It’s that time of year when teachers are setting up their classrooms.

The initial lesson plans, pre-service trainings, and Open House are just some of the inner workings of the new school year routine for teachers everywhere. Outside the classroom, many teachers venture into various department stores and school supply stores to buttress, or augment, the supplies they receive from their school, their district, and/or students’ families.

As teachers shop for the things they need, and the things they want, most try to stay within budget, most try to be reasonable and practical–how much they are spending stays at the forefront of their minds.

Dollars need to stretch, there are too many things that a teacher could buy, and obviously, teachers are normal human beings–there are bills that need to be paid too. So, with that in mind, let’s consider how every teacher can make the best investment and the smartest purchase.

Teacher Discounts

Whether you need decorations from Lakeshore Learning, or books from Barnes n Noble, or you want to increase your professional wardrobe at Ann Taylor, the DealHack has it covered. It’s an extensive list. Some I knew, some I had no idea existed.

10% may not seem like a lot, but something is better than nothing.

10% may not seem like a lot, but every penny saved adds up.

Look over the list and always, always ask when you buy anything. It never hurts to ask–the worse they can say is “no.” I started asking everywhere I went and sometimes there was none in existence but most people have a fond memory of school, or a favorite teacher, and thus an appreciation for what teachers do–and then offer something.

The work of a teacher is constant, never-ending. The time investment is enormous and sometimes that monetary investment is equally grand, but I firmly believe that a teacher should never pay full price for anything in their classroom.

Save some of that money for yourself! Teachers: you’re doing amazing work and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor. So, shop for what you need, and make sure to get a discount or use a coupon–every little bit saved means more for you, and you earned it.