School starts in Nashville on August 5, and many teachers are setting up their classrooms this week. Stocking and decorating classrooms is expensive, and many teachers have to cover the cost out of their own pocket. Here are businesses that offer teacher discounts and freebies on classroom supplies, and some ways to help our local teachers.
Businesses With Teacher Discounts & Freebies
- Once a month, MNPS teachers can shop at the DG PENCIL Box free of charge.
- McKAY’s Used Books offers store credit to local school teachers every fall. Schools must submit a list of teachers to McKAY’s by Sept. 15, and one school representative needs to pick up the credit to distribute to the teachers when ready.
- With a Target Circle card, verified teachers can get 20% off qualifying purchases until August 30.
- Michael’s gives 15% off to teachers who are rewards members.
- Sign up for the Books-A-Million Educator’s Card for 20% off all in-store purchases.
- Verified teachers can get 20% off a single purchase at Staples until September 13.
- Teachers need comfy shoes, and Adidas offers a 15-30% teacher discount.
- Teachers can restock their clothes at Levi’s with a 10% discount, J. Crew with a 15% discount, and Ann Taylor Loft with a 15% discount.
- Keep an eye on Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Company’s social media pages. They frequently give free plants to teachers throughout the year.
- While it might not help stock a classroom, The Cupcake Collection is giving teachers and administrators a free cupcake until August 1!
How To Support Local Teachers
- If you know a teacher, ask them if they have a wishlist you can shop from.
- Keep an eye out for teachers posting in local Buy Nothing or Hip Neighborhood Facebook groups, and help them out if you can.
- Donate to PENCIL, which helps provide school supplies to local schools.
- If you’re a parent, make sure to buy your student’s requested back-to-school supplies, and if you can afford it, your teacher’s wishlist items.

