Free Supplies for Teachers: 7 Tips to Help You Save Money

As a teacher, having access to free classroom supplies can be a game-changer. The reality is that many schools are underfunded and teachers often have to pay for necessary supplies out of pocket. Fortunately, there are many ways to obtain free supplies for your classroom. In this article, we’ll explore seven strategies for teachers to get free supplies, including checking with your school district, using social media, attending education conferences and events, signing up for free sample programs, joining a teacher exchange program, looking for grants and scholarships, and asking for donations. By utilizing these tips, you can save money and provide your students with the resources they need to succeed.

1. Check with Your School District

When it comes to getting free supplies for your classroom, it’s always a good idea to start by checking with your school district. Local businesses may be willing to donate supplies, and surplus sales from the school can also be a great resource. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for what you need. Another option is to look for coupons and discounts from office supply stores like Staples or Office Max. Additionally, signing up for free samples and programs can be a great way to get supplies without spending any money. For more tips and tricks on getting free or discounted supplies, consider attending education conferences, joining teacher exchange programs, or applying for grants and scholarships.

1.1 Local Business Donations

Don’t overlook the opportunity to reach out to local businesses for donations of free classroom supplies. Many businesses are happy to support their community’s teachers and schools. Start by making a list of businesses in your area that might be interested in helping out, such as office supply stores or discount retailers. Then, draft a letter explaining your needs and how their donation would make a difference in your students’ education. Be sure to mention how their donation will be recognized, such as through social media or in a school newsletter. You can also offer to feature their logo on classroom materials or websites. Remember to always follow up with a thank-you note or email after receiving a donation. This is not only good manners but also helps to maintain a positive relationship with the business for future donations. For instance, you can ask office supply stores for discount coupons, such as Office Max printing coupons or Staple rewards coupons. You can also ask for a Staples teacher discount if you’re buying supplies for your classroom. Another option is to ask for donations of specific items that they sell, such as a laminator for teachers or label makers review. Don’t be shy to ask, as many businesses are willing to assist educators in their community.

1.2 School Surplus Sales

School surplus sales can be a great way to get free or low-cost supplies for your classroom. Schools often have surplus supplies that they need to get rid of, and you can take advantage of this by attending their sales. Check with your school district to find out when and where these sales will be held. You can also ask your fellow teachers if they know of any upcoming sales in the area. Keep in mind that supplies at these sales may be limited, so it’s best to arrive early. Some common items that you may find at school surplus sales include desk chairs, file cabinets, bookshelves, and whiteboards. By attending these sales, you can save money on supplies that you would otherwise have to purchase out of pocket. You may also be able to find some unique items that can add character to your classroom. Consider bringing a cart or a large bag to carry your purchases. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming sales on www.example.com to find the best teacher backpack deals.

2. Use Social Media

Using social media can be a great way for teachers to find free supplies for their classrooms. By joining local Facebook groups, following Twitter accounts related to education, and searching for relevant Instagram hashtags, teachers can connect with other educators and organizations offering free supplies. Some groups even offer free timers for classroom use or share ideas for the best teacher bags. Social media can also be a good place to find coupons for printing or discounts at stores like Lakeshore Learning. By being active on social media and engaging with other educators, teachers can find a wealth of resources and opportunities for free supplies.

2.1 Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are a great way to connect with other teachers and find free supplies for your classroom. There are many groups oriented toward frugal living, parenting, or bartering that can help you find what you need. To get the most out of these groups, be a conscientious community member. Don’t just show up and start demanding “where can I get free school supplies” day one. Contribute to the conversation, answer questions, and do your best to help out other members! Here are some Facebook Groups you can join to find free supplies for teachers:

Facebook Group Name	Description
Teachers Helping Teachers	This group is for teachers to help other teachers by donating or sharing their classroom resources for free.
Free Teaching Resources	This group offers free teaching resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, and activities.
Teacher Freebies	This group is for teachers to share freebies they find online or in stores.
The Freecycle Network	This group is for people to give away items they no longer need for free.

Be sure to do your research and read the rules for each group before posting. Some groups may have specific requirements or guidelines for posting and requesting free supplies.

2.2 Twitter

Twitter can be an excellent resource for finding free supplies for teachers. Start by following companies that make classroom supplies like pens, pencils, and paper. Many of these companies will post giveaways or contests on their Twitter pages, offering free supplies to teachers who retweet their posts or follow their accounts. Be sure to search for hashtags related to free classroom supplies, such as #TeacherGiveaway, #FreeTeacherSupplies, and #TeacherFreebies. You can also search for Twitter chats related to education and teaching, where you can connect with other teachers and find out about free supply giveaways or promotions. Lastly, consider creating a Twitter account for your classroom or school and reaching out to local businesses or community organizations for donations. Use Twitter to spread the word about your need for supplies and ask for help from your followers. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and tag local businesses or organizations in your posts.

