Malorie Ottosen, Author at AGC Education

Empowering Student Entrepreneurs: Tech Solutions for Classroom Businesses

Malorie Ottosen on September 24, 2025

Student entrepreneurship is on the rise in schools, and it’s easy to see why. When students get the chance to run their own businesses, they’re not just making and selling products. They’re learning how to collaborate, solve problems, and think creatively. These are the kinds of skills that stick with them long after graduation.

For educators, student-run businesses can boost classroom engagement, encourage innovation, and bring the school community closer together. It’s a win for both students and schools.

Of course, having a good idea is only the starting point. To turn those ideas into real businesses, students need the right tools. That’s where technology makes all the difference.

Benefits of Student-Led Businesses for Students and Schools

Developing Real-World Business Skills

Students quickly discover that running a business is about more than just making products. They develop financial literacy, marketing know-how, project management skills, and the ability to make data-driven decisions – all in a safe, supportive environment.

Encouraging Creativity and Problem Solving

From designing a product to figuring out how to fix mistakes in production, students are constantly problem solving. They learn to test ideas, make adjustments, and find creative solutions when things don’t go as planned. These hands-on challenges help them build resilience and connect classroom concepts to real-world situations.

Building Confidence and Leadership

Owning a business – even a small one – gives students agency. They learn to lead teams, make decisions, and present their ideas with confidence. These experiences are invaluable for college applications, future careers, and personal growth.

Choosing the Right Tech for Your Student Business

Not every student-run business needs the same setup. Some schools might launch a simple print shop, while others dive into custom merchandise or prototyping. The key is to pick the right starting point for your program – one that fits your budget, your students’ interests, and the type of products you’d like them to create. Below, we’ll compare some of the most popular tools schools are using for student entrepreneurship, with examples of what each one does best.

Poster Printers for Student-Led Print Shops

If your students want to design and sell banners, event posters, or larger graphics, a poster printer is a great place to start. It’s ideal for programs that want quick wins – big, eye-catching products with relatively simple production.

What Can Students Make with a Poster Printer?

Event Banners
Promotional Posters
Custom Art Prints
Graphics and Signage

Starting Point: AGC’s Educator Plus Poster Printer for Schools

AGC’s Educator Plus Poster Printer helps students create banners, posters, and classroom displays quickly and easily. Its intuitive interface and flexibility allow students to bring ideas to life for school events, fundraisers, and entrepreneurship projects.

High School window graphics, installed by students

Vinyl Cutters for Custom Decals and Apparel

Vinyl cutters shine when students want to create small, personalized items. From laptop decals to car window stickers, this tool makes it easy to design and sell products that appeal to both peers and the wider community.

What Can Students Make with a Vinyl Cutter?

Custom Stickers
Car Decals
T-Shirts and Spritwear
Labels and Packaging

Starting Point: AGC’s Cut Out Studio Vinyl Cutter for Schools

AGC’s Cut Out Studio Vinyl Cutter lets students design and produce custom decals, stickers, and apparel with precision. Easy to use for beginners, it enables hands-on learning while students prepare products for school spirit items, fundraising, or student-run businesses.

Laser Engravers for High-End Merchandise

Laser engravers allow students to add a high-end feel to everyday items. Think engraved water bottles, keychains, or trophies. This is a great fit if your program is aiming for a more polished, retail-quality product line.

What Can Students Make with a Laser Engraver?

Personalized Gifts
Awards and Recognition Items
School Spirit Merchandise

Starting Point: AGC’s Laser Lab Engraver for Schools

AGC’s Laser Lab Engraver allows students to create personalized gifts, awards, and merchandise. Safe and user-friendly, it gives students professional-level engraving experience while supporting entrepreneurship and creative projects.

Sublimation Printers for Merchandise and Apparel

Sublimation printers open the door to custom apparel and gift items. T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags are all fair game, making this tool perfect for programs focused on spirit wear or community fundraising products.

What Can Students Make with a Sublimation Printer?

Custom Mugs and Drinkware
Apparel
Personalized Gifts
Home & Office Items

Starting Point: AGC’s Sublimation Station for Schools

AGC’s Sublimation Station Printer helps students produce high-quality merchandise like mugs, shirts, and ornaments. Its straightforward setup and reliable results make it ideal for teaching design and production skills in student business programs.

