Teacher Created Materials, Huntington Beach, Calif., has purchased Free Spirit Publishing, Minneapolis, Minn.
Founded by Judy Galbraith, a former educator, Free Spirit Publishing has aimed to provide children and teens as well as the adults who care for and about them with the tools they need to think for themselves, overcome challenges, and make a difference in the world. Galbraith commented: "Nearly 40 years ago I identified a need for accessible, contemporary books that would help young people develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. I am proud of the award-winning products Free Spirit has published. I feel I have found a kindred spirit in Teacher Created Materials and am excited to see that the Free Spirit vision will endure and grow."
Rachelle Cracchiolo, founder & CEO of Teacher Created Materials, said, "Free Spirit has created an important product line focused on social emotional learning, early childhood education, and professional resources all of which complement products and services from Teacher Created Materials."
Free Spirit will continue operations at its Minneapolis location. Teacher Created Material plans to maintain the Free Spirit brand while merging the editorial, sales and marketing, and operations teams over the coming months.
Founded in 1977, Teacher Created Materials develops educational materials and services for students worldwide, materials and products created by teachers for teachers and students to make teaching more effective and learning more fun, the company said.