32 Great Teacher Discounts: Stock Up on Classroom Supplies (and More!) for Less
Did you know teachers spend an average of $820 out of their own pockets each year for classroom supplies, instructional materials and professional development?
More than 99% of public school teachers spend their own money on classroom decorations, books and materials — a total of $1.6 billion each year, according to the Education Market Association.
There are retailers who understand this, and do what they can to make life a little easier financially for teachers. They offer annual or occasional discounts to teachers. If you’re a teacher — or you know a teacher — who needs to stock up on the essentials, check out these great teacher discounts.
And it’s not all butcher paper and crayons — snag some new duds for the school year, spruce up your computer or buy some comfy shoes from these companies.
In order to make verification as a teacher easier, many of the offers below are made through the ID.me program, which verifies identity for teachers as well as military personnel. This makes it easier to acquire your special offers and prevents you from having to wear your ID lanyard everywhere you go
There are cash back discounts to educators who are members of the National Education Association, and many of them are 10% paybacks. But the list changes regularly, so you might want to bookmark the link.
School Supplies
1. Adobe
Snag great deals on Adobe software products with the company’s educator discount program. You can save up to 60% on certain products, but must provide verification of your employment.
Home-school teachers can take advantage of the discount as well, but you’ll have to show you belong to a home schooling association and have planned a full year’s curriculum.
2. Apple
Education pricing isn’t just for teachers; school administrators, staff, home-school teachers, college students, students who have been accepted into college, and even parents of college students can all save up to $200 on a Mac and get a free pair of Beats headphones.
To take advantage of this special offer, select your school from the website’s menu. However, it’s only available until September 18, so act quickly if you want to save!
3. Barnes and Noble
Educators at pre-K through grade 12 schools, including teachers, guidance counselors, principals and reading coaches, can take advantage of Barnes and Noble’s great educator deals.
You’ll typically receive 20% off the list price of most hardback and softcover books, toys and games. Homeschooling parents can receive the discount as well as long as they provide proof of their homeschooling.
4. Costco
Open a new membership as a teacher and receive a $20 gift card. Other discounts are also available.
5. Dell
Public school teachers get great discounts on Dell computers, software and peripherals. Check out Dell University to see available deals.
6. FedEx Office
Teachers, professors, faculty and staff members can enjoy a 15% discount at FedEx Office. Whether you need to print up fancy posters or send a package to your class’ pen pals, you’re covered.
7. Half Price Books
Save 10% on your whole reading list with an Educator’s Discount Card at Half Price Books. Public or private school teachers, librarians and university teaching assistants just need to show a pay stub or employee ID to get the discount card.
8. Lenovo
Faculty and staff at K-12 schools or colleges can join Lenovo’s Academic Purchase Program to receive discounts on laptops, tablets, desktop computers and more.
9. Michaels
Decorate your classroom with supplies from Michaels, where you’ll receive 15% off your purchases every day. This includes a variety of classroom products such as bulletin board materials and educational games, though some exclusions apply.
10. Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft
Sign up for a Jo-Ann Teacher Rewards Discount Card to get 15% off all purchases.
You must provide proof that you’re a certified, credentialed or licensed teacher, home-school teacher or childcare provider.
11. Office Depot
Office Depot offers a variety of teacher discounts (ask at your local store for details). In addition, on Teacher Appreciation Days from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, teachers receive 25% off a qualifying purchase along with a free calendar.
12. Staples
Shop at Staples and receive 10% back in rewards on teaching and art supplies as well as 5% back on other items. You can redeem those rewards on future purchases, just like a gift card.
13. The Container Store
Have the most organized classroom around by joining the Organized Teacher Program at The Container Store. Discounts range from 15%-25%.
Clothing
14. Adidas
Since they’re on their feet all day, shoes probably matter more to teachers than any other item they wear. That’s why it is good to know Adidas offers a 30% discount to teachers on footwear.
15. Aerosoles
Get some comfy shoes for this school year at Aerosoles, where teachers receive 15% off footwear priced $39.99 or higher. Just bring in a pay stub or place a phone order to take advantage of this deal.
16. Ann Taylor Loft
Shop at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft and receive 15% off all full-price purchases.
17. Columbia
Teachers receive a 20% discount on Columbia sportswear.
18. J.Crew
Head into a J.Crew or J.Crew Factory store to receive a 15% discount. You’ll have to head to a store in person, though — you can’t get the discount online.
19. Banana Republic
Bring your teacher ID into Banana Republic to enjoy 15% off your purchase. This only applies to in-store purchases, though, so you’ll have to join the rest of the back-to-school shoppers at the mall.
20. The Limited
Educators receive 15% off every in-store purchase at The Limited. Just show your teacher ID to the store associate when you check out.
21. Reebok
How do you feel about 50% off of footwear? That’s what Reebok offers through the ID.me program.
22. Under Armour
The popular outerwear clothier offers a 20% discount to teachers, and it can be used at all of the digital shopping choices as well as in stores.
Educational Tools
23. The New York Times
Keep your students on top of current events by snagging The New York Times at the special education rate of 99 cents for four weeks, followed by 50% off thereafter.
24. National Geographic
Pay only $1 per digital issue of National Geographic with the educational discount the magazine offers, or enjoy its wide array of free multimedia resources online.
25. The Washington Post
Get 50% off of a subscription to the digital edition of one of the most heralded newspapers in the country.
Travel
26. Caesars
Caesars hotels offer up to 30% off of a stay for educators. You know what that means? Vegas, baby!
27. Red Roof Inn
There is a 20% discount for any member of the NEA for any stay. Use discount code VP607905.
Food Delivery
28. Blue Apron
Blue Apron offers $110 off and free shipping for a first order as well as continued discounts.
29. HelloFresh
As an introductory offer, HelloFresh offers educators 16 free meals to get them into the habit of using their service to stay well-fed.
30. Home Chef
A first-time user gets 50% off their first box and 10% off all subsequent purchases with Home Chef.
Phone Service
31. AT&T
The phone company offers a 25% discount to teachers on a package deal.
32. Verizon
Here is a detailed explanation of the value in the 25% off deal Verizon offers to teachers.
How Else Can Teachers Save?
While these 32 deals offer great ways to save, you might also want to consider these tactics:
Ask for a Discount
Many other stores offer educator discounts, and some don’t advertise — many times you have to ask in person to get the deal.
If in doubt, ask. The worst they can say is “no”!
Check With Your Local Teacher’s Association
Many retailers and businesses offer special deals for teachers in nearby districts.
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer and editor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kent McDill contributed to this report.
