Free Resources And Offers For Educators During The Coronavirus Pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, educators across the United States have faced unprecedented challenges, including sudden school closures, the shift to remote learning, and the need to adapt quickly to new teaching environments. In response, numerous organizations, companies, and educational institutions have stepped up to provide free tools, services, and resources to support teachers and students. These offerings range from digital curricula and lesson planning assistance to remote learning platforms and even food discounts. This article compiles verified information on the free resources available to educators, with a focus on the most impactful and accessible options.

The data collected from multiple sources highlights a wide array of educational and practical benefits for teachers and students. For instance, the Collabrify Roadmap Platform offers a free, open-access system for creating and sharing collaborative curricula, while Microsoft provides a suite of tools designed to support remote instruction. Additionally, food-related freebies and discounts, such as those from Pinkberry and Royal Hawaiian Orchards, have been extended to educators as a form of appreciation during these challenging times. Other companies, such as Krisp, have introduced free tiers of their services to assist with remote communication, and organizations like ISTE and EdSurge have compiled directories of over 700 free educational resources.

Below, the article is structured to provide a detailed overview of the available offerings, including eligibility requirements, access methods, and practical considerations for educators. The goal is to serve as a comprehensive guide for U.S.-based teachers, administrators, and educational professionals seeking no-cost tools and support to continue their work effectively during the pandemic.

Educational Tools and Platforms

A variety of digital platforms and educational tools have become available at no cost to educators to support remote and hybrid learning environments. These resources are designed to enhance lesson planning, student engagement, and curriculum development, providing teachers with the necessary tools to maintain continuity in education during school closures.

The Collabrify Roadmap Platform offers a free, open-access system that allows teachers to create and share standards-aligned curricula with their students. The platform is device-independent and provides a searchable repository of lessons developed by the University of Michigan Center for Digital Curricula. This resource enables educators to collaborate with students and classmates in real time, facilitating interactive and engaging virtual learning experiences. The platform is particularly beneficial for teachers seeking ready-to-use lesson plans and collaborative tools to support their remote teaching efforts.

Microsoft has also provided a comprehensive suite of tools to assist educators in transitioning to online learning. The company's Microsoft Education platform includes a five-day guide for school leaders, best practices for teachers and students, and resources for parents and families. Additionally, Microsoft Teams, along with Flipgrid and Wakelet, offer tools for virtual classrooms, professional development, and remote collaboration. These tools are part of the Office 365 Education suite, which is available free of charge to qualifying educational institutions and individuals.

In addition to Microsoft, the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and EdSurge have compiled a directory of over 700 free educational resources. This collection includes lesson plans, webinars, and tools organized by grade level, subject area, and standards. The directory is searchable and provides educators with access to a wide range of materials, including remote learning strategies, virtual field trip ideas, and professional development resources. The EdSurge guides for K-12 and higher education also cover topics such as managing remote classrooms and integrating technology into instruction.

For educators seeking specialized support, Tech & Learning has published a Remote Learning Playbook, which includes guidance on utilizing edtech tools effectively. The playbook, available upon registration, is authored by Kecia Ray, an education technology expert, and offers practical advice for both new and experienced remote educators.

These platforms and tools collectively provide a robust foundation for educators navigating the challenges of online instruction. By leveraging these free resources, teachers can enhance their virtual teaching experiences, maintain student engagement, and continue delivering high-quality education despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Food and Retail Discounts for Educators

In addition to digital tools and educational platforms, several businesses have extended food-related discounts and freebies to educators as a gesture of appreciation during the pandemic. These offers are typically available through in-store visits or takeout/delivery options and may require a valid school ID or proof of employment in education.

Pinkberry, a popular frozen yogurt chain, offered educators a 50% discount on any size swirl when they presented a valid school ID at participating locations. This promotion was valid for a limited time and aimed to recognize the efforts of teachers during the transition to remote learning. Similarly, Royal Hawaiian Orchards, known for its macadamia nut snacks, provided educators with discounts on its organic and healthy snack products. These items, which include flavors such as wasabi and pink Himalayan sea salt, are marketed as nutritious options suitable for both teachers and students.

Other businesses, though not explicitly named in the source data, may offer similar promotions through local partnerships or national campaigns. These discounts are often time-sensitive and may vary by region. Educators interested in such offers should verify the terms and conditions directly with the retailers, as availability can change frequently.

These food-related freebies and discounts serve as a small token of gratitude for educators during a particularly challenging period. While they may not replace the broader support provided by digital learning tools, they contribute to the overall well-being of teachers and provide a sense of recognition for their continued efforts in remote instruction.

Remote Work and Communication Tools

As remote work and virtual learning have become the norm, several technology companies have introduced free or discounted tools to support educators in maintaining communication and productivity. These tools range from noise-canceling software to project management and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, offering valuable resources for teachers managing online classrooms and administrative tasks.

