After writing about these summer teacher appreciation savings deals, I wondered if there were teacher discounts year round at Maine stores. Turns out there are plenty.
In fact, when it comes to teacher discounts, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Overview of teacher discounts
One, many stores offer these to anyone working in education. For example, the first time I ever heard about teacher discounts was when my husband was early in his career.
At that time we were buying our first Apple computer and learned that there were educator discounts on Macs for teachers.
It’s not a huge discount, mind you, but every dollar counts, right?
So, while they may call them teacher discounts, the truth is if you work at a school and have the ID to prove it, you’ll likely qualify for this discount. Really, it should be called an educator discount.
Two, some stores offer discounts for online purchases only–not purchases made in store. So, if that’s the case, I’ll spell it out.
Three, we have a lot of great outlet shopping here in Maine. Unfortunately, some outlet locations do not extend their teacher discounts. You can use them only in full-price stores.
Where you can get teacher and educator discounts in Maine
Here is my list of stores, businesses and brands with a presence in Maine that participate in these kinds of teacher discounts.
First, there is a bulleted list of businesses.
After that, you’ll find expanded information about each of these discount programs.
Keep in mind that this information was accurate at the time I wrote this article.
Finally, like I said at the top of this article, you’ll often find these teacher discount opportunities when shopping online, not in person.
- Apple
- AT&T
- Books a Million
- J.Crew
- JOANN Stores
- L.L. Bean
- Madewell
- Microsoft
- Target
- T-Mobile
Apple
There is a single Apple Store in Maine. It’s located in the Maine Mall in South Portland.
You can stop in there to ask about the Apple educator discount. However, we’ve always used it by shopping online.
In addition to teachers, the following are also eligible for the Apple Education Discount:
- Current college students
- Newly accepted college students
- Parents of college students
- Education faculty and staff
- Homeschool teachers
AT&T
K-12 teachers and college professors may qualify for money off a mobile plan. Check with your local AT&T store. You’ll find AT&T stores in these Southern Maine towns:
- Falmouth
- Gorham
- Portland
- Saco
- Sanford
- Scarborough
- South Portland
- Westbrook
- Windham
Books a Million
Teachers get a 20% discount when shopping in person or online at Books a Million. In addition, once a year, Books a Million celebrates Educators Weeks, with additional discounts. That’s usually in April.
There are two stores in Southern Maine:
- Augusta
- South Portland
J. Crew
J. Crew has a teacher and student discount.
This discount is valid at J. Crew stores plus J. Crew Factory Outlet stores.
There are three J.Crew Factory stores in Maine:
- Freeport
- Kittery
- South Portland
JOANN Teacher Discount
The JOANN teacher discount is 15% off everyday.
Plus, from time to time throughout the year, JOANN Store will hold Teacher Appreciation Days with additional savings for educators.
There are three JOANN stores in Southern Maine:
- Auburn
- Portland
- Topsham
L.L. Bean
Perhaps there’s no store more synonymous with Maine than L.L. Bean. And I’m thrilled to report that teachers, as well as college students, get a 10% discount.
You’ll need to upload school-issued documentation to verify your eligibility for this markdown. Then, you can use the discount for purchases made online as well at any L.L. Bean retail store, including in Freeport.
Unfortunately, LL Bean outlet stores are excluded.
This article explains L.L. Bean’s two-a-day discounts.
Madewell
Madewell has a 15% discount for both teachers and students. You can use this when shopping online or in person.
There is a single Madewell retail store in Maine. You’ll find it in Portland’s Old Port.
Just show your school ID at the register to receive your discount.
Microsoft
This is what the Microsoft Education page says:
“K-12 and higher education students, parents, and faculty are eligible year-round for an education discount up to 10% off select products, including Surface devices.”
You’ll find a Microsoft Store in the Maine Mall in South Portland.
T-Mobile
There are two ways you can get teacher discounts at T-Mobile.
One, there is a straight out educator discount for up to five lines on a single account.
And, two, T-Mobile has a discount plan for school districts.
There are a handful of T-Mobile stores in Southern Maine. Some of them are Metro by T-Mobile.
- Auburn
- Biddeford
- Brunswick
- Portland
- South Portland
- Westbrook
- Windham
Final thoughts on teacher discounts
Many teachers and educators are members of MEA, Maine Education Association. The MEA website lists additional teacher discounts.
Don’t forget: every year, in early May, is Teacher Appreciation Week along with Teacher Appreciation Day.