Special savings programs for teachers save them money on a new home, clothes, school supplies

Special perks can save teachers big $$$

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Posted: 08/27/2010

By: By: Jenn Strathman, WEWS

CLEVELAND - We found dozens of websites that help teachers save on books, computer software, a home and even their own clothes.

Clothing discounts

While Ann Taylor Loft advertises its 15 percent savings discount for teachers, it’s worth a try to show your teacher ID card at other stores that might not publicize their savings programs. Banana Republic says it also offers a 15 percent off program. You need to ask your local store about the specifics for the program.

Online deals

There are also lots of websites that advertise deep savings for teachers. Make sure you read the return policies carefully, and research the company before you send them your order.

Teacher Deals advertises 20-50 percent off everyday, but they don't take returns.

You also need to make sure these advertised discounts are really discounts after you calculate in the shipping costs.

You'll get the most protection if you pay with a credit card. These companies are pretty good at helping consumers dispute a charge if they don't get what they order and the problem is reported within a reasonable timeframe.

Discount School Supply offers arts and crafts materials, educational toys, classroom furniture, and school supplies. The company advertises the lowest price 110 percent guaranteed. So, do some price comparison shopping to guarantee you are getting the lowest price. We found 9" x 12" heavyweight construction paper 50-sheet packet for 95-cents on this site.

Creative Teaching Press advertises classroom learning decor and research based, teacher-tested products. This site even has links to free activities like directions to build a milk carton bird feeder. The Teacher Pro Shop in Mansfield, Ohio also offers free, monthly teaching resources. To sign up, email: info@teacherproshop.com

Smile Makers is trying to bring a smile to classrooms with stickers, toys, and other practical items like pens and pencils.

Corporations helping teachers teach

If you want to test new products and participate in Crayola events, you need to sign up with the Crayola Gold Star Teacher Program . There is also a generic Crayola site with lesson plans for various grade projects.

National Geographic has a similar program that offers a monthly newsletter for teachers including classroom activities and resources, new features, and educator opportunities. You have to sign up by email.

Partner programs
Many teachers belong to NEA , and the association offers members benefits at all sorts of stores from Target, JCPenney, Best Buy, or FedEx . NEA doesn't list its click and save benefits unless you register.

The Office Depot Star Teacher Program & Partner Program offers discounts for partner companies where you can order flowers, eat chicken, rent a car, or stay in a hotel.

Book discounts

Half Price Books offers a Teacher and Librarian Discount card that earns you 10 percent off. You need to bring a valid ID and proof of current employment such asa pay stub or employee ID card.

The Barnes & Noble Educator Program is a two year program that offers 20 percent off the list price for items Barnes & Noble considers suitable for classroom use. You can earn 25 percent off on Educator Appreciation Days. You must enroll in the stores, but the discount can be used online.

The Borders Classroom Discount Card gets you a25 percent discount in stores only.

Teacher EBooks Now offers downloadable teaching ebooks. This helps you avoid shipping costs. Most products are in PDF form so you just need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download. There are even some books that you can download for free .

At the Scholastic Teacher Store , we saw up to 40 percent savings off new Scholastic books.

If you are looking for manipulaitves and other hands on learning tools, ETA/Cuisenaire offers a low price guarantee. The website explains the policy as follows: "If you find an identical product advertised by any land-based, U.S. retail store or current catalog for less, give us the details and we will match the price-GUARANTEED!"

Technology discounts

Academic Superstore , CampusTech , Gradware , journeyEd , and Software Express offer savings on well-known software products. We saw Microsoft Office Professional 2010 edition advertised for $99 on all the sites. Some of the websites advertise that as a $400 savings. Amazon sells it for $300, but just make sure you're getting an authentic copy of the software.

The Apple Store for Education and Hewlett-Packard Education Discount offer discounts for educational professionals, students, and parents. Apple even offers a discount for school board members and HP offers alumni a discount. There are limits on the number of products you can order each year, so don't expect to buy discounted computers for your entire class.

The A dobe Education Store advertises up to 80 percent off for student and teacher editions of software. College students, primary and secondary students, as well as teachers and staff are eligible for the discounts.

Dell University

offers deals for students, parents, and teachers, and alumni. You have to select your state and then your school. There are several Cleveland area schools listed as participating in the program.

Sony's Eye on Education Program offers competitive pricing and trade in programs for Sony projectors and flat panel displays.

Retail Stores

If you'd prefer to shop locally-run stores where you can see the merchandise first-hand, there are discounts at local retailers.

Jo-Ann Teach Rewards offers 15 percent off online and in stores on every purchase. Teachers need to register by showing their current teacher ID card and a state-issued photo ID. You can register online if you have an EIN number.

The Kmart Teacher-Exclusive Savings offers coupons and discounts on clothes and back to school items. We saw everything from $10 off a clothing purchase of $50 to coupons for higlighters and binders.

OfficeMax offers MaxPerks Rewards for teachers. You get reward vouchers depending on how much you spend. There are spending caps to the program.

Office Depot offers a 10 percent discount on ink, toner, and paper for teachers. You get a 1 percent discount on everything else, and when you sign up you can get 15 percent off copy and print purchases. This program also works with its partner program detailed above.

Personal Savings

AT&T and Verizon have deals with all sorts of companies as well as school districts. The only catch here is that you have to submit your school email address so the phone carrier can figure out if it matches any of its affiliated organizations.

The Educators Bed & Breakfast Travel Network allows you to save on travel where two people can stay for $40 a night. You need to pay an annual $36 membership fee and a one time $10 registration fee. There is also a $5 booking fee each time you book a stay. It's a way to meet other educators.

Teachers and staff can get an education discount at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel . The discount varies depending on rates and availablitly.

If you are looking to buy a magazine, there are all sorts of discounts for educators. Just check out the company before doing business with it, and make sure you're truly getting a discount. Often you can get the same discount from the company itself.

New home discount

There is even a discount program for law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters and EMT's to save on a new home. HUD offers 50 percent off the list price if you buy a home in a listed revitalization area. It's called the Good Neighbor Next Door Home Buying Incentive .