January 3, 2012 | 50 Comments

Teacher discounts don't often receive the same hype and attention as those for students. But be confident, oft-neglected educators of the world -- businesses haven't forgotten you.
Along with classroom supplies and other learned goodies like books, numerous teacher discounts are offered nationwide, running the gamut from laptops and Photoshop to museum entry and wedding favors. Yes, wedding favors.
While eligibility changes based on where you purchase, most offers are redeemable by kindergarten teachers and college professors alike. Also remember seasonal promos, particularly back-to-school sales and Teacher Appreciation Week in early May. Merchants without regular promotions often roll out limited-time offers.
To add much-needed oomph to your spending, Gift Card Granny compiled a top-notch list of the 66 most lucrative year-round discounts for teachers. Keep in mind, however, that policies vary greatly by location. Some give a different percentage off, others shift education discounts over time, still others simply don't honor deals. Call ahead before making a purchase to avoid frustration.
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1. The Container Store
The organizational aficionados at The Container Store 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.
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2. Office Depot
The free Office Depot Star Teacher Program grants privileged educators (aka those who sign up) 10-percent back in rewards points on ink, toner and paper purchases. You also get 15-percent of the price of all copy and print orders placed online or at a brick-and-mortar location.
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3. Fedex Office
Just for being a schoolmarm, the handy print mavens at Fedex Office give you 15-percent off nearly all products, including brochures, business cards and photos. Call ahead to be sure your intended purchase qualifies for the discount. Nothing like being left high and dry when grades are on the line.
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4. Staples
Register for the Staples Teacher Rewards Program to garner 10-percent back in rewards points. The program covers a slew of products, from ink and paper to teaching and art supplies.
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5. Ben Franklin Crafts
Tuesday is the new Friday at Ben Franklin crafts, an online craft store with kiosks in supermarkets and local pharmacies across the nation. Shop on Tuesday and take 10-percent off all purchases. Be sure to have you school ID on hand.
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6. Joann Fabric
The free Teacher Rewards Discount Card entitles educators to 15-percent off all purchases. Home schoolers are also eligible for the card and new members receive a 20-percent off bonus for signing up.
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7. Hancock Fabric
Flash your valid school ID at most Hancock Fabric retail locations and be rewarded with a discount of 15 percent on all purchases.
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8. Michael's
Apply for The Knack Faculty program to receive discounts on a slew of purchases. Offers differ based on item, time of year and store location. Check by phone beforehand or register for e-mail updates on exclusive sales and promos.
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9. Discount School Supply
Discount School Supply doesn't run a rewards program, but certain purchases are eligible for a teacher discount if you call ahead or ask before finishing an order. The online store trades in a wide variety of supplies, crafts and games for early childhood educators.
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10. A.C. Moore
The A.C. Moore Teacher Discount Program grants educators a discount card for in-store purchases, including home schoolers. Mail a copy showing proof of your status to A.C. Moore to sign up. For a mailing address and acceptable forms of ID, visit the A.C. Moore FAQs page under "Discounts."
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11. Izzit.org
Teachers are human, too, meaning just like every human they were born on a particular day. Join Izzit.org and receive one free educational DVD on your birthday. The company specializes in videos for older students, so only teachers of grades 6-12 can apply.
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39. Room Store Furniture
Let your school ID loose for 10-percent off all furniture and accessory purchases at all Room Store Furniture retail locations. The business has showrooms in eight states, primarily strewn across the southeast.
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40. Cost Plus World Market
Educators in San Francisco and Oakland can snag a 10-percent discount year-round on all items. Other locations may honor the award, but give them a ring to be sure or do some gentle convincing.
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41. Life's Little Favors
Remember the aforementioned wedding favors? Well, buy to your hearts content from the online favor boutique and take 10-percent off with a valid school ID. Call Customer Service at 1-800-406-9985 beforehand for verification instructions.
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All designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. No claims of affiliation are made about the stores on this site.
© 2012 The Frugals
JP Churchill says:
Hey!! Just saw my business, Churchill's Photography, was on the list. What a cool surprise. We just did a wedding for a wonderful bride who is a high school teacher in Miami and were happy to give her the discount. We're also talking with a bride who has just graduated with a Master's in teaching and she'll get the discount too. Someone else commented they wished other school employees received the discount and we give it to me too!
Kristy says:
Lego land FL gives teachers a free annual pass.
gerry says:
apparently the sea world deal also works at san antonio, too. don't know about other locations.
Amy Harriso says:
The Michael's discount is 20% off purchases, including sale items. Show your ID to receive your discount!
Angie says:
Thank you so much!!! This truly helps me so much. The pay for teaching is often discouraging, but you make us feel appreciated!
Lorraine Best says:
In many parts,of the country Homes for Heroes offers discounts to teachers who buy, sell or refinance a home. The agent contributes 25% of their commission towards the buyer/seller's closing costs. The lender gives back 50% of their commission to the teacher.
Kelli says:
There are quite a few hotels here in TX that offer teacher discounts. Just ask wherever you will be staying and they will let you know. Some call it the government rate. Surely as long as you have your school ID it will count for supportive staff as well.
Angel says:
Thank you for sharing this valuable info!
Chris says:
The Parking Spot near Orlando Intl Airport gives discounts! $16 off a $65 bill. Pleasant surprise!
Nick Nolte says:
wonderful!
Lori says:
Buona Beef gives teachers a free drink when you show your staff ID!
Betsy Ann Harris says:
I learned a long time ago to always ask for a teacher discount. The worst thing that they will say is no but lots of times I get something off or something extra just for asking or I learn about a discount that I did not know of.
