You’ve taken the online quiz, you’ve asked your mom, and even your cat. But you still don’t know if you have what it takes to become a teacher.

Teaching is a profession where the signs are loud and clear. Getting enjoyment out of helping youth learn and develop is an obvious one, for example. There are also more subtle signs, too.

Let’s talk business! The best educators do more than just teach; they’re resourceful and collaborative--just like the educators who curated this list of 31 exceptional, free tools designed to deliver what matters most: engaged and happy students.

There are exceptional resources for ESL teachers and students, such as ISLCollective, which offers a large library of free worksheets, slide decks, and activities for grammar, vocabulary, reading, and speaking. To build listening and speaking skills, Elllo provides hundreds of listening exercises with global accents and real-life scenarios, each including transcripts and comprehension questions. BBC Learning English features high-quality, free lessons, videos, podcasts, and interactive exercises covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and real-world communication skills for all levels.

Summers off and sharing a passion are just a couple benefits of pursuing an education career. Teachers also enjoy bonus discounts from retailers, save money when buying a home and engage in unique professional development resources. Most importantly, however, teachers have an opportunity to show up for those who need them most.

The AI battle in schools has been well documented. The New York Times referred to AI as “a new headache for honest students” and 68% of middle and high school teachers report using AI detection tools. Additionally, student discipline for AI use has increased. During the 2022-2023 school year, 48% of teachers confronted a student about their AI use, and the following school year saw a 15-point increase.

What if a battle isn’t necessary?