Educators do a lot. They teach, plan, communicate, and build communities. One fun and powerful way they stay connected with students, parents, and peers? Newsletters! Whether you’re running an online course, teaching in a classroom, or growing a learning community, a good newsletter tool can make your life much easier.
TLDR: Educators love using newsletter tools to send updates, share resources, and stay connected. Tools like Mailchimp, Substack, and ConvertKit make it easy to create good-looking emails without needing coding skills. Some tools are great for automation; others are best for community engagement. Pick one that matches your teaching style and goals.
Why Newsletters Matter for Educators
Let’s face it — not everyone checks school portals or learning management systems daily. But most people check their email. That makes newsletters a super effective way to:
- Share weekly class updates
- Send reminders for assignments or events
- Offer bonus materials and resources
- Build relationships beyond the classroom
And the best part? You don’t have to be a tech wizard to use these tools.
Top 8 Newsletter Tools Educators Use
Let’s explore the top newsletter tools educators are using today, with their pros and unique features.
1. Mailchimp
Best for: Teachers who want automation and design flexibility.
Mailchimp is like the Swiss army knife of email tools. It’s pretty easy to use and comes with tons of templates. You can segment your audience (for example, parents vs. students) and automate messages. Great if you’re teaching multiple classes or levels.
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Free plan available with basic features
- Smart automation for follow-ups
2. Substack
Best for: Educators creating long-form newsletters or reflections.
Substack is super popular among writers and thought leaders — and it works well for educators too! You can turn your updates into polished articles that look great on email and web. Bonus: You can monetize your newsletter if you’re sharing premium educational content.
- No tech skills needed
- Supports free and paid subscriptions
- Easy for students and parents to subscribe and read
3. ConvertKit
Best for: Online course creators and edupreneurs.
ConvertKit is made with creators in mind, and it works wonderfully for educators running digital courses or communities. It’s excellent for setting up email sequences (like lesson series!) and tracking engagement.
- Great for drip courses
- Simple tagging system for organizing students
- Landing pages and forms included
4. Smore
Best for: Classroom teachers who want beautiful, visual newsletters.
Smore helps you make stunning newsletters with minimal effort. It’s popular in schools because it focuses on visual storytelling — perfect for weekly class updates.
- Made with teachers in mind
- Kid-friendly, parent-friendly layouts
- Fun themes and icons to jazz things up
5. Beehiiv
Best for: Educators who want a modern, sleek email experience.
Beehiiv is newer on the scene but rising fast. It’s built by former staff at Morning Brew, so you know it’s got style. The interface is clean and intuitive, which makes designing a newsletter feel almost fun.
- Beautiful newsletter templates
- Analytics to see who’s reading your stuff
- Ideal for personal brand building
6. Revue (by Twitter/X)
Best for: Educators active on social media.
If you’re already sharing content on X (formerly Twitter), Revue helps you bring your content into an email newsletter. It works best for quick reflections, tips, or useful links.
- Integrates with your X account
- Instantly pull in tweets to reuse content
- Monetization options for premium communities
7. Buttondown
Best for: Minimalists and tech-savvy teachers.
Buttondown is a super simple email tool designed for clarity and speed. The interface is clean, and it supports markdown, so if you like writing raw content instead of designing flashy emails — this one’s for you.
- Minimal learning curve
- Privacy-friendly and ad-free
- Great for simple updates and links
8. Moosend
Best for: Schools with IT teams or organizations running group classes.
Moosend is powerful and built for more complex email marketing. It’s ideal for school systems or communities with multiple segments and detailed targeting needs.
- Advanced automation
- Multiple integrations
- A bit more complex than other tools
How to Choose the Right Tool
Still wondering which one to pick? Here’s a quick way to figure it out:
- Just starting out or in a classroom? Try Smore or Mailchimp.
- Running a course or digital product? Go with ConvertKit or Beehiiv.
- Love writing weekly thoughts? Use Substack or Revue.
- Minimalist or code-friendly user? Pick Buttondown.
Tips for Great Educational Newsletters
- Keep it short: Focus on the top 2–3 updates.
- Add a personal touch: Share a fun story from the week.
- Include links: Provide easy clicks to extra resources.
- Don’t overdo design: Clear text beats pretty fonts.
- Send regularly: Weekly or biweekly works best.
Final Thoughts
Newsletters are more than just emails. They’re little bridges between you and your community. Whether you’re reminding students about homework, sharing creative projects, or keeping parents in the loop, the right tool can help you do it beautifully — and easily.
The best newsletter tool is the one that feels right for you and fits into your workflow. So try a few, experiment, and get to writing. Your readers (and your sanity) will thank you!