About Markers + Minions

Teachers need more time and more support.

If I’m being honest, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t see a post online written by a fed-up teacher who either needs more TIME or more SUPPORT. New curriculum rollouts, challenging students, stressful demands from higher-ups – there’s a lot that can get in the way of actual real-life teaching. This is my motivation. I am obsessed with simplifying the complexities of teaching so that teachers can take back their teaching.

My name is Toluca Rivers, and I am the teacher, author, and curriculum designer behind Markers and Minions. I have a passion for connecting and collaborating with others. I love being able to share ideas, successes, and struggles. I believe that it’s important to remain open to continuous learning and that we have so much to learn from one another!

I create high-quality teaching resources that are designed to help teachers feel empowered. My resources are standards-aligned but practical. Engaging but meaningful. They are meant to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on being creative… so you can have more TIME. I also provide a community for teachers from around the world in my Facebook groups and in my email community. They are collaborative and positive and will provide you with SUPPORT.

You can join my Markers and Minions Teacher Community Facebook Group here, and my Benchmark Advance Facebook Group here.

FAQ’s & Answers

I’m a Benchmark Advance Teacher. Where do I start?

First, please join the Benchmark Advance Planning, Organization, and Tips Facebook group. This is the group that I formed to support teachers around the world using the program. I do not work for Benchmark — the ideas I share are my own from experience!

Secondly, download and save this document. It has links to everything I’ve put together over the years to support BA teachers (videos, photos, resources, etc.).

Do you create resources for teachers who don’t use Benchmark Advance?

Yes! While my name has become synonymous with this program, I still create resources for every teacher! I specialize in upper-elementary and have resources for mainly ELA, math, and project-based learning.

My Top Sellers:

What are some of your favorite articles you’ve written?

How can I keep up with you on a daily basis?

I’m all over the place, so the best place to keep up with me is on Instagram (@markersandminions) and on my Facebook page. I enjoy posting to those regularly and sharing about my day-to-day life in my Instagram stories.