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.
| Arts, Crafts, and School Supplies | |
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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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| Books and Media | |
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12. Barnes & Noble
The bookworms at Barnes & Noble grant a generous 20-percent off the list price of hardcover books and 15-percent off the list price of softcover books at every retail location throughout the year. If an item is already on sale, the higher discount applies.
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13. Borders
Register for the Classroom Discount Card, a brand-spanking-new program that entitles librarians and teachers to 25-percent off most purchases. The discount is for those who teach preschool to high school and available in-store only.
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14. Half Price Books
Sign up for a Half Price Books' Teacher and Librarian card and be rewarded with discounts of 10-percent year-round. Visit any Half Price Books location and show your school ID for the free card. As per usual, the card is only valid for in-store purchases.
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15. ShopPBS
ShopPBS is one of the few book and media outlets to offer an online discount to teachers. Register for the PBS Teachers Program to take 10-percent off your first purchase through the store.
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16. Books-A-Million
Certain brick-and-mortar locations grant teachers a 15-percent discount on most purchases just for asking. Call ahead to be sure your local store honors the discount and, if they don't, see if they offer a compromise.
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17. Book Warehouse
The perks of flashing that school ID aren't lost at Book Warehouse. Show your valid school-issued card for a 15-percent discount on most in-store purchases.
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18. Churchill's Photography
Teachers are lovers, too, and just as most lovers do, they strive to get married. They especially strive to save money doing so. Teachers in Florida will receive 15-percent off wedding packages from the Palm Beach studio Churchill's Photography. All other photo services earn a 10-percent discount.
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| Clothing | |
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19. Ann Taylor Loft
Fashion forward educators are rewarded for their posh style through the Loft Loves Teachers program. Register to get 15-percent off all in-store purchases, plus an introductory discount for new members.
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20. 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.
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21. Aerosoles
Are you a member of the National Education Association? If so, show proof of your membership at any Aerosoles store and take 15-percent off any purchase from the apparel and footwear mavens. Aerosoles has locations in 16 states on both coasts and in between.
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22. New York and Co.
New York and Co. grants any educator with a valid school ID 15-percent off every purchase at participating locations, keyword participating. Call ahead to be sure your favorite store honors the offer.
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23. J. Crew
Visit the local J. Crew, flash your school ID, and be rewarded with 15-percent off designer duds from the dapper dudes.
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24. Banana Republic
Banana Republic offers a 10-percent off deal to any teacher with a valid school ID. Another caveat fiend, it's only good at participating locations. Call before you shop.. |
| Electronics and Software | |
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25. Apple Store
The House of Jobs is surprisingly generous to teachers, offering 5-percent off all in-store purchases with proof of employments as an educator. This includes librarians, home schoolers and university profs.
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26. Bose
The Bose offer is primo, 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.
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27. Dell
Buy direct from the Dell online store and get 2- to 4-percent off the final price of any desk
top or laptop, as well as software a peripherals. Call Customer Service at 1-800-999-3355 before paying to apply the discount.
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28. Cell Phone Companies (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint)
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 provider's business or discount portal and input your .edu e-mail address to check if your institution is registered. Example: Search "Verizon business discount" in a search engine and click on the first result to register or check an existing discount.
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29. Adobe
Shop direct from the Adobe Education Store and receive 25- to 75-percent off all software, including bundles and suites. Adobe requires proof of employment as an educator before applying the discount. Scan your school ID and e-mail it to Adobe for a promo code to enter every time you pay. The offer isn't good for home schoolers.
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30. HP
Register through the Academic Purchase Program and take up to 10-percent off nearly any purchase, including computers, printers and ink.
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31. Lenovo
Teachers earn 5-percent off any purchase from the computer connoisseurs at Lenovo simply for being, well, themselves. Call Customer Service at 1-866-968-4465 to apply the discount.
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32. Sony
Sony keeps a well-trained cornea on teachers through its aptly-named Eye on Education Program. Discounts on projectors and flat-panel displays vary when you register and buy through the program portal, but most lie in the 5- to 10- percent off range.
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33. Software Express
The online outlet Software Express grants discounts of up to 75 percent on a host of programs, including Adobe, McAfee and Symantec. Submit copies of your valid school ID and state driver's license to Customer Service before completing your order.
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34. Academic Superstore
Academic Superstore is another online software outlet that sells a slew of products for up to 85-percent off. Discounts are available year-round with proof of employment as a teacher.
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35. Gradware
Gradware is the final in a gang of three software suppositories and -- surprise, surprise -- its offer is similar to its brethren. Send Customer Service a copy of your valid school ID to be eligible for a variety of discounts.
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| Food | |
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36. Pizza Hut
Feed your pizza monster for cheap when you dine at any Pizza Hut location. Show your school ID for discounts of 10- to 20-percent off any meal.
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37. Starbucks
Deals at the world's most iconic coffee shop vary widely by location and the baristas working. However, they've been known to give discounts on request. Build a healthy rapport to up your chances.
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38. Charm City Cakes
The darlings of Food Network's "Ace of Cakes" program don't advertise a particular discount, but they've been known to give educators a price break. The bakery's creations are available to clients within a 4-hour driving distance of downtown Baltimore.
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| Furniture | |
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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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| Gifts | |
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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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| Hotels and Attractions | |
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41. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Teachers are eligible for a variety of discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin hotel, located securely in the center of Walt Disney World in Orlando. Availability also varies based on season and demand. Mention you're an educator when booking.
