Shoppers as well as teachers throughout the Sioux Falls region are welcome to check out bargains on used educational materials at the Fourth Annual Teacher Swap Meet in Sioux Falls. 

The Teacher Swap Meet will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 26 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Admission is free. Browsers are likely to find all sorts of good deals on books, games, display materials and other educational supplies. Hundreds of bargain hunters are expected to attend, and sellers are not likely to run out of merchandise.

 “The Teacher Swap Meet is one of the best-kept secrets in Sioux Falls. Although we cater to teachers looking to equip their classrooms, the event is open to the public. It’s a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, daycare providers, and others to find inexpensive educational materials,” said Allison Struck, executive director of the Education Foundation.

“Teachers have sold games, puzzles, sets of books, science kits, bulletin boards, and many other items. It’s really about teachers helping teachers. Retiring educators get to clear out some space, and new teachers have a cost-effective way to equip their classrooms. The general public benefits, too,” Struck said. “I found tons of chapter books for my little pal last year, and they cost less than $15 total.”

In addition to shopping, this year’s feature author is Tom Roberts, who will be on hand to visit about all of his books, including his newest book, “A New Norm.”  “A New Norm” was created as a tool to help start a conversation with young people about mental wellness. The book was published in partnership with Avera Behavioral Health and Children’s Home Society.

 Concessions will be for sale at the Convention Center. Food and drink from the outside cannot be brought into the event.

The Teacher Swap Meet is sponsored by Avera and hosted by the Education Foundation.