3D Printers for Prototyping and Custom Products

3D printers give students the power to design and build from scratch. Whether it’s prototyping inventions, making custom keychains, or producing replacement parts, this tech is ideal for schools emphasizing STEM and innovation alongside entrepreneurship.

What Can Students Make with a 3D Printer?

Prototyping Product Ideas
Custom Merchandise
STEM-Linked Products

Starting Point: AGC’s Imagin3D Printer for Schools

AGC’s Imagin3D Printer enables students to prototype and produce custom products such as keychains, figurines, or educational tools. Easy to learn and manage, it encourages creativity and problem-solving in student-led business projects.

Comparing Technology for Student Entrepreneurship

Machine	Best For	Material Type	Skill Level	Products	Business Types
Poster Printer	Signage, marketing materials	Paper, vinyl, window film, magnetic, and others	Beginner	Posters, banners, signage, print items	School print shops, event marketing services
Vinyl Cutter	Decals, stickers, custom apparel	Adhesive and heat transfer vinyl materials	Beginner – Intermediate	Stickers, t-shirts, tote bags	Spirit wear, custom merch, fundraising
Laser Engraver	Personalized & engraved products	Wood, acrylic, metal, glass, and others	Intermediate	Plaques, keychains, trophies	Gifts, school awards, online merch shops
Sublimation Printer	High-quality, personalized merchandise	Apparel, mugs, metal, ceramics, and others	Intermediate	Shirts, mugs, ornaments	Spirit merch, seasonal products, print-on-demand
3D Printer	Prototypes, STEM-linked products	PLA, ABS, resin, other plastics	Intermediate	Figurines, models, tools	STEM products, prototyping, custom goods

Supporting Student-Led Businesses with EmpowR Academy

Step-by-Step Program Guidance

EmpowR Academy provides teachers with structured resources for running student entrepreneurship programs. From selecting products to teaching business concepts, we help educators set up sustainable programs.

Ongoing Support for Educators and Students

EmpowR Academy supports schools throughout implementation, helping with troubleshooting, scaling programs, and integrating lessons into existing curricula.

Student Certification Opportunities

EmpowR Academy’s student certification programs give students a way to show what they’ve learned. They turn hands-on experience in design, production, marketing, and business management into credentials that students can include on resumes, portfolios, or college applications.

Educator Partnership

The EmpowR Academy team works directly with educators to ensure programs are successful and adaptable to different school contexts. This partnership makes student entrepreneurship sustainable, effective, and engaging.

Getting Started with Student Entrepreneurship in Your School

Launching a student-run business can feel overwhelming, but small steps make a big difference:

Start Small: Pilot a single product or project before expanding.
Match Tech to Goals: Use the comparison table to select the best tools for your program.
Incorporate Certification: Offer student credentials to increase engagement and provide real-world recognition.
Leverage Support: Use EmpowR Academy resources to guide implementation and keep programs on track.

Conclusion

Student entrepreneurship blends creativity, leadership, and business skills in ways few classroom experiences can match. By selecting the right technology and leveraging resources from AGC’s EmpowR Academy, schools can create programs that are both successful and sustainable.

Start small, choose tools that fit your students’ ideas, and let EmpowR help every step of the way. Your students can turn their ideas into thriving businesses – and gain skills that last a lifetime.

10 Ways Educator Plus Goes Beyond Posters in Schools

Malorie Ottosen on September 19, 2025

Large-format printers are more than just tools for posters—they can transform classrooms, hallways, and school-wide projects. With the Educator Plus Poster Printer, schools can explore creative, practical, and engaging ways to use printing technology. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a large-format printer worth it?” the answer becomes clear once you see how Educator Plus can be applied across a variety of projects.

10 Creative Ways to Use the Educator Plus Poster Printer

A perforated window graphic on school windows, printed on Educator Plus

Window Graphics and Security Screens

Using perforated window film, schools can create graphics that act as privacy screens while still allowing visibility from the inside. These screens are perfect for ground-level windows, helping hallways remain bright and welcoming. Additionally, they can be customized with school colors or logos, adding both safety and visual appeal.

A set of four student designed school t-shirts, made with the Educator Plus large format printer

Custom T-Shirts

Pair the Educator Plus with heat transfer materials to make custom t-shirts for field trips, clubs, sports teams, or staff events. These designs are durable and long-lasting, and they help build a sense of community and pride among students and staff.

