English: Teachers Together English has a phenomenal writing course, and it’s made specifically for online teachers. You can have your student go through a level assessment as well, so you can see what the recommended level is for your student.
Don’t want to focus on writing? They also have scaffolded lessons, where your students can learn in a leveled system, as well as a level test so you can easily place your students in the correct levels.
Teachers Together English also has a free version, so you know what I’m going to say…If it’s free, try it out! See if you like it!
Young Learners Curriculum: If you are focused on teaching young children, this might be the curriculum choice for you! You can take your students through the levels to practice their skills, or take them around the world through interactive stories.
Like the rest- there’s a free version, so check it out!
Building a Sustainable Online Teaching Business
To ensure the longevity of your online teaching business, it’s crucial to use legitimate resources. Pirated materials may seem like a quick fix, but they can lead to serious legal consequences down the line.
Join communities like the Facebook group for online teachers to network and share resources. For a more interactive teaching experience, consider using platforms like Teach with Koala or Funclass which offer a dynamic alternative to traditional tools like Zoom.
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