“Every person who has ever achieved anything had to be taught by a teacher.”

That truth is easy to overlook, but it’s powerful. Behind every doctor, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, or leader is someone who took the time to teach them how to think, grow, and believe in themselves.

Teaching today, however, looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Expectations are higher, classrooms are more complex, and the demands placed on educators continue to grow. Many teachers find themselves underpaid, overworked, and stretched thin, yet still showing up every day with dedication and care for their students.

Listed below are a few websites and companies I’ve come across that offer freebies and discounts for teachers. I can’t personally vouch for every single one, so please use them at your own discretion, but they may offer a little extra support or appreciation throughout the year.

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Teacher Freebies & Discounts (A–Z)

Adobe
• Discount: Up to 60% off Creative Cloud
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students.html

Adidas
• Discount: Up to 30% off
https://www.adidas.com/us/discount-programs

Apple
• Discount: Education pricing on devices
https://www.apple.com/us-edu/store

Barnes & Noble
• Discount: 20–25% off for educators
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/educators

Canva (Canva for Education)
• Free: 100% free premium access for teachers
https://www.canva.com/education/

Costco
• Offer: $20–$40+ Shop Card for new teacher memberships
• Note: No ongoing teacher discount
https://www.costco.com/

Crocs
• Discount: ~15% off
https://www.crocs.com/

Dell
• Discount: Extra educator savings on laptops & tech
https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/students

EveryPlate
• Offer: Up to 75% off first box + ongoing savings
https://www.everyplate.com/

Google (Google for Education)
• Free: Classroom, Docs, Drive, Meet
https://edu.google.com/

Headspace
• Free: Complimentary subscription for educators
https://www.headspace.com/educators

HelloFresh
• Offer: 50–55% off first box + ongoing discounts
https://www.hellofresh.com/

Home Chef
• Offer: 50% off first box + ongoing savings
https://www.homechef.com/

iRobot
• Discount: Up to 15% off
https://www.irobot.com/

Levi’s
• Discount: ~15% off
https://www.levi.com/

Mattress Firm
• Discount: Up to 20% off
https://www.mattressfirm.com/

Michaels
• Discount: 15% off purchases
https://www.michaels.com/teacher-discount

Microsoft (Microsoft Education)
• Free: Office 365 for eligible educators
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education

My Education Discount
• Discount: Various (up to 70%)
https://www.myeducationdiscount.com/

New Balance
• Discount: ~15% off
https://www.newbalance.com/

Ray-Ban
• Discount: ~15% off
https://www.ray-ban.com/

Reebok
• Discount: Up to 40% off
https://www.reebok.com/

Samsung (Education Store)
• Discount: Up to 30% off
https://www.samsung.com/us/shop/education/

Stanley
• Discount: Up to 30% off
https://www.stanley1913.com/

Target
• Discount: ~20% off (seasonal)
https://www.target.com/

Teacher Perks
• Discount: Various categories (travel, retail, tech)
https://teacherperks.com/

Under Armour
• Discount: ~20% off
https://www.underarmour.com/

Verizon
• Discount: Up to $25/month off select plans
https://www.verizon.com/discounts/teacher/

YETI
• Discount: ~20% off
https://www.yeti.com/

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Georgia-Specific Resource

Georgia Teachers Initiative
• Free & discounted resources for educators
https://georgiateachersinitiative.org/opportunities/

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What Many Teachers May Not Know

Verification Platforms = Where the Real Discounts Are

Many major brands use platforms like:
• ID.me
• SheerID

These systems confirm that you’re an educator before unlocking discounts. If you don’t see a discount immediately, look for a verification button—that’s often the key.

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Your School or District May Already Offer Hidden Perks

Some of the best benefits aren’t advertised publicly. Check:
• Your employee portal
• HR resources
• Union or district newsletters

You may already have access to:
• Gym memberships
• Travel discounts
• Wellness programs
• Local partnerships

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A Final Note for My Fellow Educators

For those of you who are supported, appreciated, and well taken care of in your schools and at home, continue to take care of yourselves and protect your peace.

And for those working in what some would consider the trenches, classrooms filled with constant demands, limited resources, and daily challenges, please remember this: What you do matters, even when it feels unseen.

Teaching can sometimes feel like a thankless job. There are long days, emotional weight, and moments where the impact isn’t immediately visible. But seeds are being planted every single day, often in ways we may never get to witness. That’s why self-care isn’t optional, it’s necessary.

• Rest when you can
• Set boundaries where possible
• Celebrate small wins
• Give yourself the same grace you give your students

Because you cannot pour into others if your own cup is empty.

You are making a difference, whether it’s acknowledged or not. And that is something worth honoring, not just this week, but always.

-Ms. G.