As we head into a new year, now is the perfect time to step back and think strategically about the resources you want to create and list on Teachers Pay Teachers in 2026. Instead of guessing what might sell, it helps to pay attention to what’s happening in education and how those shifts influence teacher buying behavior.
The good news? Many of the trends shaping 2026 aren’t about doing more – they’re about doing things a little smarter and more intentionally. Below are the biggest education trends I see impacting TPT sellers in 2026 and how you can use them to guide your product creation.
Accessibility within TPT Resources Is No Longer Optional
Accessibility has always mattered, but new laws related to digital accessibility are making it a much bigger priority for schools. Teachers are being required to use materials that are screen-reader friendly, easy to navigate, and accessible for students with a wide range of needs.
For TPT sellers, this means thinking carefully about how PDFs are created and uploaded. Simple changes like using real text instead of images of text, organizing content with clear headings, choosing easy-to-read fonts, and maintaining strong color contrast can make a big difference. Adding alt text to images and using tagged PDFs are becoming more important as well.
Even printable resources are affected if they’re shared digitally through platforms like Google Classroom. Resources that are clearly accessible will stand out more to teachers who are being held accountable for meeting these standards.
The Science of Reading Continues to Grow
With reading scores declining in many areas, states and districts are putting a stronger emphasis on resources aligned with the Science of Reading. Teachers are actively searching for resources that support phonics-based, research-backed reading practices.
If you’re an ELA seller, this is a major opportunity. The phrase “science of reading” is not copyrighted, which means it can be used in titles, covers, and descriptions to help teachers find your resources through search. Even small updates to existing products – like clarifying alignment or adjusting language – can make your resources more visible in 2026.
School Budget Constraints Are Shaping Buying Decisions
Budget challenges aren’t new, but they’re becoming more noticeable. Many teachers are spending their own money and are more selective about what they purchase.
Lower-priced, high-value resources tend to perform well in this environment. Resources priced around the $3 range often hit a sweet spot, especially when they’re part of a larger product line or bundle. Instead of listing one large, expensive unit, breaking it into smaller pieces and then bundling them together allows teachers to buy what they need while still giving you the opportunity to sell higher-priced bundles.
Phone Bans Are Changing Classroom Technology
With more schools banning or limiting phone use, resources that rely heavily on QR codes may not be as practical as they once were. This doesn’t mean QR codes are dead, but it does mean teachers need flexibility.
If you have QR-heavy resources, consider offering an alternative version without QR codes or adding additional access points. Teachers appreciate options, especially as classroom policies continue to shift.
Teachers Are More Skeptical of Low-Quality AI Resources
AI is everywhere, and while it can be a helpful tool for creators, it has also made it easier for low-quality resources to flood the market. Because of this, teachers are becoming more cautious buyers.
High-quality resources created by experienced educators stand out more than ever. AI can support your workflow, but your expertise, classroom insight, and thoughtful design are what build trust with buyers. On the flip side, there’s also growing demand for lessons that teach students how to use AI responsibly, especially in upper elementary, middle school, and high school classrooms.
Interactive Resources Are Still in Demand
Interactive learning isn’t going anywhere. Students expect engagement, and teachers are looking for resources that keep students actively involved without relying on phones.
Digital activities built with Google Slides, Sheets, and Forms continue to sell well, especially when they’re thoughtfully designed and easy to assign. Printables are still strong sellers, but interactive digital resources give teachers more flexibility and help meet the needs of modern classrooms.
Real-World and Project-Based Learning Is Growing
Schools are placing more emphasis on real-world application, particularly in math and science. STEM-focused, project-based resources that connect skills to real-life situations are becoming more valuable to teachers.
These types of resources go beyond skill-and-drill and help students see why the content matters. If you can design lessons that solve real problems, analyze data, or simulate real-world scenarios, you’ll be well-positioned for 2026.
Financial Literacy and Data Literacy Are Expanding
More states are passing legislation requiring financial literacy education, especially at the high school level. Topics like budgeting, investing, and understanding data are becoming part of required curricula.
This trend pairs naturally with project-based learning and creates a strong opportunity for new units, courses, and cross-curricular resources that focus on real-life skills students will actually use.
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning Are Increasing
Several states, including California, are adding youth mental health content to their standards. This creates opportunities not just for counselors, but for classroom teachers across grade levels.
Resources that support social-emotional learning, emotional regulation, and mental wellness can be integrated into many subjects. These topics are becoming more normalized and more needed in schools.
Standards Changes Create New Opportunities
Multiple states are updating standards in ELA, reading, and math. When standards change, teachers look for new resources that align quickly.
Staying informed about upcoming standards changes – even in just one state – can help you update existing resources or create new ones that meet emerging needs. Tools like ChatGPT can help you research which standards are changing and how to align your products.
Homeschool and Hybrid Learning Are Expanding
One of the biggest trends heading into 2026 is the continued growth of homeschool and hybrid education. More families are choosing non-traditional schooling options, and those teachers are actively searching for high-quality resources.
Many traditional classroom resources already work well for homeschool settings – they just aren’t labeled that way. Small changes to titles and descriptions, or including tips for homeschool use, can help you reach this growing audience without creating entirely new products.
Competing With Free Open Educational Resources
Free, open educational resources are being used more frequently by schools because of budget constraints. While you don’t want to give everything away, there are lessons to learn from what makes these resources appealing.
Teachers value editability and built-in differentiation. Updating your resources to include editable options and differentiated levels can help you compete – while still offering the polished, professional quality that free resources often lack.
Offering a few high-quality full resources for free can also be a smart strategy. These aren’t samples – they’re complete, valuable products that build trust and lead teachers to your paid resources.
Planning Ahead Without Overwhelm
You don’t need to follow every trend or overhaul your entire store. The goal is awareness, not pressure. Even choosing one or two trends to focus on in 2026 can help you create resources that teachers actively want and need.
As you plan for the new year, think about how small updates, thoughtful design choices, and strategic product planning can help your TPT store grow in a changing education landscape.
If you’re feeling excited about what’s possible in 2026 but unsure where to start (or what to focus on first), I’ve created a free training that walks you through exactly how to build and grow a Teachers Pay Teachers store—without burnout or guesswork.
In this free training, you’ll learn:
- How TPT actually works behind the scenes
- What types of resources sell best right now
- Where to focus your time if you’re starting or scaling your store
Whether you’re brand new to TPT or want to grow more intentionally in the new year, this training will help you create a clear plan and move forward with confidence.
