Pennies Saved

There are perks to being a teacher, but they’re mostly of the intangible variety: the knowledge that you’re making a difference, or a “thank you” from a student. If you’re looking for something a little more palpable, the TeachersDisCount Web site aggregates small discounts on products and services ranging from school supplies to car rentals.

The nonprofit site is part of a larger organization called TeachersCount, which aims to improve respect and recognition for educators. Registration is free on TeachersDisCount, which went live in 2001 and has 16,000 members. Teachers can browse among 19 companies offering discounts, most of which range from 5 percent to 25 percent.

Some are truly good deals: 15 percent off stays at all Choice hotels, 25 percent off jewelry at the online retailer Moon River Pearls, and 10 percent off curricular materials from Camelot Learning and Holcomb’s Education Resources.

Other offers aren’t worthwhile, like the “special prices” on magazines that are no lower than the standard subscription rates.

Some of the best deals require filling out yet another Web form. But teachers who do so can get free memberships to Working Advantage, a service that offers discounts on movie and theater tickets, travel, and merchandise from a long list of retailers, including Target, Home Depot, and Overstock.com.

Program director Lori Piranian says she is always looking for suggestions from teachers about the retailers and other companies they’d like to see added.

By Laura Donnelly

Vol. 18, Issue 05, Page 19