Welcome to TechSwap! Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us.

What is TechSwap?

TechSwap is a free, educator-led network for K–12 teachers and staff across the U.S. to share classroom technology and resources by offering and requesting donations. All resources are offered at no cost. Visit our About page to learn more.

Who can join TechSwap?

Anyone currently working in K–12 education in the United States is eligible to join. This includes classroom teachers, tech coaches, librarians, instructional aides, administrators, support staff, and the like.

How do you verify that someone works in education?

During sign up, users are asked to provide proof of employment in education. This can include:

• A school-affiliated email address (e.g., ending in .edu or a school domain)
• A photo of a school ID or badge
• A link to a staff directory or school website showing your name and role

Do I need an account to use TechSwap?

No account is needed to browse listings, but you do need one to:

• Post an offer or request
• Express interest in an item
• Message another educator
• Register for an event

What kinds of items can I donate?

TechSwap is focused on technology-related classroom materials, but we welcome a wide range of resources that support hands-on, creative, and technical learning. Some examples include:

• Development boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino)
• Electronic components (e.g., resistors, sensors, breadboards)
• Robotics kits and circuit kits
• Coding toys (e.g., Ozobots, Cubetto, Bee-Bot)
• Digital fabrication materials (e.g., 3D printing filament, vinyl)
• Digital fabrication machines (e.g, laser cutter, 3D printer, plotter)
• Laptops and tablets
• Computer peripherals (e.g., monitors, keyboards, mice, webcams)
• A/V equipment (e.g., microphones, projectors, speakers)
• VR headsets
• Drones (for educational use)
• STEM books or tools
• Assistive technology
• Art supplies and sewing supplies for tech-integrated projects

All items must be legal to give away, safe for classroom use, and in working condition, unless otherwise labeled.

Can I sell or trade items on TechSwap?

No. Everything shared on TechSwap must be offered for free. The platform is rooted in mutual aid and equity, not commerce. If you want to sell or trade items, please use a different platform.

How does messaging work?

When you click Express Interest on a listing, you can send a message to the person who posted it. With your consent, your name and email address will be shared with them so you can coordinate directly.

What are Access Tiers and how do they work?

There are three tier levels we use to represent a member’s current access to technology:

• Tier 1 (none or low access)
• Tier 2 (moderate access)
• Tier 3 (adequate or fantastic access)

To prioritize educators who need resources most, your Access Tier determines how quickly you can message donors to claim items:

• Tier 1 educators get first access to items.
• Tier 2 educators can express interest 24 hours after posting.
• Tier 3 educators can contact users 48 hours after posting.

Everyone can view listings immediately, but messaging access is staggered by tier.

What happens if I don’t receive a donation I claimed?

TechSwap is a peer-to-peer mutual aid platform. We connect educators, but we don’t manage or guarantee exchanges. Sometimes a swap may fall through.

If you don’t hear back or receive the item:

• Feel free to send one polite follow-up message
• If there's still no response, move on and request a different item
• You’re welcome to post a Request Listing so others can offer help

If you believe someone is misusing the platform or acting in bad faith, please report it to [email protected] so we can look into it.

Can I host an in-person TechSwap?

Yes! Anyone in the K–12 education community can host a local TechSwap using our Facilitator Guide. Whether you’re organizing an event at your school, district, or a conference, we’re here to support you.

What are you doing to protect users' privacy?

We collect only the information needed to verify eligibility and run the platform. We never sell your data. You can read more in our Privacy Policy.

Photos or personal info of students or other individuals must not be shared without written permission. Blurred faces or anonymized content are always safest.

Can I see or delete the data you have about me?

Yes! Email [email protected] if you would like to:

• Access the data we have about you
• Correct or update your information
• Delete your account (subject to our

What if someone breaks the rules?

If you see content or behavior that violates our policies, such as harassment, inappropriate listings, or privacy issues, please report it to [email protected]. We take all reports seriously.

What if something I claimed is broken or unsafe?

TechSwap does not inspect or guarantee the condition of items shared on the platform. We encourage users to communicate clearly, ask questions, and use judgment when accepting or donating items.

Can I include photos in my listings?

Yes! We encourage clear, accurate photos to help others understand the item. Just make sure not to include students, minors, or identifying faces without written permission.

Can I ship items or does it have to be local pickup?

That’s entirely up to you. Some TechSwappers prefer to meet locally, while others are open to shipping. Please state your preference in your listing and communicate clearly with the recipient to work out logistics.

How long do listings stay up?

If they comply with our Terms of Use, Listings remain active for 2 years. You can remove or update your listing at any time by logging into your account. If your item has been claimed, please mark it as fulfilled by clicking “End the Listing” to help keep the platform up to date and clutter-free.

Can I repost the same item if it wasn’t claimed?

Yes. If an item hasn’t been claimed after a few weeks, feel free to delete the original listing and repost it so it gets more visibility. If it remains unclaimed after a few more weeks, we encourage you to take down your listing and consider donating your item to a local donation center or properly disposing of it at an e-waste drop-off site.

Can I change my Access Tier later?

Yes. You can update your Access Tier from your account settings if your circumstances change. We trust educators to self-identify honestly and use the platform in the spirit of mutual support.

Can my account be suspended or removed?

Yes. TechSwap reserves the right to suspend or remove accounts that violate our Terms of Use, share inappropriate content, or misuse the platform. Our goal is to protect a safe and respectful space for all users.

Are there any cleaning or safety guidelines for items?

Yes. All items should be clean, safe, and appropriate for classroom use. If something is damaged or incomplete, be upfront in your listing. Don’t donate anything that could pose a hazard to others.

Can my school or district use TechSwap as a group?

Yes! Schools and districts are welcome to use TechSwap collaboratively, but each user should create their own verified account. We suggest appointing a point person if you're posting on behalf of a shared pool of materials.

Can I suggest a new feature or improvement?

Yes! We’re always looking to improve TechSwap. Please contact us with your ideas or feedback.

Looking for step-by-step instructions on how to join? Visit our How-To.