Krisp Technologies has provided a free tier of its noise-canceling app, which is particularly useful for educators conducting virtual lessons or participating in online meetings. The free version includes up to 120 minutes of usage per week and is available without cost for the next six months. Additionally, students, teachers, government workers, and hospital personnel can access unlimited usage at no charge. This tool helps improve audio quality during video calls, making virtual instruction more effective and engaging.

Project44, a supply chain visibility platform, has also introduced a free tier for educators and educational institutions. The platform enables real-time tracking of goods and services, which can be beneficial for schools managing remote learning logistics or coordinating the delivery of educational materials.

BigPanda, an event correlation and incident automation platform, offers a free tier for IT operations management. While primarily intended for businesses, this tool could be useful for educational institutions managing large-scale technology infrastructure and digital learning environments.

These remote work and communication tools provide educators with essential support in managing virtual classrooms and administrative functions. By leveraging these free services, teachers can enhance their online teaching experiences and maintain efficient communication with students and colleagues.

Curriculum and Lesson Planning Resources

Educators have access to a range of free curriculum and lesson planning resources designed to support remote and hybrid learning environments. These materials include pre-developed lesson plans, instructional guides, and professional development tools that help teachers maintain academic rigor while adapting to new teaching formats.

The Share My Lesson platform, created by educators for educators, offers a comprehensive collection of free lesson plans and activities. The resources are organized by subject area and grade level, making it easier for teachers to find relevant materials. Additionally, the platform features an online community where educators can discuss best practices, share experiences, and collaborate on lesson planning.

Microsoft's Office 365 Education suite includes resources such as webinars, guides, and Flipgrid examples that demonstrate how to effectively use Microsoft Teams in K-12 and higher education settings. These resources provide practical insights into leveraging technology for virtual instruction and student engagement.

The Hechinger Report has also published a special series on the impact of the pandemic on education, offering in-depth coverage of how students and educators are adapting to remote learning. This resource includes analysis of policy decisions, budget impacts, and long-term implications for the future of education.

For educators seeking a more structured approach to lesson planning, the Tech & Learning Remote Learning Playbook provides step-by-step guidance on integrating edtech tools into virtual classrooms. The playbook, available upon registration, is authored by Kecia Ray and includes actionable strategies for maximizing student engagement and instructional effectiveness.

These curriculum and lesson planning resources are invaluable for educators navigating the challenges of remote learning. By utilizing these free tools, teachers can streamline their planning processes and ensure that students continue to receive high-quality instruction despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Free Social and Emotional Learning Resources

As the pandemic has disrupted traditional classroom settings, many educators have sought additional resources to support students' social and emotional development. Free tools and materials have been made available to help teachers address these needs, particularly for students with disabilities or those who may struggle with the sudden shift to remote learning.

One notable offering is the "Coronavirus and Me" social story series, which provides educators and parents with a free downloadable PDF to help children understand the changes brought about by the pandemic. This resource, designed for use in both virtual and in-person settings, includes four separate stories that can be read individually or together, depending on the child’s attention span and comprehension level. The stories cover topics such as school closures, social distancing, and changes to daily routines. Additionally, an editable PowerPoint version is available, allowing educators to personalize the content by inserting the child's name, school, teacher, friends, and favorite activities. A Spanish version of the stories is also available, making it accessible to a wider audience.

These social stories serve as a valuable tool for educators working with students who may find it difficult to adapt to the rapid changes in their environment. By using these resources, teachers can help students process their emotions, understand new circumstances, and feel more secure in their learning environments. The availability of these free materials underscores the importance of addressing social and emotional learning in remote and hybrid educational settings.

Conclusion

The pandemic has brought about significant challenges for educators, but it has also led to the development of numerous free resources and support systems to help them continue their vital work. From digital learning platforms to food discounts and remote communication tools, a wide array of offerings is available to assist teachers in maintaining educational continuity. The Collabrify Roadmap Platform and Microsoft’s Office 365 Education suite provide valuable tools for curriculum development and virtual instruction, while platforms like Share My Lesson and ISTE offer extensive collections of lesson plans and professional development resources.

Additionally, businesses have extended appreciation to educators through food-related discounts, such as those from Pinkberry and Royal Hawaiian Orchards. For those managing remote communication, tools like Krisp and Project44 offer free tiers to enhance virtual interactions and logistical coordination. Social and emotional learning resources, such as the "Coronavirus and Me" story series, support students in understanding and adapting to the changes brought about by the pandemic.

By leveraging these free tools and services, educators can continue to deliver high-quality instruction, engage students effectively, and maintain a sense of normalcy during these challenging times. These resources not only support academic learning but also contribute to the overall well-being of both teachers and students.

Sources

1. SmartBrief - Free Resources for Educators During the Coronavirus Pandemic
2. NYPost - Teacher Appreciation Week Food Deals
3. ClarityWave - Coronavirus Deals
4. TeachersPayTeachers - Coronavirus and Me Social Story