Need a heat press? Explore heat press machines.

A table of student-designed stickers, created with Educator Plus

Stickers and Decals

With printable sticker material, schools can create vibrant stickers for laptops, water bottles, classroom supplies, or hallway decorations. These are ideal for school spirit campaigns, student clubs, and PBIS rewards. They also offer practical uses like labeling equipment or marking classroom zones.

Stickers are easier with a vinyl cutter. Explore Cut Out Studio.

Locker Magnets

Using printable magnetic material, schools can design locker magnets for spirit weeks, sports teams, or student recognition programs. Magnets are durable, reusable, and easy to swap out, making them both fun and functional while showcasing school pride.

A custom printed bulletin board cover promoting reading, made with the Educator Plus

Bulletin Board Backgrounds

Create custom bulletin board backdrops that are vibrant, durable, and perfectly sized for any display. These backgrounds can be updated seasonally or to match classroom themes, providing an engaging visual environment for students while saving teachers prep time.

A student-designed graphic in a school hallway, printed using Educator Plus

Student-Run Print Shops

Encourage entrepreneurial skills by running a student print shop. Students can create banners, posters, t-shirts, stickers, and more for school events or fundraising. This hands-on experience teaches business, design, and project management skills while engaging the wider school community.

Interested in starting a student-run business with your poster printer? EmpowR Academy can help!

A student building a bridge with STEMvelope lessons and Educator Plus

STEM and Makerspace Projects

Bring STEM concepts to life with the Educator Plus printer. From printing engineering diagrams to full-scale prototypes, students gain hands-on experience with tangible results. Pairing printing with vinyl cutting or lamination can further expand creative possibilities.

Want to do more STEM learning with your poster printer? Explore STEMvelope!

A custom fundraising tracker bulletin board, printed using the Educator Plus poster printer

Fundraising Products

Use the printer to create custom items for fundraising, such as banners, spirit gear, stickers, or t-shirts. These products are popular with parents and the community, helping generate revenue while encouraging student participation and creativity.

Thinking about using your poster printer for more fundraisers this year? EmpowR Academy can help!

A preK registration outdoor banner printed with the Educator Plus

Outdoor Signage

The Educator Plus can produce prints suitable for outdoor display. Use it for athletic fields, carpool lines, or event signage to communicate important information quickly and clearly, enhancing safety and organization.

Two math posters, one in English, one in Spanish, next to each other in a school hallway.

Bilingual Visuals

Support diverse learners with bilingual classroom visuals. Create vocabulary charts, safety signs, and instructional materials in multiple languages. These visuals improve comprehension and foster an inclusive, welcoming learning environment.

Why the Educator Plus Stands Out for Schools

When schools invest in technology, they want more than just a basic printer – they need a system that adapts to multiple uses, supports staff, and grows with student needs. The Educator Plus poster printer delivers exactly that. It’s not only designed for creating high-quality posters, but also for producing a wide variety of educational and school-wide projects that save time and money. From custom signage to classroom visuals and fundraising products, Educator Plus gives schools the flexibility to handle tasks in-house rather than outsourcing.

Even more importantly, when paired with EmpowR Academy, schools gain the training and resources needed to maximize every feature. This combination makes the Educator Plus one of the most practical and valuable printing solutions for K–12 education today – helping schools improve communication, boost engagement, and stretch their budgets further.

How EmpowR Academy Helps Schools Succeed

Having the right tools is important, but knowing how to use them effectively is just as crucial. That’s where EmpowR Academy comes in. Through practical training, hands-on workshops, and a growing library of resources, EmpowR helps schools maximize the value of their technology. Teachers and staff can explore new project ideas, discover creative applications, and learn best practices for integrating technology into classrooms, events, and student-led initiatives. In addition, EmpowR provides guidance on connecting technology with instruction, fundraising, and school culture, ensuring that schools aren’t just buying equipment – they’re gaining long-term value and stronger programs.

Curious how EmpowR Academy could help your team?

Start exploring today and see what’s possible when training meets creativity.

Explore EmpowR Academy

Getting Started with 3D Printing in the Classroom: Beginner’s Guide

Malorie Ottosen on September 17, 2025

3D printing has moved from industry labs into everyday classrooms. Today, schools of all sizes are using this technology to make learning more engaging, hands-on, and creative. Whether students are building models of ecosystems, printing parts for engineering projects, or designing custom classroom tools, 3D printing gives them a chance to bring ideas into the real world.

