Politely asking the cashier if the store offers educational discounts is the key. Be prepared to fill out some form.

Bring proof of employment (paystub, business card, and/or a letter from a school administrator). Remember that unions and professional associations offer in-kind discounts too. I have received discounted car rentals, hotel reservations, and meals.

One local pizza delivery place accepted calls at 2:30 daily and would deliver extra (unclaimed) pizza’s to my classroom FREE! My classroom of middleschool kids received a complementary dinner buffet when they offered to clean the parking lot of a local resteraunt.

Michael’s crafts does not offer teacher discounts but will accept mailer coupons from any competator, so I bring in my JoAnn coupons regularly. I ask parents to save coupons for me too. (Once a Michael’s employee said that teacher’s make too much money to get discounts! I have not seen that person since)

I have had no success writing companies to ask for free items or to initiate discounts for teachers. Craiglist is an infinate source for school supplies and has a school wish program.