Valerie says:
Any discount for Disney World? Being a teacher is rewarding : ) getting some discounts is rewarding also considering the lack of salary!
Paul says:
Very helpful list! Thank you for compiling it. Curious as to how one would use Gradware as a software suppository though. :)
Shandra says:
If anyone is looking for discounts on clothing, JJill is offering 15% off for Teachers. All you have to do is show your ID at the check out.
Kehkshan Manzoor says:
Teachers are the best gift of God to us...I love my teacher.
Opal Rabalais says:
Do retired teachers get these discounts as well? If so,what proof is needed?
Mary says:
The SAK comedy lab in Orlando Florida offers a $5 ticket to teachers, students, military, or people in the service industries on THURSDAY nights (7:30 or 9:30 shows). Plus you get a free popcorn! Their shows are like the TV show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Tickets are usually $12/$15. Fun fact: Wayne Brady started out in shows at SAK! (I work as a music teacher during the day and a part time house manager at SAK on the weekends. The shows are super fun and family friendly! Woot!)
Angela says:
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago changed it's policy. You now have to go online and fill out an educator pass, print it and bring it with you. I believe if you use that it is $4 admission. I was not aware and went with my school ID and we only got $3 off, so it was still $31 to get in!!! We did complain though and got our money refunded...make sure you call ahead!
Dawn says:
Lobby Hobby also give discount to teachers. I think it's between 10% or 15% or something.
Martha Brasher says:
Since Pizza Hut has changed their pricing, they no longer give the teacher discount...at least not our Pizza Hut.
j3pr0x says:
Awesome list! Thank you for putting in the hard work. One comment, though -- Apple's 5% discount is "generous?" The other discount rates are significantly bigger but this one gets the adjective? Besides, if you buy an iPad (or iPad 2), you only get $20 off. Buying their computers gets you $100 off plus this back-to-school offer of $100 gift cards for apps.
Kitty says:
Sadly, most of these do not qualify for homeschoolers. WE NEED the discounts...unlike public schools, we have to pay for ALL our curriculum, ALL supplies, ALL Field trips, ALL Assessments, ALL manipulative(s) and EVERYTHING for our child's education..We do not get a tax break, vouchers, or help in any way...I wish companies would wake up!
sandra says:
I asked at seaworld if the teacher discount was still being taken even if it was expired and the clerk said yes, that it had been extended until august. ask first before you pay!!!! I didn't and missed out just because I thought it was too late. Sometimes its never too late!
Nancy says:
I know that Sea World in San Antonio was giving free a fun pass for a year with valid teaching certificate, but that expired June 15
Karen says:
Since the Sea World in Florida offers teachers free passes for joining the free study passes program, do you think the one in San Antonio does that? Would love to know if anyone knows that answer. Thanks
Susan says:
Visit Elvis! The Graceland website states that teachers get a free platinum tour by showing ID.
Terrence says:
I agree with Christina. I found a great rental car discount site for education employees at myeducationdiscount.com. The site address is www.rentalcarperks.com/myeducationdiscount.php
rose says:
starbucks does not give any discounts whatsoever
Christina says:
Educators - www.MyEducationDiscount.com lists many more discounts for things like restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, shoes and more. Anyone working in the education field is welcome to use this free website.
Jenn says:
Most of the time all you have to do is show your school ID to get the discount or discount card. As long as you work for a school, most discounts are given
Ms.SJ says:
Why is it that everything is for the teachers? what about the paaprofessionals? We don't recieve anything
Pennyy Elliott says:
Thanks for thinking of us and offering this great information! Williamsburg Virgina gives a hefty discount to teachers - don't forget your I.D.!
Deb D. says:
The Art Institute of Chicago would only honor the teacher discount for IL teachers and not for out of state teachers even with proper identification.
Jennifer says:
Please remember other k-12 education staff such as school counselors, school social workers, school nurses, school secretaries, principals, etc. We carry different titles but we work with teachers to support the education of every child.
Megan Swaggerty says:
I'm a retired teacher. It would be nice to get the same discounts!!
Cheri says:
Love your site. Please update your information regarding Cost Plus, they are no longer offering a discount to teachers.
Jackie King says:
It times like this teachers need all the discounts they can get. Thank you for thinking of us!
Patricia Garner says:
This is a wonderful idea to give teachers discounts. Thanks for the gift that keeps on giving.
Margaret Irvin says:
These discounts should be for RETIRED TEACHERS also.
Antoinette Totten says:
Thank you so much!!!!!!!! I am going to flash my Teacher I.D. This is wonderful. I feel appreciated. Sincerely, 20 year educational veteran
Cindy Parker says:
Thanks so much for the list. Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina gives free admission to South and North Carolina teachers showing their school ID or a recent paystub. They also give one guest of the teacher a half price admission if they visit with the teacher.
Martha Garcia says:
I love discounts! :o) Thanks for this great offer.
Thomas Taylor says:
I need a discount!
jill says:
This is wonderful - wish I would have known about these places sooner!!
Lyndsay says:
Thanks so much for compiling this list!! COSI museum in Columbus has teacher discounts, too...
Shannon says:
FYI - Art Institute in Chicago didn't require a school ID for me as a homeschool mom. I just had to bring in a copy of the letter written to my local district saying that my children were being unenrolled there and put into our homeschool. They then gave me a card that is valid for free admission for the calendar year. Nice. :)
Sarah Hicks says:
Thanks for getting this together! It is nice to see who will give discounts to teachers!
Matt says:
My mother is a teacher, nearing retirement. I'm glad to see corporate America giving back (even if indirectly) to our hardworking teachers. This list is fantastic. Thank you for sharing!
Kristl Story says:
I'm going to send a link to this to my kids schools!