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42. Marriott Hotels
Marriott grants teachers a discount at a slew of hotels across the nation. Whether you book on-line or in-person, show your school ID at check-in to receive the special rate. Rules on this discount are a bit vague -- they mention government employees, which would imply only public school employees -- but most hotel employees don't bite. Feel free to ask.
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43. Regal Cinemas
Regal Cinemas regularly have discount tickets for teachers (and students), good for all show times. Call or visit beforehand, as not every location honors the discount or offers the same price. Like there's time for a film with all those papers piling up, anyway. Guess that's why summer exists.
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44. Sea World Orlando
Register for the Teacher Study Passes program, an exclusive for K-12 teachers in Florida, and get unlimited free admission. Bring a copy of your Florida teaching certificate, a current pay stub and photo ID to the Sea World Orlando front gate to obtain a new pass or renew an old one.
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45. 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 fees, camping fees or Smoky the Bear petting zoo fees.
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46. Kennedy Space Center
Florida treats its teachers well and occasionally lets folks from Georgia in on the fun. Registered educators from both states are eligible for a free, full-fledged Educator Study Pass. Show a valid teaching certificate and recent pay stub to any ticket agent for an annual pass.
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47. Origins Game Fair
Plan on visiting the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio from June 22 to 26 this year? Sneak ticket agents a peek of your school ID or teaching certification for a free convention badge, good for one day of entry.
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48. Forever Young MedSpa
Banish evil skin to dermal limbo at Forever Young MedSpa in Cooper City, Fla. All Florida-based teachers get 20-percent off any service, including laser hair removal, botox injections and other non-invasive skincare services.
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49. Gatorland
Yep, Florida again. Teachers with a valid school ID snag free admission from September to October at the 110-acre alligator farm in Orlando.
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| Museums and Zoos | |
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50. Abbe Museum in Maine
Teachers with a valid school ID for grades K-12 receive 10-percent off books from the gift shop at this museum dedicated to Wabanaki Native Americans. The offer is good at both the Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park locations.
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51. Art Institute of Chicago
Teachers at any level are entitled to free admission with a valid school ID. The Institute's extensive museum is at 111 S. Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago.
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52. Boston Children's Museum
Despite the name, the Boston Children's Museum isn't just for kiddos. See for yourself for free with a valid school ID, available year-round. The museum is at 308 Congress St., just across from the Children's Wharf Park.
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53. Dallas Museum of Art
Teachers are eligible for discounted single-day tickets, as well as annual memberships by calling the Members Services Desk at 214-922-1247. Inform them of your status for rates and purchasing info. The museum is at 1717 N. Harwood in downtown Dallas.
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54. The Field Museum of Chicago
Educators need only present a valid school ID for free admission at The Field Museum in Chicago, dedicated to all things historic and otherwise dug up. The museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, only steps from Lake Michigan.
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55. Florida Aquarium
All Florida teachers receive one free ticket with proof of employment, including a current payroll code and pay stub. The aquarium is at 701 Channelside Drive in the Channel District of Tampa Bay.
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56. Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida
Show your school ID at the ticket office to garner one free admission. Rules don't specify if the offer is available to all teachers or only those from Florida, so call beforehand if planning a vacation visit. The zoo is located in Pensacola at 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway.
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57. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Missouri
Enjoy a free visit at the birthplace of Missouri's wittiest state treasure when you complete the applicable teacher form before visiting. You must have an active .edu e-mail address to be eligible. The museum is at 120 N. Main in Hannibal.
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58. Mote Aquarium in Florida
Teachers will receive one free ticket with any recent pay stub. Present your stub at the admissions desk before purchasing a pass. The aquarium is perched on a lush peninsula at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota.
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59. Museum of Science, Boston
Teachers of grades K-12 can register for the free Teacher Partner Program at the Museum of Science to receive a slew of exclusive benefits, including free individual exhibit passes, discounted annual memberships, and 10-percent off at the Museum Store. The museum is located at 1 Science Park just off Monsignor O'Brien Highway.
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60. New England Aquarium
Current teachers get 10-percent off purchases at the gift shop and a 10-percent discount on family memberships with a valid school ID. The aquarium is at 1 Central Wharf in Boston.
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61. Orlando Museum of Art
Florida educators can receive a discounted annual pass by contacting the museum box office at 407-896-4231. The museum is at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando, near Lake Estelle.
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62. 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 Bros. circus fame, is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road.
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63. Science Museum of Minnesota
Minnesota teachers can apply for a $60 annual household membership, $35 off the normal price and good for all family members. Present a valid school ID and current pay stub at the box office when purchasing. The museum is at 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. in St. Paul.
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64. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
Teachers are eligible for one free general admission ticket with a valid school ID. Present ID before purchasing at any box office window. The aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive in the same complex at The Filed Museum.
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65. South Florida Museum
Teachers will garner free admission with a valid school ID at this regionally-flavored marine life and history museum. The building is at 201 W. 10th St. in Bradenton, under 50 miles from Tampa.
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66. The Tech Museum in California
All California teachers can earn a free annual membership with a current California teaching license. Present a copy at the box office before purchasing. The home of "Body Worlds 2" and numerous Silicon Valley-inspired exhibits is at 201 Market St. in San Jose.
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© 2012 The Frugals
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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!