Teachers, your biggest supply run of the year just got cheaper. All summer long, the deals stack up — from Prime Day teacher deals to Target school supplies under a dollar. But the one worth planning around is the Target Teacher Prep Event, where verified teachers get 20% off a single storewide purchase — one of the best back-to-school shopping deals we see all year.
Here’s how to sign up for the Target teacher discount and Teacher Prep Event that's happening now.
Download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text TARGET to 57299 for more Target money-saving tips, deals, and coupons.
The Target Teacher Discount happens twice a year — and offers up to 20% off storewide.
Target gives verified teachers two chances to save each year with exclusive Circle offers:
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10% off during Teacher Appreciation Week in May
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20% off during the Teacher Prep Event in July
The 10% offer is a limited-time Target Circle offer valid on a single storewide purchase — and it’s a nice bonus ahead of summer break. Then the 20% offer returns mid-July and typically lasts about six to seven weeks, giving teachers more time (and more savings) to gear up for back to school.
And this 20% off discount isn’t just for back-to-school supplies at Target. Teachers can use it on groceries, self-care, and other everyday essentials too.
KCL predicts the next 10% off Target teacher discount will likely start on July 19, 2026.
The big Teacher Prep Event offers 20% off and will likely run Sunday, July 19 through Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Outside of the Teacher Prep Event, Target offers 10% off during Teacher Appreciation Week aligned with National Teacher Appreciation Week.
The Target teacher discount is valid on one storewide purchase, online or in stores.
Both the 10% and 20% off Target Circle coupons are only valid for one-time use, online OR in stores. This means you won’t be able to use the coupons online AND in stores, and they're only available during the Target Teacher Prep Event (typically in July – August) and during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
You can also stack the teacher discount with your typical 5% off Target Circle Card Reward for even more savings. But you can’t stack the teacher coupon with the Target Back-to-School coupon.
KCL TIP: Consider stacking your 20% off coupon with your state’s tax-free weekend to grab a little extra savings. Got extra Target gift cards lying around? You can use those to save more on classroom supplies too.
Once you verify your teacher status, you can shop.
To get the Target teacher discount, you’ll have to verify your teacher status online first. Once verified, you’ll see a Target Circle offer in your account. If you’re not a Target Circle member, you can sign up online or in the Target app for free. (Download the Target app for iOS or Android.)
Who's eligible for the teacher discount?
All K – 12 teachers, homeschool teachers, teachers working at daycare centers and early childhood learning centers, university or college professors, and vocational/trade/technical school teachers with valid identification are eligible.
How to verify your teacher status:
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Verify your teacher status on the Target website.
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Once you’re verified, save your Circle offer to your account.
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Your discount will automatically apply at checkout on Target.com or in your Target Wallet in-store.
KCL TIP: If you’re a new teacher and don’t have your credentials yet, you can use another form of verification like a pay stub or homeschool document.
The teacher discount is valid on almost anything at Target, with a few exceptions.
There are select brands that you can guarantee to be excluded from almost every Circle offer, including the Target teacher discount.
Excluded items were electronics, backpacks, lunch bags, trial- and travel-size items, swim, sleepwear, Fan Central, clearance, and items sold and shipped by Target+TM Partners and Levi’s Red Tab.
Also, the Circle offer for teachers hasn't been able to be combined with any other category coupon during previous events.
Use your Target teacher coupon and your 5% Circle Card discount on supplies that are already on sale.
You’ll find tons of Target school supplies with sale prices for the back-to-school season. Maximize your savings by stacking your Target teacher coupon with your 5% Target Circle Card discount.
Related: Are you a college student? You can save even more at Target. Running at the same time as the Teacher Prep Event, verified college students can get a Target Circle Offer for 20% off one storewide purchase. Similar to how the teachers verify, you’ll do the same to verify your college student status.
Related Reading:
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For iOS and Android users.
