Guest Post: Top 10 Discounts for Teachers

by

Kendal Perez

During back-to-school sales, most attention is paid to students. Yet, the most important part of the school-season equation is often overlooked: teachers.

Like students, teachers want to save money on back-to-school supplies. Whether it's materials for their classroom or fresh additions to their wardrobe, educators can take advantage of savings even if sales pitches aren't directed at them. Gift Card Granny has compiled this extensive list of 66 teacher discounts, 10 of which are detailed below.

1. Office Depot 
When you sign up for the Star Teacher Program, you'll receive 10-percent back in rewards on ink, toner and paper purchases from Office Depot. Additionally, you can save 15 percent on copy and print services when you order online or in-store.

2. The Container Store
Get organized for less by registering for the Organized Teacher Program at The Container Store. You'll score 15-percent off all items online and in-store. Be sure you have your school ID when visiting brick-and-mortar locations.

3. Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble NOOK has recently dropped in price, making the popular e-reader a good buy for everyone. Teachers can also save 20-percent off the publisher's list price on purchases for classroom use through the B&N Educator Program. And don't forget about Educator Appreciation Days with discounts up to 25 percent.

4. LOFT
Look sophisticated for less with the LOFT Loves Teachers program. Membership will afford you 15-percent off all in-store, full-price purchases. As a new member you'll also receive an introductory discount, plus you'll enjoy other perks including exclusive sweepstakes for teachers and seasonal style guides.

5. The Limited
Get 15-percent off everything at The Limited stores when you show your school ID or valid paystub. You can save an additional 25 percent when you purchase a discount gift card to The Limited from GiftCardGranny.com.

6. HP
Receive exclusive discounts when you sign up for the HP Academy program, including a one-time "welcome" coupon for first-time members. According to the website, you can combine the discounts you receive with most instant rebates, sale prices and mail-in-rebates for additional savings.

7. SeaWorld
Though this one is state-specific, it's too good not to mention. Current K-12 teachers in Florida can get unlimited free admission to SeaWorld Orlando through Dec. 31, 2012 with the Teacher Study Pass. Bring your Florida teaching certificate, a paystub within the last 30 days and a valid photo ID to redeem.

8. JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores
Enjoy 15-percent off most purchases at JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores with their free Teacher Rewards discount card. Home-school educators and early-childhood professionals are eligible for this card as well. New members will receive a 20-percent discount upon registration.

9. J.Crew
Show your school ID at checkout and receive 15-percent off your full-price purchase at J.Crew stores. Some exclusions may apply, so call ahead to make sure your coveted garment is eligible.

10. Staples
Earn 10-percent back in Staples Rewards when you purchase ink, toner and paper. You can also earn these rewards when you use their copy and print services. Even better, you can recycle old ink cartridges and get $2 back in Staples Rewards for extra earning. 

List of 66 Teacher Discounts

Teacher discounts don't often receive the same attention as those specifically for students, but educators need not frown -- there are plenty to be had.

Along with classroom supplies and other learned goodies like books, numerous teacher discounts are offered nationwide, ranging from laptops and Photoshop to museum entry and cell phone plans. Gift Card Granny has compiled a list of 66 top-notch discounts spanning nine categories, both online and off. A sampling:

• The Container Store: The organizational aficionados provide a 15 percent discount on all items through the Organized Teacher Program. Register online for a free discount card to use for in-store and online purchases. If you visit a store, be sure to have your school ID.
• Borders: Register for the Classroom Discount Card, a brand-spanking-new program that entitles librarians and teachers 25-percent off most purchases. The discount is for those who teach preschool to high school and available in-store only.
• The Limited: Show a school ID or valid pay stub when you shop at any The Limited location and snag 15-percent off your entire order. The offer is good for all items on the racks, walls or tables. In other words, everything.
• Bose: The Bose offer is prime, particularly for those in need of sonic stimulation. Variable discounts are available on all music systems and accessories. Call the Customer Focused Development Team at 1-800-353-4027 for pricing and to place an order.
• Cell Phone Companies (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile): This discount is a tad tricky to redeem but can save loads on a personal cell phone bill, sometimes up to 20 percent a month. Visit your providers business or discount portal and input your .edu e-mail address to check if your institution is registered. Example: Search "Verizon business discount" in an engine and click on the first result to check your discount or register.
• National Park Service: Show a valid school ID at a slew of National Park Service visitor centers across the nation and receive 15-percent off any purchase. The discount doesn't apply to park entry or camping fees.
• John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Present a valid school ID at the box office to snag a discounted day pass at the estate-turned-gallery in Sarasota, Fla. The museum, named for John Ringling of Ringling Brothers circus fame, is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road.

The Gift Card Granny list provides information where a deal can be redeemed, how to register for certain reward programs and, of course, the extent of a discount. Rules and conditions change from store to store, yet nearly all of the 66 deals are available year-round for teachers of every brand, including elementary school, high school, university and home school. Download "The Complete List of 66 Teacher Discounts" to sooth these oft-neglected educators with something more rewarding than the routine "apple for teacher."