How do teacher appreciation days work?

Just like their students, teachers are getting ready to go back to work armed with supplies and stationary products. They definitely need some help buying all of that and some stores are there for support. There will be teacher appreciation events all over the country starting in the middle of July. The biggest retailers like Target and Walmart will join in with significant discounts, giveaways, free treats, and goodie bags. Not to be outdone, many other retailers will increase their discounts and continue their usual education discount programs.

Do teachers use their own funds to get all the needed supplies?

The statistics is pretty sad for teachers – as much as 94% of them say that they spend their own money on supplies. Average amount spent is almost $500/year, but some report spending more than $1,000.

Which stores are friendliest to teachers with offering significant discounts?

A.C. Moore – teachers get 15% off certificate with their ID. The certificate can be applied to sale items and regular priced merchandise.

Barnes & Noble – the retailer is teacher-friendly year round with the ongoing 20% off and free sign up for the program, but wants to step up this summer with 25% off during weekends on July 20th through September 15th. This increased discount weekends are called Back-to-School Educator Appreciation Days and are encouraging public, private, and homeschool teachers, administrators, and staff to shop for less.

Books-A-Million – educators can participate in free Educator’s Discount Program and enjoy 20% off online and in-store. Online purchases are free to ship.

Dollar General – July 20th to September 7th teachers with IDs get 20% off stationary items. The program is happening in 15,500 store locations in 44 states.

JoAnn – all teachers get 15% off arts and crafts purchases.

Meijer – now through September 28th the store offers coupons for 15% off on school and office supplies. All educators can get a new coupon for 15% from the service counter every time they visit the store.

Michaels – the store offers 15% off for teachers all the time, but during the weekend of July 20th the discount is as big as 20% with a valid ID.

Office Depot and OfficeMax – both stores offer 2% cash back via their rewards program. July 20th to September 28th the discount will grow to 20% in the form of store rewards with a valid teacher ID, rewards number, and coupon. The coupon will be posted at officedepot.com. Select stores will be holding teacher celebration breakfasts in July and August.

Staples – parents can choose to donate 5% of their purchase to a teacher of their choice and each teacher can get up to $250 this way. All teachers enrolled in the Classroom Rewards program get $5. All locations hold “Back to School Block Party” for two days with giveaways and 20% off School Supply Shopping Pass. Call your local Staples to find out the dates.

Target – July 13-20 the store offers 15% off online and in-store for supplies and essentials, clothing and furniture with a coupon

Walmart – the retail giant is holding Teacher Appreciation events all over the country with cake, ice cream, photo booths, and goodie bags for the first attending teachers. Contact your local store to find out more information and dates.