For many of you the school year has already started. One of my brothers actually started teaching 3 weeks ago! For others your start date is rapidly approaching. I am sure you already started curriculum planning and probably started shopping for materials. Where do you go to get your classroom essentials?
When I was teaching and needed curriculum materials and supplies I went to the usual big box stores. I never knew that there were stores that just focused on educational supplies and materials did you?
Last year, while doing research for an article, I was fortunate to discover the EDmarket Association. Through them I learned about the nationwide network of educational supply stores that exists to help teachers and parents get what they need for their students and children. I was extra fortunate to have been selected to attend their EDexpo 2015 in Atlanta Georgia.
The event showcased the latest products, programs and trends in education. I got to experiment with amazing inventions from the Maker Movement, got to meet creators of educational products, distributors of products and the parent-teacher stores that sell them. I also got to meet and spend time with fellow teacher blogger’s. The event was a real positive experience.
I met a lot of terrific people from all sides of the education market and learned a great deal about parent-teacher stores. What impressed me the most was all the time, care, and research that goes into selecting the items stores choose to carry. In a lot of cases the owners of these stores are former teachers, so they have a pretty good idea about what works in the classroom. Have you ever been in a big box store looking at resource guides or materials and had questions about effectiveness and quality, but had no one to turn to? Ever buy something because it looked good only to find it fail miserably in the classroom? This probably would not happen if you shopped at a parent-teacher store.
There are lots of reasons to shop at parent-teacher stores. As I mentioned above, the items carried by these stores are researched and thoughtfully selected. The people who sell them are knowledgeable about the products and uses in the classroom and at home. They understand teachers because a lot of them were teachers themselves. Plus, shopping at parent-teacher stores supports your local economy! These stores are invested in the success of their schools and towns because they live there too. Good reasons to find your nearest parent-teacher store? If you are interested and want learn more go visit edmarketdealer.com.
Thank you for reading and for sharing. Wishing you a successful, happy and healthy year to come.
Image Credit: Stockphoto-graf / Shutterstock.com
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