2.3 Instagram

Instagram is an excellent social media platform for teachers to find free supplies and resources. By searching relevant hashtags such as #teacherfreebies, #teacherdeals, #teacherdiscounts, and #teachergiveaways, teachers can find a plethora of free supplies and resources offered by companies and fellow educators. Additionally, following education influencers and teacher bloggers on Instagram can also provide access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Another way to explore Instagram for free supplies is to participate in Instagram giveaways. Teachers can enter giveaways by following the instructions provided in posts. Usually, teachers are required to follow the account, like the post, and tag other teachers in the comments. This is a great way to win free supplies and resources for the classroom.

Some companies offer free samples or resources on Instagram. Teachers can take advantage of this by searching for relevant education companies and following their accounts. For example, a company may offer a free trial of their educational software or a free sample of their stationery products.

Instagram is a valuable tool for finding free supplies and resources for the classroom. By using relevant hashtags, following education influencers, participating in giveaways, and searching for free samples, teachers can save money and find quality supplies for their students.

3. Attend Education Conferences and Events

Attending education conferences and events can be an excellent way to score free classroom supplies. At these events, you can interact with vendors and companies that offer a range of products and services to educators. Exhibitors often provide free samples and giveaways to conference attendees in the hopes of attracting more customers. You can also attend workshops and sessions to learn about new teaching strategies and resources, often for free.

Here are some tips for maximizing your free supply haul:

Tip	Description
Research events in advance	Before attending a conference or event, look up the list of exhibitors and vendors. This way, you can identify which ones offer free samples and giveaways, and prioritize visiting those booths.
Bring a reusable bag	You’ll likely receive a lot of free items at these events, so bring a reusable bag to carry them all. This way, you can avoid using plastic bags and also have a convenient way to transport your haul.
Network and make connections	Aside from free supplies, attending education conferences and events can also help you make professional connections. Talk to other educators, vendors, and presenters to learn about new resources and opportunities.
Attend workshops and sessions	While at these events, take advantage of the opportunity to attend workshops and sessions. You can learn about new teaching strategies and resources, often for free. Plus, you may be able to score additional free supplies from the presenters.

Attending education conferences and events can be a fun and productive way to score free classroom supplies. Do some research, bring a reusable bag, and make connections to maximize your haul.

4. Sign Up for Free Samples and Programs

One effective way to get free supplies for teachers is to sign up for free samples and programs. Many companies offer free samples of their products to teachers, and there are also programs that provide free resources to classrooms. One such program is the Free for Teachers Program, which offers free classroom supplies and materials to teachers who sign up. Another option is DonorsChoose.org, which allows teachers to post project requests and receive donations from individuals and organizations. By taking advantage of these free programs, teachers can save money and provide their students with the resources they need to succeed.

4.1 Free for Teachers Program

One of the best ways to get free supplies for teachers is by signing up for the Free for Teachers Program. Many companies offer this program that provides free supplies to teachers. Some of these companies include Staples, Office Depot, and Lakeshore Learning. To sign up, teachers should visit the company’s website and fill out the form provided. Once the form is submitted, teachers will receive coupons and other discounts that can be used to purchase supplies for their classrooms. Some companies also offer a rewards program that allows teachers to earn points for every purchase they make. These points can then be redeemed for more free supplies.

Another great program that teachers can sign up for is the Target Teacher Prep Event. This event is held every year in July and provides teachers with a discount of up to 15% on classroom supplies. To participate in this event, teachers must sign up on the Target website and provide proof of their teaching status.

In addition to these programs, teachers can also sign up for free samples from companies. Many companies offer free samples of their products to teachers in hopes that they will purchase more in the future. Teachers can sign up for these samples on the company’s website or by visiting their booth at an education conference. Some companies also offer free trials of their software programs, which can be a great way to try out new technology in the classroom.

There are many programs available that provide free supplies for teachers. By signing up for these programs, teachers can save money on the supplies they need to create a successful learning environment for their students.

4.2 DonorsChoose.org

DonorsChoose.org is a popular crowdfunding website that allows teachers to create projects and request donations for specific classroom needs. Teachers can create a project for anything from basic school supplies to technology and special projects. Once the project is created, it’s posted on the website for potential donors to browse. Once the project is fully funded, DonorsChoose.org purchases the materials and ships them directly to the teacher. It’s a great way to get the supplies you need without having to spend your own money.



To get started, teachers need to create an account on the DonorsChoose.org website and then create a project. Projects should be specific and include a detailed description of what the teacher needs and how it will benefit their students. Teachers can also upload photos and videos to help promote their project. Once the project is created, teachers can share it on social media or through email to encourage donations. DonorsChoose.org also has a large network of corporate partners who may fund projects that align with their philanthropic goals. If you’re looking for a way to get the supplies you need, DonorsChoose.org is definitely worth checking out.

5. Join a Teacher Exchange Program

If you’re looking for a way to acquire free supplies for your classroom while also connecting with other like-minded teachers, joining a teacher exchange program may be the solution you need. These programs allow teachers to trade items they no longer need for those they do need. Not only can you save money, but you can also form relationships with other teachers and learn from their experiences. Here are some teacher exchange programs that you can consider:

Program	Description
Adopt a Classroom	This program allows donors to adopt a classroom and make donations to help with supplies. Teachers can create a wish list of items they need for their classroom.
Swap.com	Swap.com allows teachers to trade gently used items such as books, educational games, and puzzles with other teachers across the country.
Freecycle	Freecycle is a network of people who are giving and getting items for free in their own towns. Teachers can join their local Freecycle group and request items they need for their classrooms.
Teachers’ Attic	Teachers’ Attic is a free online classifieds site where teachers can post items they no longer need and find items they do need. It’s a great way to recycle items and help out fellow teachers.

