All year long, teachers stock up on everything they need for their classrooms. And while the summer months are a nice break, it’s when the best teacher deals start to heat up with Target teacher discounts, Prime Day teacher deals, and Target school supplies priced under a dollar.
Before summer kicks in, Target usually offers a limited-time 10% off Teacher Appreciation Week coupon. Then later in the summer, Target brings back their Teacher Prep Event, where verified teachers get the chance to take 20% off supplies — one of the biggest teacher deals of the year.
Here’s how to sign up for the Target teacher discount that's happening now and the Teacher Prep Event that will be later in the summer.
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The Target Teacher Discount is 10% off storewide in May and 20% off in July.
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 in 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. It’s one of the best sales we see for back-to-school shopping.
The 10% off Target teacher discount is May 3 - 9.
The 10% off Teacher Appreciation Week Target Circle offer runs from Sunday, May 3, through Saturday, May 9, 2026.
It’s less than the offer we see during the summer event, but it’s still a nice chance to save early before the Teacher Prep Event returns in July.
We’re predicting that the next 20% off Teacher Prep Event will start Sunday, July 19, 2026.
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 summertime 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 the 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 are 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. 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.
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