For many educators, the hardest step is knowing how to begin. Which printer makes sense for a classroom? What projects will spark interest? How do teachers build confidence without feeling like experts? This guide answers those questions while introducing the Imagin3D Package from AGC Education – a complete solution designed to help schools launch 3D printing programs with ease.

Why 3D Printing Belongs in the Classroom

3D printing supports learning across nearly every subject area, making it one of the most versatile tools schools can introduce. Instead of staying siloed in one department, it creates opportunities for collaboration between teachers, subjects, and grade levels – lending itself well to project-based learning.

STEM Integration: Students explore design thinking, engineering, and real-world problem solving.
Math Connections: Geometry, measurement, and scale become tangible through models students can hold.
Science Exploration: From molecules to fossils, printed models help learners visualize abstract concepts.
Arts and Humanities: Projects like dioramas and storytelling artifacts blend creativity with content knowledge.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Students gain exposure to tools used in modern industries such as healthcare, architecture, and manufacturing.

By combining creativity with technical skills, 3D printing not only enriches daily classroom learning but also prepares students for the future.

Step 1: Choose the Best 3D Printer for your School

Not every 3D printer is a good fit for education. Many consumer models are built for hobbyists or industry, not the classroom. Schools need printers that are safe, dependable, and simple to manage – tools designed to meet the unique demands of teaching and learning.

That’s where the Imagin3D Package comes in. Built with an Artillery core, this bundle is designed to meet the specific needs of educators and students.

Key features include:

Enclosed Build Chamber with Lighting and Ventilation: Keeps prints contained, reduces odors, and allows teachers to monitor projects safely.
Auto Bed Leveling: Eliminates calibration headaches so prints succeed on the first try.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Teachers can send files directly to the printer without swapping USB drives.
Starter Kit Included: Comes with five colors of PLA filament and a complete toolkit for maintenance and finishing.
Peace of Mind: A two-year warranty, plus U.S.-based support from AGC Education.

This combination of features means teachers can focus on projects instead of troubleshooting.

Step 2: Start with Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans

Having a printer is only part of the equation. Teachers also need ideas that fit into real classrooms. That’s why AGC developed STEM3D Lesson Starters — 20 ready-to-use activities that make it simple to introduce 3D printing across content areas.

Examples include:

Dig A Dino: Print and assemble a dinosaur skeleton for a hands-on science project.
De-Stress Plan: Design and print fidget spinners while exploring balance and rotational movement.
Measuring 3D Angles: Create tools that connect geometry to engineering practice.
Build a Diorama: Print plants, animals, and scenery to build detailed dioramas for history or ELA.

These lessons provide a solid foundation while allowing teachers to adapt and add their own creative touches.

Step 3: Support Teachers with Professional Development

Even with the best 3D printer in the world, success in the classroom comes down to one thing: teacher confidence. That’s why every Imagin3D Package includes access to EmpowR Academy, our professional development program built specifically for educators.

EmpowR is designed to meet teachers and schools exactly where they are. Whether you’re brand new to 3D printing or looking to connect technology with broader schoolwide goals, there’s a level that fits your needs.

Standard

Perfect for beginners, this level provides step-by-step guidance on using the equipment. Teachers learn setup, slicing software, filament loading, classroom safety, and troubleshooting. Standard ensures every educator can get started with confidence right out of the box.

Premier

For schools ready to move beyond “how it works” into “how it fits,” Premier focuses on curriculum connections and classroom integration. Teachers receive lesson templates, ready-to-use STL files, and resources that tie directly into math, science, ELA, and art projects. This level bridges the gap between technology and teaching, making 3D printing a natural extension of the curriculum.

Platinum

Designed for schools that want 3D printing to support bigger initiatives, Platinum goes beyond classroom integration. In addition to all the Premier resources, it includes advanced professional development on connecting 3D printing with PBIS, SEL, climate and culture, and even fundraising efforts. Platinum equips educators not just to use 3D printing, but to leverage it as a tool for schoolwide growth and transformation.

With this tiered approach, teachers aren’t locked into a “one-size-fits-all” training. Instead, schools can choose the path that makes sense for their staff and their goals — knowing they’ll have the support and resources to succeed at every step.

