Homeschool 101: Educator discount cards

September 23, 12:43 PMAtlanta Homeschooling ExaminerAndrea Hermitt

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Don't pay full price for books and supplies.

As homeschoolers, you may or may not realize that you are eligible for educator discount cards.  Discount cards are provided to teachers in order to purchase paper, school supplies, and books for their students at book stores, curriculum stores, and office supply stores.  As homeschoolers, you can and should get these cards too.  All you need is proof that you homeschool.  Some stores in Atlanta ask for copies of your intern to homeschool form.  Others as for homeschool membership cards such as an HSLDA card or HEIR membership card.  

These educator discount cards can save you alot of money on supplies that your kids used in homeschooling.  In some cases, however, a customer card might give a better discount, so ask first.

Borders Book Stores/ Waldenbooks: Borders gives "teachers" 25% off on books, music CD's, toys, and games for the classroom.  This discount has been temporarily increased to 30% during Educator Appreciation Week, Sept 29-Oct 7.

Barnes & Noble: recently announced "the creation of a new school section on Barnes & Noble.com plus a 20% discount to teachers. The Borders discount is available to pre-k through grade 12 teachers as well as home school educators and school librarians. In addition, Borders has established “Borders Teaching Zone” sections in its superstores that will carry educational workbooks, curriculum development books, inspirational narratives plus non-book items such as stickers."

Books A Million: "The Books-A-Million Educator Discount Card program offers educators, librarians, and homeschoolers -- Kindergarten through 12th Grade -- a 20% discount off the original price on most books used in the classroom. Educators simply have to complete a Books-A-Million Educator Discount Card application at any register and present a valid educator identification card and photo identification card to receive their Books-A-Million Educator Discount Card and start saving." (This is somewhat new.  I have asked for an educator discount card previously and have been told they did not have them.  I have called my local BAMM store to find out that you need a copy of your intent to homeschool for.)

Fed-Ex Kinkos:  "As a thank you for your commitment to educating our children, FedEx Office is pleased to offer teachers, professors, faculty and staff members 15% off on most products and services at participating FedEx Office nationwide. To receive your discount, simply present your discount card when making a purchase in-store or at fedexoffice.com and the discount will automatically be applied.* Unlike other educator discount programs, the National Educators Discount Program has no limit on the savings you can acquire each quarter and each year. You’ll also receive special e-mail messages from time to time with information and special offers geared specifically to educators." (I wish I had known about this when I purchased tickets and programs for three homeschool plays last year.)

Hancock Fabrics: "Teachers & PEAH (Parents Educating at Home) receive a 10% discount when they present their Red Apple Card. Cannot be combined with any other discount cards programs or used to purchase gift cards. You can obtain a Red Apple card at any Hancock Fabrics store. To obtain a card you must present a copy of your most recent pay stub from the school or PEAH members must present documentation from the state for teaching status or your PEAH card. The cards must be signed by the teacher."  (Need to join PEAH group).  http://peah.com/

JoAnne FAbrics: "As a Teacher Rewards Discount Card holder and Preferred Jo-Ann Customer you will receive these great benefits: Teacher Rewards Discount Card for 15% off your total purchase*, Receive advance notice of sales & special events via email and mail, Money-saving coupons , Inspiration for future creative project.   Your discount card will arrive in your mail within 6-8 weeks, as well as your sales flyer."

Micheal's : Offers 10% discount and has teachers appreciation week once a year. The last one was My 3-May 9.

Office Max: "To help you get the most from MaxPerks, we offer separate programs for businesses and teachers. Every qualified* purchase you make can help you earn rewards that can be redeemed like cash at nearly 950 retail stores nationwide, by phone at 877.OFFICEMAX, or online at www.officemax.com."

Office Depot: Save 10% on Ink, toner and paper, 15% on print and design services, 1% on everyting else.  For details visit: http://www.mystarteacher.com/,

Staples: "You'll earn 2% back in rewards up to $15 per quarter when you spend $200 or more at Staples within a calendar quarter on anything except computers, gift cards, postage stamps, sales tax, state fees and purchases made from outside companies through Staples." Plus enjoy teacher bonus seasons.

Walmart: will giv e teachers discounts in some areas.

Just because something was not mentioned on this list does not mean there is not a teacher's discount.  Always ask when buying anything school related.