Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Where to Find Great Discounts for Teachers

My mother once spent a summer dressing clothespins in tiny homemade Shakespearian costumes. She placed these mini-thespians in a scale model of the Globe Theater that she had bought and assembled. Bizarre behavior? Not for an English teacher. Like every teacher I have ever known, my mother spent lots of her “spare” time and money to enrich her students’ understanding and enjoyment.

Luckily, many local businesses understand that teachers use their own money to purchase supplies that school budgets do not cover. Below is a list of area shops offering special discounts to educators. All of the stores listed require teachers to show a valid school I.D. to qualify for these special discounts. Other requirements are listed where appropriate.

National chains often offer special discount programs for teachers and frequent buyers. Call ahead to find out if a store offers a program, and ask what you’ll need to bring to qualify for the discount. Homeschooling families should also ask local retailers about frequent-buyer programs, which many shops on this list offer.

Children’s Bookshop and Learning Supplies ā€“ Workbooks, classroom decorating supplies, and educational games abound here; teachers receive a 10 percent discount.225 W. Meeker St., Kent; 253-852-0383; 19720 44th Ave. W. #R, Lynnwood; 425-673-2416; 707 River Road, Puyallup; 253-445-4790. www.childrens-bookshop.com

Daniel Smith Art Supply ā€“ Art students and instructors qualify for a 10 percent discount. Purchases must be made at the store. Will call service is available. 4150 First Ave. S., Seattle; 206-223-9599; 15112 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue; 425-643-1781. www.danielsmith.com

Display and Costume Supply sells bulletin board supplies, prizes for students, costumes for school plays and the like. K-12 schools can apply for a $50 coupon ā€“ one per school per year, and they’re granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The coupon is good at any of the three locations, but must be approved through the Seattle store. To apply, contact Bill Case 206-219-5202 or billc@displaycostume.com; 11201 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle; 206-362-4810; 5209 Evergreen Way, Everett; 425-353-3364975 NW Gilman Blvd. Suite A, Issaquah; 425-392-3777. www.displaycostume.com

Eagle Harbor Book Company offers 20 percent off new, used and audio books bought in the store. Books also qualify for the discount if they are ordered through the Web site, picked up and paid for at the store. 157 Winslow Way E., Bainbridge Island; 206-842-5332. www.eagleharborbooks.com

Edmonds Bookshop gives 20 percent off books to teachers who bring in a purchase order from their school.111 5th Ave. S., Edmonds; 425-775-2789. www.edmondsbookshop.com

Elliott Bay Book Company gives teachers and librarians a 20 percent discount on new, used, and bargain books as well as books ordered through the store. Purchases must be made in the store.101 S. Main St., Seattle; 206-624-6600. www.elliottbaybook.com

Island Books offers teachers a 20 percent discount on books for classroom use. The discount is good on in-store purchases or special orders, and shipping is always free.3014 78th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island; 206-232-6952. www.mercerislandbooks.com

Kings Books, which sells used, rare, out-of-print and new books, offers 10 percent off books purchased for classroom use. 218 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma. www.kingsbookstore.com

Learning Sprout Toys sells educational toys, games, arts and crafts supplies, books, workbooks, and classroom decorating supplies focused on preschool to elementary grade levels. Teachers get a 10 percent discount on teaching supplies.809 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; 253-274-0136. www.learningsprout.com

Math N’ Stuff is packed with all things mathematical, including traditional favorites such as dice, flashcards, and workbooks, and non-traditional math fun such as origami, strategy games, building sets, and math literature. Teachers can get discounts on bulk orders, and anyone can sign up for a customer appreciation program that offers discounts based on points accrued through purchases. 8926 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle; 206-525-8891. www.mathnificent.com

Mockingbird Books gives teachers 15 percent off books in stock or books ordered through the store. 7220 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., Seattle; 206-518-5886. www.mockingbirdbooksgl.com

Tacoma Art Supply‘s focus is on fine art supplies. Teachers and students get 15 percent off non-sale items.1552 Commerce Ave., Suite 101, Tacoma; 253-444-2341. www.tacomaartsupply.com

Orca Books gives educators 20 percent off new and used books, and books ordered through the store.509 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia; 360-352-0123; www.orcabooks.com

Secret Garden Books gives teachers 20 percent off books purchased for classroom use. 2214 N.W. Market St., Seattle; 206-789-5006. www.secretgardenbooks.com

Third Place Books gives teachers a 20 percent discount on new and used books, as well as special orders. Purchases must be made in the store. Teachers must show a valid union card or a pay stub from the last 30 days along with a photo I.D. Once entered in a location’s computer, you’ll only need a photo I.D. 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park; 206-366-3333; www.thirdplacebooks.com. 6504 20th Ave. N.E., Seattle; 206-525-2347. ravenna.thirdplacebooks.com

University Book Store ā€“ Teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers can sign up for the Partners in Education (PiE) program. With approval of the application form (available in stores or on the Web site under “Kids Books”) educators receive 20 percent off qualifying classroom materials, including new and used books and supplies. 4326 University Way N.E., Seattle; 206-634-3400; Room 301 South Campus Center, University of Washington, Seattle; 206-616-3318; Room 100 Husky Union Building, University of Washington Seattle; 206-543-5896; 990 102nd Ave. N.E., Bellevue; 425-462-4500; 1754 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; 253-272-8080; 18325 Campus Way N.E., Suite 102, Bothell; 425-352-3344; 15311 Main St., Mill Creek; 425-385-3530. www.bookstore.washington.edu

Wide World Books and Maps sells wall maps, folded maps, globes, and travel books. Teachers get 10 percent off in-store purchases, and should ask about discounts on special orders. 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle; 206-634-3453. www.wideworldtravelstore.com

About the Author

Kathleen Roll