MoneySaver: Retailers offer teacher discounts
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- As July winds down, many teachers begin planning to head back to the classroom and that means shopping for supplies.
In many cases, that shopping is an out-of-pocket expense for teachers.
For the 2012-2013 year, a study by The Education Market Association found public school teachers across the country spent more than 1.6 billion dollars out of their own pockets for supplies.
So, it's important to stretch every penny and retailers are taking note by offering teacher discounts.
Through Thursday, July 31, Walmart is offering a 10% teacher discount for teachers. The discount comes in the form of a Walmart gift certificate after receipts are registered.
There are also programs that give discounts to teachers every day. For example, Joann Fabrics and Crafts has a rewards program. Once you enroll and they verify that you are a teacher, you get 15 percent off everyday.
Michael's and FedEx also give teachers a 15 percent off discount, and Staples gives 10 percent back with a rewards program.
And, this trend is growing in popularity among retailers.
The discount site bradsdeals.com has a list of more than 90 stores offering either teacher discounts or running special teacher appreciation days.
The list runs the gamut on everything from supplies for the classroom to arts and crafts, books, clothing, and insurance to travel deals and food including up to 20 percent off at Pizza Hut and 10 percent off at Schlotzsky's Deli.
There's also discounts given at museums and parks and Regal Movie Theaters.
For teachers who have a lesson plan that includes a pet or an aquarium, PETCO gives out a set number of aquariums every year for those who apply. And, the Pets in the Classroom program provides grants up to $150 for teachers up to eighth grade.
