This week a pretty big thing happened at Power PointManiac’s Teaching Resources.  Something that I NEVER in my dreams thought would happen so soon. Sales of my power points and teaching resources passed ten thousand dollars in a little over a year of selling. (Over $4,000 the first three months of 2011!)  I am so unbelievably blessed!

It all started when I saw a NY Times article about the website, teacherspayteachers.com, in November, 2009 about how some educators were beginning to sell their resources online. I remember wondering, “Hmmm, Could I do that?” I decided to give it a try and put a couple of my science power points on the website. It wasn’t really until about March of 2010 that I began to sell a few things and started uploading power points and resources. This past December I decided to start my own website, www.powerpointmaniac.com, as well.  It has been so amazing meeting new people, giving away lots of free resources, and running a business. (Speaking of free, if you are a teacher, I just updated a Math Word problem packet and made it free!)

I think one of the best things about starting this has been how much it has improved my teaching. It is one thing to create a power point for a classroom full of 4th graders, but putting it out there for other educators to critique and use meant I needed to make them professional and interactive.  I subscribed to a clipart site, which the kids love. (I Highly recommend clipart.com and animationfactory.com, but they are not free!) I also now make all my resources interactive with a fun theme like the grammar fairy tales power points.

I am especially thankful for the amazing family that I have.  Becky (my wife) has been especially supportive (and patient!) with all my big ideas and dreams and has helped me so much along the way. (Can’t wait for the smoothie business this summer! ha) Wesley (age 4) will even ask, “Did you sell anything on Teachers Pay Teachers today?” and loves the Power Point Maniac!  I am not sure exactly why the Lord has decided to bless my family and I, sometimes I feel so unworthy! But I know that he is a good God and he so loves to bless his children. I am very excited to see what the next few years bring and I am very thankful for everyone who has spread the word about my business, helped me with ideas and resources, and bought my stuff!

Thanks so much,

Jason Elliott

PowerPoint Maniac

Truly anyone can sell their teaching resources. If you are interested in selling, sign up today!

(I do get a small commission if you use my link)

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