By joining a teacher exchange program, you can save money on supplies while also connecting with other teachers and helping to build a community of educators.

6. Look for Grants and Scholarships

One of the best ways to get free supplies for your classroom is to apply for grants and scholarships. Many companies and organizations offer funding to help teachers purchase the supplies they need. You can find these opportunities by doing a simple online search or by checking with your school district.

Grants: Grants are typically awarded to teachers who have specific plans for how they will use the money. You will need to submit a proposal that outlines your project or program and explains how the grant money will be used. Some popular grant programs for teachers include the NEA Foundation Grants, The Kids In Need Foundation, and the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant Program.

Scholarships: Scholarships are another great way to get free supplies for your classroom. Many organizations offer scholarships to help teachers continue their education or attend conferences and workshops. Some popular scholarship programs for teachers include The National Board Certification Scholarship, The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, and The American Montessori Society Teacher Education Scholarship.

When applying for grants and scholarships, be sure to read the guidelines carefully and follow all instructions. Keep in mind that competition can be fierce, so be prepared to put in some time and effort to make your proposal stand out.

Grants and scholarships are an excellent way to get free supplies for your classroom. By taking the time to research available opportunities and submitting a strong proposal, you can secure funding for the supplies you need to create a successful learning environment for your students.

7. Ask for Donations

When it comes to asking for donations, there are a few different avenues teachers can take. One option is crowdfunding. Websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter allow teachers to create campaigns and ask for donations from their social networks and beyond. Another option is to create a classroom wish list, where teachers can create a list of supplies they need and share it with parents and other potential donors. Websites like Amazon and DonorsChoose.org make it easy for teachers to create and share these lists. By being proactive and reaching out to potential donors, teachers can increase their chances of receiving the supplies they need to create a successful learning environment for their students.

7.1 Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has become a popular way for teachers to raise money for classroom supplies. Websites like GoFundMe and DonorsChoose.org allow teachers to create a fundraising page where they can describe their project and request donations. Teachers can share their page on social media and with their network to get the word out. Donors can make small or large contributions and can often choose which specific project they want to support. Some teachers have even been able to raise thousands of dollars through crowdfunding. While it takes effort to promote the fundraising page and reach a wide audience, it can be a great way to get the resources you need for your classroom. Additionally, crowdfunding can be a way to engage with the community and build support for public education.

7.2 Classroom Wish Lists

One way to get free supplies for your classroom is to create a wish list of items you need for your classroom and share it with your friends, family, and community members. You can create a classroom wish list on websites like Amazon, DonorsChoose.org, or TeacherLists.com. Once you create a list, you can share it on social media, school newsletters, or email it to potential donors. You can include items like books, art supplies, or even technology like tablets and laptops. This is a great way to get specific items you need for your classroom without spending any money. Plus, donors can feel good knowing that they are directly helping a classroom in need. So, if you’re in need of supplies, consider creating a classroom wish list and sharing it with your network.

Conclusion

Finding free supplies for teachers may seem like a daunting task, but with a little creativity and effort, it is possible to get the resources you need without breaking the bank. By checking with your school district, using social media, attending education conferences and events, signing up for free samples and programs, joining teacher exchange programs, looking for grants and scholarships, and asking for donations, you can have access to the supplies you need to create an engaging and effective classroom environment. Remember, every little bit helps, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. With a little perseverance, you can provide your students with the tools they need to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this article?

The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with various ways to obtain free school supplies for their classrooms.

Are there any websites that offer free school supplies?

Yes, teachers can sign up for the Free for Teachers Program and DonorsChoose.org to receive free school supplies.

What is a teacher exchange program?

A teacher exchange program is a program where teachers from different countries exchange teaching positions for a certain period of time.

How can social media be used to obtain free school supplies?

Teachers can join Facebook groups and use Twitter and Instagram to connect with organizations that offer free school supplies.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a way to raise money for a project or cause by collecting small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet.

What is a classroom wish list?

A classroom wish list is a list of items that a teacher needs for their classroom. Parents and community members can purchase items from the wish list to donate to the classroom.

Are there any grants available for teachers?

Yes, teachers can look for grants and scholarships that are available for educators.

What are some education conferences and events that teachers can attend?

Teachers can attend events such as the National Education Association Conference and the International Society for Technology in Education Conference.

What is Schoolhouse Supplies?

Schoolhouse Supplies is a nonprofit organization that operates a free store for teachers to obtain school supplies.

What is Clear the List?

Clear the List is a program that offers free shopping sprees for teachers at schools where a certain percentage of students qualify for free lunch.

How much money do teachers spend on school supplies each year?

Each year, 90% of teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money to purchase school supplies for their classrooms, and that number is increasing.

References

• Free Store For Teachers