What are the best online resources for teachers?

As I think about some of the best online resources for teachers I use in my classroom, I find myself oddly reminiscing on the Covid-19 breakout that shut down our schools for almost 6 months (or in some districts, even longer!). I think it’s time to pay homage to a time that many of us thought was impossible. During this era of uncertainty, I found myself teaching in ways I never thought possible- tethered to a small camera, muting students (a personal fav!), teaching with my new “covid pup” on my lap, blurring the background to my private life, talking into the void until some sweet student finally let me know that I was muted (their personal fav!) and much more. While I was reluctant to teach online at first, mostly because I wasn’t sure how or when this would end, I inevitably learned strategies and tools that made my classroom stronger, more flexible, and more engaging. Students who once struggled found their rhythm online. This shift wasn’t a detour; it was a transformation.

What began as a resource guide born out of a pandemic has now been fully updated to support any teaching format.  Whether you’re working in-person, hybrid, flipped, or fully online below is a list of resources we found online (mostly free!) that teachers continue to use beyond the pandemic era.

Top 5 Online Teacher-Tested Tools That Actually Work

While writing this blog, I reached out to teachers of all grade levels and subject areas to gather real-world feedback—what worked and what flopped. Here are some teacher favorites:

1. The Writing Pathway- This is a one-stop materials-generator for all writing assignments. This site uses AI generated tools to create worksheets, generate ideas and provide step-by step writing assistance to you and your students. This is appropriate for all levels and content areas. My teacher friends keep joking- better access it now while it’s still free. This is a gem of a resource!
2. OSLIS- The Oregon School Library Information System is like no other online database of resources. If there are any Oregon teachers out there reading this, allow me to personally thank you for this resource! This online library is free to the public and an essential resource for conducting research. I used it this year when the kids were researching WW2 events. I used their step-by-step research guides and videos. I taught citations and even found a ton of primary and secondary resources. This was a gold mine! Thank you, Oregon!
3. Padlet– I can’t believe I’m saying that this is an “oldie but goodie!” I suppose in the world of the Internet, age is a construct! This site still works for collaboration, sharing and generating ideas. I use it for group discussions, brainstorming, and other large class feedback opportunities. It’s an interactive bulletin board. If you haven’t used it yet, get with the program! You’ll love it!
4. Wayground (formerly Quizziz)- Quizziz was always my go-to for formative assessments, but now, it’s rebranded as Wayground. It uses AI technology to generate lesson bundles, provide curriculum realignment and it even has its own accredited Math program schools can implement. Some of the features are paid only, but it’s definitely worth a look!
5. WeVideo– This is an online video editor that is an absolute MUST HAVE in your class. I use it to make my end of the year photo montage, but throughout the year, I am able to edit YouTube videos and add commentary. It might be worth it to watch a few tutorial sessions on this program, but I don’t think I could teach without it! Plus, the kids are learning alongside me- and not surprisingly, have surpassed my skills. They have been my best how-to reference!The learning curve was real, but it gave me full control to flip my teaching.

Other honorable mentions include: Screencastify, Poll Everywhere, Crash Course, and Wakelet—just to name a few. If you want to dive deeper into these programs and earn professional development for your time exploring, take Online Strategies that Work or check out our Web Review courses where teachers review popular websites in their fields. As always, you’ll be awarded professional development hours towards recertification in your state provided by the number one rated professional development resource for teachers, The Teacher’s Academy.

Should Teachers Use AI?

In short, yes. Teachers should be using AI. Our students are already there and so it’s time to jump ahead of yet another technology curve in education and be part of the policy making process around AI.

If you call out to Alexa for weather updates, or use the auto prediction features while typing an email, you already are using AI! Many online resources, such as The Writing Pathway, mentioned above use Generative AI elements to craft lessons and presentations based on your input. By now, many teachers have dabbled with Co-Pilot or ChatGPT to generate lesson ideas or even letters of recommendation. Some of these tasks might cross an ethical line we are trying to hold while teaching our own students proper AI etiquette. Some teacher- tasks are simply done smarter and faster with AI, but which ones?

For an introduction to AI and its application in the classroom, check out our courses, AI in Ed.

Teachers already know best…

After a pandemic and now AI, we’re now in a position to thoughtfully choose the best of both worlds—merging hands-on learning with digital strategies that support all learners.

So whether you’re rethinking your lesson plans or just want to spice up your teaching game with some modern tools, this is your invitation to dive in. Our course, Online Strategies that Work, is built on the innovation of educators who didn’t wait for a playbook, they built it! Thank you, teachers!

Professional Development that Works for Teachers

No need to stress over license requirements! Our courses provide teachers a fast, efficient, affordable way to earn professional development hours, points, CEUs or credits (depending on your state requirements). Many projects are customizable activities and lessons that teachers can use in their classrooms right away. Gather resources and proven strategies while earning hours on your own schedule. Download a course to try today!