Having a beautiful wife who teaches kindergarten, I know just how fast crayons, pencils, markers, folders, and notebooks can add-up. Sadly many teachers will never get fully reimbursed on these costs. However, the Target 20% teacher discount provides an opportunity for teachers to cash-in. Learn how you can stock up and save.

The Target Teacher Discount is 20%

If you’re a teacher, you can expect to get 20% off select school supplies and more during the Target Teacher Prep Event.

This event is a chance for teachers to stock up on back-to-school essentials at a nice discount.

Typically, the event runs from the middle to the end of summer leading into the new school year.

For example, this year the Target Teacher Prep Event takes place from July 16 – September 28, 2024.

Look for similar dates in 2025, I’ll update this article when I get the exact dates.

PRO TIP: MAKE IT A BIGGER DISCOUNT

The Target RedCard gives an automatic 5% discount on every purchase, which can be combined with the 20% teacher discount, providing a very nice combined savings on eligible items.

The 20% discount is deducted from the total purchase amount first.

Next, the 5% RedCard discount is applied to the new subtotal after the teacher discount has been deducted.

See Also: 50+ Places Where Teachers Get a Sweet Discount

Here’s How Teachers Qualify

Any teacher who is a Target Circle Member and applies for verification can qualify for these sweet savings.

If you aren’t a Target Circle Member yet, click here to follow these on-screen instructions to create a Target Circle account.

Then, you’ll want to verify your teacher status.

Here are the steps you need to follow to verify your teacher status:

1. Click HERE to verify your teacher status.

2. Once you’re verified, save your teacher savings offer.

3. Once saved, your 20% discount will automatically apply to ONE eligible purchase when you buy eligible items on Target.com or in-store using your Target wallet.

Therefore, you must uncheck the coupon from your Target wallet until you are ready to use the discount.

The last thing you want to do is accidentally use the discount on a small purchase.

PRO TIP: MAKE GROUP BUYS

Coordinate with other teachers and organize a group shopping trip or combine purchases with other teachers at your school. It’s smart to pool your resources to take advantage of the discount and split the costs.

It’s also smart to focus on “shared items” like markers, glue, and bulletin board decorations which can be purchased in larger quantities to save more.

All Teachers Qualify for 20% Off

The discount is good for more than just elementary school teachers.

Teachers at all levels can receive the discount during the Target Prep Event.

This includes these teachers:

– K-12 teachers (both private and public school)

– Homeschool teachers

– Daycare center teachers and teachers at early childhood learning centers

– University and College professors

– Vocational/trade/technical school teachers

Be sure to have a valid form of teacher identification for proof of eligibility.

This includes a recent paystub or employee contract.

PRO TIP: DON’T NEGLECT SELF-CARE

From watching my wife teach over the years, I know how important self-care is for hard-working teachers.

To that end, don’t forget to use your discount for items that help you recharge. Consider:

– Desk organizers or cozy seating for your classroom.

– Wellness products, like a nice water bottle, healthy snacks, or candles.

– Comfortable shoes or clothing for long teaching days (Target has very teacher-friendly styles)

See Also: Target Student Discount: Yes, it Exists…Go Use It

Only New Teachers Have to Show Proof

If you’re a new teacher and don’t have the proper credentials yet, you can show your teaching contract or credential as proof of employment.

However, if you are an existing teacher, simply reverify your status (mentioned above) by clicking HERE.

Here’s How Teachers Use the Discount

Once you have successfully verified your teacher status and saved the offer, your discount will automatically be linked to your account.

This means that whenever you make an online or in-store eligible purchase during the Target Teacher Prep Event, your 20% teacher discount will automatically be applied.

However, again it’s important to note the discount can ONLY be used ONCE per year.

Therefore, if you want to save your discount for later but still want to make Target purchases during the Target Prep Event time frame, simply uncheck the coupon from your account.

Some Products Are Exempt From the Discount

There are certain products that are excluded from the discount, these include:

– Electronics

– Backpacks

– Lunch bags

– Clearance

– Items sold and shipped by Target + Partners

You Can’t Share the Discount

Unfortunately, you can only use your teacher discount based on your own eligibility.

However, you can buy supplies for other teachers (if you are a teacher yourself) using your discount and buy supplies for yourself too.

Ask the Reader: Have you taken advantage of the Target teacher discount in the past? Was it an easy process? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)