Step 4: Count on Training and Classroom Support

When schools buy a 3D printer off-the-shelf, they often discover that help is limited or nonexistent once the box is open. That’s where AGC stands out. We know teachers don’t have time to dig through forums or troubleshoot alone, which is why every Imagin3D Package comes backed by people and resources designed specifically for education.

Our U.S.-based team of education specialists is always just a phone call or email away, ready to walk you through any challenge. Whether you’re unboxing your printer for the first time or tackling a complex classroom project, you’ll have step-by-step guidance that grows with you. Beyond technical help, schools also gain access to education-specific resources – including ready-to-use lesson starters, professional development opportunities, and ongoing updates tailored for teachers.

This combination of personal support and classroom-ready content means schools are never left to figure things out alone. Instead, teachers can focus on what matters most: guiding students and inspiring creativity.

Step 5: Grow Your 3D Printing Program Over Time

Launching a 3D printing program doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Most schools start small with simple projects – keychains, classroom tools, or basic prototypes – and gradually build confidence. With each success, teachers and students begin to imagine bigger possibilities and take on more ambitious work.

Over time, those first projects can evolve into:

Robotics parts and engineering prototypes
Projects that support school-wide initiatives like PBIS or fundraising
Cross-curricular projects that combine science, math, and art
Career-focused CTE applications such as medical models or architectural drafts
Extracurricular STEAM clubs and makerspaces

The Imagin3D Package is built to support that growth. It provides a solid foundation that lets teachers and schools expand at their own pace – whether you want to start with small classroom wins or develop a full-scale program that transforms how students learn and engage.

What Teachers and Schools Are Saying

When it comes to customer support and ease of ordering supplies AGC is top notch! Many companies forget who their customers are once the check has been signed. AGC stands out above them all!

Kenneth D Bailey Staff

Kenneth D. Bailey Academy, IL

Great Customer Services, No Voice Mails, Instant assistance great training and a great system all rolled up in one.

Julie B.

Abraham Lincoln Elementary, CA

Great Training Program and customer Service

Darryl Y.

Griffin Middle, GA

Extremely patient, kind and resourceful (especially with a first time, inexperienced, needy media specialist)

Laura C.

Cedartown Middle School, GA

Went through the training 1,2,3. Love the ease of use and great customer service at any time

Janelle H.

Martin Grade School, SD

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Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing in Schools

Which 3D printer works best for a classroom setting?

The Imagin3D Package is built to help teachers succeed from day one. Beyond the printer itself, the package includes 20 ready-to-use STEM3D lessons, access to EmpowR Academy for professional development, and ongoing support from AGC’s U.S.-based education specialists. Whether you need guidance on getting started, troubleshooting, or integrating 3D printing into your curriculum and school initiatives, the resources and support provided make it easier to focus on teaching and engaging students, rather than worrying about technical challenges.

What do you need to start 3D printing in the classroom?

To get started, you need three things: a reliable printer, filament, and classroom projects. The Imagin3D Package provides all of this, plus guidance through EmpowR Academy. Teachers gain access to on-demand modules and live sessions covering setup, software, troubleshooting, and classroom implementation tips. This combination ensures you can start printing meaningful projects with your students on day one without feeling overwhelmed.

How can students use 3D printers in school?

Students can use 3D printers to bring learning to life across subjects. In science, they might create models of dinosaurs or molecules, while math lessons become hands-on through custom tools and 3D shapes. Arts and humanities projects can include dioramas, sculptures, or artifacts to enrich storytelling. Engineering and CTE classes benefit from designing and prototyping functional models. These activities build design thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

How can teachers learn to use a 3D printer?

Teachers can learn through EmpowR Academy, which provides training that meets them where they’re at. The Standard level walks beginners through every step: setup, slicing software, filament management, and troubleshooting. Premier and Platinum levels add curriculum integration, templates, STL files, and guidance on connecting projects to school initiatives like PBIS, SEL, and culture-building activities. With structured, tiered support, educators can choose the level that fits their skills, schedule, and classroom goals.

Is 3D printing worth it for schools?

Absolutely! 3D printing provides hands-on learning opportunities that help students understand STEM concepts, develop creative thinking, and gain skills relevant to future careers. With the right support, lesson resources, and teacher training, schools can turn 3D printing into a transformative educational tool.

