Because no educator — from teachers and professors to daycare providers and homeschoolers — should ever have to pay full price.
It’s tough enough to manage a classroom full of students in person. But because of the pandemic, life as an educator was flipped upside down (and back again) last year. Teachers were forced to find creative solutions to keep classes engaged virtually. That doesn’t sound easy — and wasn’t. For keeping the learning wheel going, educators deserve a lot of appreciation.
And with schools and college campuses returning to in-person learning this fall, that means items that you might not have needed while teaching from home are back on your wishlist for this school year.
Thankfully, a handful of retailers (from classic back-to-school supplies stores like Staples, Michaels, and Office Depot, to apparel and accessories kingpins like Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Cole Haan) offer up amazing discounts at up to 20 percent off for educators as a token of their gratitude.
So whether your school likes to keep the temperature below-freezing and you need something luxurious (and warm) to keep the chill off, or you’re an organizing aficionado and make it your mission to keep your desktop tidy, there are plenty of items to shop now without paying full price.
Some of these teacher discounts end before classes start, while others are available to take advantage of all year long. Plus: Teachers of all kinds — from school administrators to daycare providers to college professors to homeschooling parents — are eligible to receive many of the discounts with verifiable identification and school email addresses. (Just be sure to read the fine print for each discount program.)
Below, we’ve rounded up the stores that offer the best teacher discounts and picked a few of the bestselling items to shop now. Comfy crocs that won’t kill your feet after a long day teaching? A Dagne Dover tote with compartments for your water bottle and leather pen hoops? It’s all below. So, ladies and gents: It’s time to take your pick…or picks.
Michaels’ Teacher Discount
Teachers can sign up for a Michaels Rewards account for 15 percent off full price and sale items on every purchase at the quintessential craft supplies store.
The Big Happy Planner Fresh Start Teacher Planner Box Kit
Teachers need personalized planners that include the months of the school year. This kit includes a planner with daily, weekly, monthly, and checklist views running from Aug. to July 2022. Plus: It comes with organizing stickers, a bookmark, and a roll of washi tape.
Staples’ Teacher Discount
To celebrate teachers and school administrators this season, Staples is offering 20 percent off in-store purchases through Sept. 30.
The Explorer Political Raised Relief Classroom Globe
Engage your students with this best-selling tabletop globe that includes over 4,000 places and political boundaries marked for optimal learning.
Banana Republic’s Teacher Discount
Teachers (and students) receive 15 percent off their in-store Banana Republic purchase with a valid ID all year long.
Organic Cotton Sweater Top
Upgrade your teaching wardrobe staples comfortably and stylishly. This three-quarter length organic cotton sweater pairs perfectly with trousers or slacks, and its olive green color is neutral enough to mix well with dark or light-colored pants.
Cole Haan’s Teacher Discount
Teachers can score 20 percent off online purchases at Cole Haan using a valid school email address.
4.ZERØGRAND Loafer
Cole Haan’s 4.ZERØGRAND loafers are polished and professional for the school year ahead. They also include multi-layered foam cushioning to help give your feet comfort and support.
Dagne Dover’s Teacher Discount
After completing the teacher verification via Dagne Dover’s partner — ID.me — teachers will receive 20 percent off their total purchase.
Allyn Leather Tote
This Dagne Dover tote has long straps so it will fit comfortably under your arm (even with your winter jacket on). The brand’s Allyn tote has nifty built-in neoprene (a.k.a. waterproof) compartments for your water bottle and small laptop. Plus, it has two leather loops for pens, so you never have to go digging for one again.
J.Crew’s Teacher Discount
Until Aug. 29, teachers will receive a 20 percent discount on their total purchase in-store and online.
Oversized Cashmere Wrap
Now is the time to treat yourself to a luxurious cashmere camel-hued wrap because J.Crew’s teacher discount ends at the end of the month. Not only will this layer over your outfit nicely, it will definitely keep the classroom chill off and wear well for any weekend festivities.
Vera Bradley’s Teacher Discount
Register as a teacher on ID.me and receive 15 percent off your purchase.
Lunch Tote Bag
Tote your lunch to school in style with a printed Vera Bradley lunch carrier made from recycled water bottles. There’s also a convenient plastic slip to stick your ID in for easy access.
Crocs’ Teacher Discount
Teachers receive 15 percent off their full-priced purchase on any of Crocs’ products.
Neria Pro II LiteRide Clog
Featuring an easy on-and-off slip style, Crocs’ LiteRide Clogs are a teaching footwear staple. Made from water resistant and scratch-free material, these clogs are designed for comfort during long days on your feet.
Office Depot’s Teacher Discount
This one-stop-shop for all back-to-school products is offering teachers 20 percent back in rewards on in-store purchases and 40 percent off print services with this coupon.
Innovative Storage Designs Desktop Organizer
Keep your desk tidy with this 9-in-one organizer featuring compartments for all the essentials. Think: folders, highlighters, rubber bands, paper clips, Post-It notes, and more.
Products you buy through our links might earn us a commission.
