Businesses love to support teachers. Especially businesses whose products might appeal to teachers. Giving them a discount means they’ll come back again, and again, and again. Barnes and Noble, Staples and Lakeshore Learning are just a few in my area that support teachers. . .and homeschoolers.
Yep, you read that right. Most businesses that offer teacher rewards do not discriminate against homeschoolers. They are happy to extend their teaching rewards, which generally include 10% off, or a discount after purchasing a certain amount, to homeschoolers.
How Do I Know if a Business Offers Discounts to Teachers?
Just ask! Some companies, like Staples, will have the program advertised on the front page of their website. But places like Michael’s, A. C. Moore, and similar type stores also offer educator discounts that are not as well advertised. You have to ask in person, but sure enough they’re available. One word to the wise: you don’t need to advertise that you’re a homeschooler. All you need to do is ask if they offer educator discounts.
What Do I Do if They Say No?
It depends on the reasoning. For example, one local craft store turned me down and when I asked why she proceeded to explain that to obtain the teacher discount, one had to have a school I.D. card and that the purchase was tax deductible. Well, that makes a lot of sense–homeschoolers do not qualify for tax deductible status. However, if it’s just an arbitrary ‘no’ because homeschoolers don’t teach, or if you happen to know that another store in the same chain will give the discount–your polite persistence is likely to pay off.
What Do I Use for I.D.?
In some places, I’ve found that they don’t even require I.D. You say you’re a teacher, and they offer the discount. However, if they do require an I.D. you can use:
*your HSLDA membership card
*an I.D. card that you make yourself with the school name on it and your name
*your letter of intent or a copy of the paperwork you turn in, if required
*another ID card issued by some other homeschooling group or agency
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Is Homeschooling Worth It Just for the Character?
Are You Trying to Fit a Square Peg in a Round Hole?
The Case for Schooling Year Round