Final Thoughts: A Teacher-Friendly Way to Get Started with 3D Printing

As a teacher, introducing a new technology can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. The Imagin3D Package gives you everything you need to bring 3D printing into your classroom with confidence. From a reliable, classroom-ready printer to five colors of filament, a 3D printing toolkit, and 20 ready-to-use STEM3D lessons, the package is designed so you can focus on teaching instead of troubleshooting. Plus, with EmpowR Academy, you can choose the training level that fits your comfort and goals.

This all-in-one solution puts teachers first. You get support every step of the way, practical resources for your classroom, and the flexibility to grow your program at your own pace. By starting with Imagin3D, you can bring 3D printing to life for your students, making STEM learning more interactive, meaningful, and fun.

Ready to Bring 3D Printing to Your School?

Explore Imagin3D

Choosing the Right Poster Printer for Your School (2025 Guide)

Malorie Ottosen on September 12, 2025

If your teachers are still tiling 8.5×11 sheets together for anchor charts or waiting a week for a print shop order, it might be time to rethink how your school makes posters. Today’s large-format poster printers let educators create vibrant, full color posters in minutes, without leaving campus.

But not all poster printers are created equal. Some deliver durable, waterproof posters that survive hallway traffic and rainy car lines. Others look good at first, but smear the second they get wet. In this article, we’ll compare some of the most common poster printer options schools consider:

Canon imagePROGRAF TM-350
HP DesignJet T630
Epson SureColor SC-T5100
AGC’s Educator Plus Poster Printer Package (our flagship recommendation)

Why Poster Printers Matter in Schools

Posters are more than decorations. They’re teaching tools, communication aids, and culture builders. A clear, student-friendly PBIS matrix posted in every hallway sets expectations. Bilingual signs help families feel welcome. Large anchor charts give students daily visual reinforcement of key concepts.

Outsourcing those jobs – or relying on small desktop printers – costs time and money. That’s why many schools are bringing poster printing in-house. But choosing the right poster printer model matters, especially when you want projects to last.

Canon TM-350

Why the Canon TM-350 is a Strong Poster Printer for Schools

The Canon TM-350 is a 36-inch, pigment-ink printer designed for high-demand environments like schools. Its key strengths line up perfectly with what educators need.

Durable pigment ink: Canon’s pigment-based inks are water and fade resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Speed that saves prep time: The TM-350 can print a full 24×36 poster in about 17 seconds – fast enough to keep up when teachers are prepping right before class.
Ink efficiency: Canon’s sub-ink tank system fully drains cartridges, cutting waste. You can also swap ink mid-print without ruining the job – no wasted posters.
Low-maintenance: Built-in nozzle checks and automatic cleaning cycles keep the printer running with minimal intervention.
Teacher-friendly workflow: Canon’s PosterArtist template library includes education-specific designs, so teachers don’t have to start from scratch. Printing is flexible too – send jobs from a laptop, Chromebook, or cell phone.

With its fast print speeds, durable pigment inks, and education-focused workflow, the TM-350 is an ideal poster printer for schools looking to create PBIS charts, anchor charts, and wayfinding signage that last.

HP DesignJet T630

Where the HP T630 Fits as a Poster Printer for Schools

The HP DesignJet T630 is often marketed to schools as an entry-level plotter. It can certainly print posters, but there are trade-offs.

Ink type matters: The T630 uses dye-based color inks (with a pigment black). Dye inks look vibrant, but will smear if they get wet. That makes them a poor fit for signage in outdoor areas, cafeterias, or anywhere custodians clean regularly.
Speed: Prints a 24×36 poster in about 30 seconds – respectable, but slower than Canon’s TM-350.
Workflow: Wireless printing and the HP Smart app make it easy for teachers to send jobs, but there’s no mid-print cartridge swap. If a cartridge runs out halfway, the print is lost.

The HP T630 can handle basic indoor posters and classroom signage, but its dye-based color inks make it less suited as a long-term poster printer for schools where durability and outdoor use are needed.

