Top Education Trends That Will Shape Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sales in 2026Have you started mapping out the resources you want to create in 2026? Before you jump in, it helps to understand what teachers will actually be searching for and purchasing in the year ahead. This episode breaks down the biggest education trends influencing buying decisions on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) so you can create strategically, stay ahead of shifts in the market, and position your store for continued growth.From accessibility laws and science of reading mandates to AI, financial literacy requirements, and the rapid rise of homeschool and hybrid schooling, these trends offer powerful insight into what teachers need most. Use them as inspiration for new product ideas, resource updates, and stronger SEO in your listings.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Why 2026 Buying Behavior Is ChangingA quick overview of why understanding education trends helps you plan the resources you want to create or update for the coming year.[00:01:13] New Accessibility Laws You Need to KnowHow upcoming accessibility requirements affect both digital and printable PDFs and what changes you may need to make for screen reader friendly resources.[00:02:01] Accessibility Design Tips for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) CreatorsKey elements like clear heading structure, readable fonts, high contrast, dyslexia friendly options, and avoiding text saved as images.[00:02:30] Alt Text, Tagged PDFs, and Additional Compliance StepsExtra accessibility practices to incorporate as new Title II expectations take effect across schools and districts.[00:02:74] The Growing Demand for Science of Reading ResourcesWhy reading score concerns are pushing states toward science of reading aligned materials and how creators can use the term for SEO.[00:03:37] Budget Constraints and the $3 Pricing Sweet SpotWhat shrinking classroom budgets mean for pricing strategy, plus how bundles and product lines can support sales.[00:04:13] Why Breaking Large Units Into Smaller Products MattersThe case for listing smaller standalone resources instead of only publishing full units at higher price points.[00:04:73] Phone Bans and the Decline of QR Code Dependent ResourcesHow schoolwide phone restrictions are affecting QR based activities and why offering non device options matters.[00:05:00] Updating Older QR Heavy Products for Modern ClassroomsTips for creating alternatives or duplicate versions that function without phones.[00:05:20] How AI Is Changing the TPT MarketplaceWhy the rise of AI generated content means teachers will expect higher quality and will be more skeptical of low effort resources.[00:06:21] Teaching AI Literacy in ELA and Social StudiesOpportunities to create lessons about ethical and effective AI use for upper elementary through high school classrooms.[00:06:93] The Continued Growth of Interactive Digital ResourcesWhy digital interactivity still matters even as phone use decreases and which formats tend to engage students most.[00:07:57] The Importance of Real World and STEM Based TasksHow project based learning and real world application activities are becoming more valuable to schools.[00:08:73] Financial Literacy as a Fast Growing Curriculum NeedStates requiring financial literacy instruction and why budgeting, investing, and similar topics present strong product opportunities.[00:09:82] Mental Health and SEL Requirements in New StandardsHow new legislation, including in California, increases demand for mental health and SEL aligned content across grade levels.[00:10:36] State Standard Updates Teachers Will Be Shopping ForA look at upcoming changes in ELA and math standards across several states and how creators can align resources.[00:11:21] The Massive Rise of Homeschool and Hybrid School BuyersWhy this customer base is expanding and how to speak directly to their needs in titles, descriptions, and resource design.[00:12:00] What Homeschool Buyers Look For in Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) ResourcesSmall but important differences that can make your existing resources more relevant to homeschooling families.[00:12:46] Understanding the Impact of Open Educational Resources (OER)What free, editable materials offer teachers and how TPT creators can compete with them.[00:13:29] Why Highly Editable and Differentiated Resources WinHow editability and built in differentiation help your products stay competitive with free OER options.[00:14:13] Offering Freebies That Lead to Paid SalesA strategic approach to high quality free resources that attract buyers without relying on samples alone.[00:14:50] Converting Freebie Seekers Into Loyal CustomersHow excellent freebies showcase your quality and encourage teachers to purchase full product lines.[00:15:50] Final Thoughts and Inspiration for Your 2026 Resource PlanningA reminder not to feel overwhelmed and to use these trends as helpful direction as you prepare for the year ahead.Resources mentioned:Chat GPT (Open AI): https://chatgpt.com/Science of Reading: https://www.improvingliteracy.org/resource/the-science-of-reading-an-overviewOpen Educational Resources (OER): https://oercommons.org/Connect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.