Updated 01/30/23
Teachers can earn rewards or points through top national retailer rewards programs to redeem on future purchases when parents buy back-to-school supplies using TeacherLists.
Antonio Guillem/123RF
Using TeacherLists supply lists along with teacher rewards programs for back-to-schools supplies at favorite retailers will earn cash and discounts for schools and teachers—and who couldn’t use more of that right now?
When teachers or school staff create their supply lists on TeacherLists, there’s a section right on the list where they can share information about retailer rewards programs and instructions for parents to buy items and make sure the school or teacher gets credit for the purchase. TeacherLists also has instructions for integrating lists with EdTech platforms, such as Smore, RevTrak, and MySchoolBucks.
A simple way for teachers to share supply list links is to add them to their class and school websites where parents can easily find them. When parents use the link to shop their child’s exact list, schools and teachers benefit.
Here are some nuts and bolts ways for teachers and parents to earn rewards at several top national retailers.
Teachers who join the Staples Rewards program earn up to 5% back in rewards in store and 2% back in rewards when they shop online for eligible items. Other benefits of the program include free delivery and no minimum purchase for a limited time only, and $2 back for each recycled ink cartridge. Teachers can encourage parents to earn Staples Rewards by adding a comment and instructions, including a rewards number, directly on their supply lists on TeacherLists.
Staples has a Classroom Rewards program that gives recipient teachers extra savings when parents shop for school supplies online and in U.S. stores. To be eligible, teachers have to be a Rewards member and must enroll as a recipient teacher in the Classroom Rewards program.
Staples gives newly enrolled teachers a one-time $5 gift reward, which is paid out in their first quarterly statement. For most of the year, teachers earn 5% back in rewards, up to $250 per quarter, when parents submit receipts for qualifying purchases. During the summer months, Staples lets enrolled teachers earn 20% back in rewards on eligible items, up to $250 per quarter, which is ideal when parents buy their child’s exact school supply list on TeacherLists.com.
Here’s what to tell parents about selecting a teacher recipient:
Parents who are Rewards members still get to collect rewards for themselves when they enter a receipt for a teacher. Parents can also reward multiple teachers; however, they can’t split reward earnings from a single receipt—if they have multiple receipts, each receipt they submit can only go toward one teacher.
Teachers can use the Office Depot Office Max rewards program to get discounts on items they need for their classroom. The program offers 2% back in rewards on qualifying items, $2 back on recycled ink and toner cartridges, special member pricing and bonus rewards, instant redemption of rewards at checkout, dedicated support, and even rewards for product reviews.
How to earn with an Office Depot Office Max rewards program:
For parents, Office Depot Office Max also offers a Give Back to Schools program. When parents purchase qualifying school supplies and provide the school’s ID at checkout both in stores and online, the designated school receives 5% back in credits for free supplies, up to $3,000 per year. Participating teachers should be sure to provide their school’s ID directly on their supply list.
How parents can use the Give Back to Schools program:
Amazon offers a credit card that teachers can use to earn rewards everywhere they shop. It offers 3% back on items from Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. Link the card to your Amazon account and use it to pay for classroom supplies.
The Target Circle program rewards Target account holders with 1% earnings when they shop at Target, plus deals, special offers, and 5% off on their birthday. (Bonus: Target makes donations to select nonprofits through its Community Giving Program, and Target Circle members can cast votes for participating nonprofits.)
Check out these other articles for more ways to earn extra cash:
Passive Fundraising Ideas (PTOtoday.com)
How To: Add Your TeacherLists List to Your School Website