Epson SC-T5100

The Epson T5100 as a School Poster Printer

The Epson’s SC-T5100 uses pigment inks, which means the prints resist water and smudging. This is a strong feature for schools – but there are some trade-offs

Speed: At about 31 seconds per 24×36 poster, the SC-T5100 is slower than Canon’s TM-350 or HP’s T630. In a school setting where multiple teachers or departments need posters, that lag can create bottlenecks.
Size & Capability: The T5100 is designed as a compact, entry-level unit. That makes it fine for light use, but it struggles when asked to handle the volume or variety of prints many schools need.
Workflow: While it includes Wi-Fi, the software ecosystem isn’t as intuitive or education-friendly as Canon’s PosterArtist. Teachers may find the setup clunky, especially if they’re trying to create classroom visuals on a tight schedule..

For schools that only print the occasional sign, the Epson SC-T5100 might suffice. But when compared to the Canon TM-350, it lacks the speed, volume handling, and teacher-friendly tools that make a poster printer for schools a truly reliable investment.

Key Comparison: What Schools Should Weigh

Feature	Canon TM-350	HP DesignJet T630	Epson SureColor T5100
Ink Type (Durability)	All pigment, waterproof, fade-resistant, versatile	Dye color + pigment black, bright prints, not waterproof	All pigment, waterproof, fade-resistant, versatile
Print Speed (A1/D-size poster)	~17 seconds (fastest)	~30 seconds	~31 seconds
Maintenance	Automatic cleanings, waste ink tracking, mid-print cartridge swaps	Standard cartridges; no hot-swap	Standard cartridges; no hot-swap
Teacher Workflow	PosterArtist templates, Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi + HP app support	Wi-Fi + utilities
Best For	High-volume schools, frequent outdoor and indoor signage, PBIS/SEL programs	Budget-conscious schools printing mostly indoor posters and CAD drawings	Schools needing durable indoor posters at lower volumes

Educator Plus: A Complete Solution for Schools

Why AGC’s Educator Plus Is the Smartest Poster Printer Package for Schools

After weighing the Canon TM-350, HP T630, and Epson T5100, the takeaway is clear: hardware matters, but support matters more. That’s why AGC’s Educator Plus package combines the TM-350’s performance with everything schools need to use it to its full potential.

Templates for Schools: PBIS charts, SEL visuals, wayfinding signs, and curriculum-aligned resources ready to go.
EmpowR Academy: Professional development that helps staff turn printing into a true instructional tool.
Real Support: U.S.-based, in-house experts – including former teachers – who know what schools face daily.
Efficiency Built In: Canon’s pigment ink, smart reservoirs, and self-maintenance features save time and budget.

With Educator Plus, schools don’t just buy a printer. They unlock a complete system for creating the kind of visuals that shape culture, support learning, and strengthen community.

Trust and Training: The AGC Promise

Choosing the right printer is only half the story. The other half is making sure teachers and staff actually use it. That’s where AGC comes in.

As an educator, we are faced with daily challenges. It means everything to have a vendor understand and act as our true partner.

Laura C.

Cedartown Middle School

Phone calls to AGC Education are answered immediately and you are talking to someone who can answer questions within seconds. I cannot say enough about this product and company. If you are hesitating with a purchase, wait no longer.

Dave M.

Lincrest, CA

Our high school teachers have truly enjoyed making high-quality posters for their classrooms, special events, and bulletin boards. The entire AGC team provides great customer service and support!

Chip B.

Collierville High School, TN

Easy to use, Great Training High Quality posters and very thorough program

Vicki I.

Northeast MDL, PA

VERY quick response time to all questions!
Quotes are quick and accurate. Shipping is lightning fast! I could go on and on!

H. Burgdorf Owen

Marshall Elementary, SC

Went through the training 1,2,3. Love the ease of use and great customer service at any time

Janelle H.

Martin Grade School, SD

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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Poster Printer for Your School

Canon’s TM-350 clearly outpaces HP’s T630 and Epson’s T5100 when it comes to durability, efficiency, and ease of use. For schools, that means less wasted ink, fewer ruined jobs, and posters that last indoors and outdoors.

But buying the right printer is only half the equation. Schools also need resources, training, and support to make sure the printer is actually used to its fullest potential. That’s why AGC’s Educator Plus package takes the TM-350 and surrounds it with ready-made templates, professional development through EmpowR Academy, and in-house support from real educators.

The result isn’t just a printer purchase – it’s a complete solution that helps schools create visuals that strengthen culture, support instruction, and communicate clearly every day.