Helps, Discounts & Free Resources for Teachers

Teaching is one of the most noble and rewarding professions, but it often comes with financial challenges. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help educators. This includes educator programs, low-cost or free classroom supplies and materials, and annual sales events. Let's explore some of the valuable resources out there to help save you some bucks and help out the students!

Free Classroom Supplies

Wouldn't it be beautiful if all the classroom supplies in the world were free! It sure would be. As we all know though, that is just not the case. We teachers often purchase supplies out of our own paychecks. And the small tax deduction we receive pales in comparison to what we tend to spend on our classrooms and students. So, we have to look at the next best thing... crowdfunding! Don't overlook the compassionate hearts out there that appreciate a good teacher and love kids! Those around you want to help. So, why not let them.

1. DonorsChoose.org: DonorsChoose.org is a crowdfunding platform specifically designed for teachers. Educators can create projects to fund classroom supplies, equipment, and field trips. Donors, including individuals and corporations, contribute to these projects, helping teachers obtain essential resources for their students.

2. AdoptAClassroom.org: AdoptAClassroom.org connects teachers with donors who want to support education. Through this platform, teachers can receive donations for classroom supplies and materials, giving them the flexibility to choose the resources they need the most.

3. The Freecycle Network: The Freecycle Network is community-driven platform where people give away items they no longer need. Teachers can join their local Freecycle group and watch for or request classroom supplies, books, or other educational materials for free.

Discounts on Materials

Click on the links below to view the offers.

1. Teacher Discount Programs: Many retailers, including office supply stores, bookstores, and even some clothing outlets, offer discounts to teachers. Always inquire about teacher discount programs when making purchases. Examples include Target Circle™ Teacher Appreciation, Staples Classroom Rewards, and Michaels Teacher Discount.

2. Educational Software Discounts: Educational software and technology companies often provide discounts for teachers. The most popular examples include Adobe Creative Cloud for Education and Microsoft Office 365 Education.

3. Educator Websites: Websites like TeachersPayTeachers, TeacherVision and Education.com offer a variety of resources for educators, including lesson plans, printables, and educational materials. While some content is free, educators can access premium resources at discounted rates through subscriptions or by downloading bundled products.

Annual Sales Events

1. Back-to-School Sales: Many retailers offer significant discounts during the back-to-school shopping season. Stock up on classroom supplies, stationery, and clothing during this time to save money throughout the year. Some of the best are found in brick and mortar stores like Fred Meyer (Kroger), Target, Walmart, and Staples. Online retailers also have annual events. Check out Discount School Supply, Lakeshore Learning, School Specialty, and (of course) Amazon.

2. Teacher Appreciation Week: Teacher Appreciation Week, typically in May, is when many businesses show their gratitude to educators by offering discounts and freebies. Look out for special offers for educators on dining, retail, and entertainment during this week.

3. Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Don't forget about the traditional sales dates. Keep an eye on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, as they often feature discounts on electronics, books, and other teaching materials.

Teaching can be a challenging yet rewarding task, and educators should not have to bear the financial burden alone. With help from others, free resources, discounts, and annual sales events, teachers can get all they need for creating an engaging and enriching learning environment for their students.