Staples thanks teachers with social media campaign

Staples is asking customers to help reward outstanding teachers by sharing stories on Twitter and Instagram.

The office supplies giant is launching the second annual “Thank A Teacher” program. Through Sept. 26, parents and students can nominate outstanding teachers by sharing their personal stories on Twitter or Instagram and tagging @StaplesStores and using #ThankATeacher and #contest. They can also nominate a teacher through a form on the Staples e-commerce site.

Through the contest, 20 teachers will be awarded $5,000 in Staples gift cards to stock up on supplies for the upcoming school year. Actress/comedian Angela Kinsey is helping to promote the program in a new video where she nominates teachers who have impacted her family.

“It’s undeniable that this school year will look different for everyone. Staples knows that teachers will need our support more than ever – whether they’re teaching in the classroom, remotely or a combination of both,” said Mike Motz, CEO, Staples U.S. Retail. “We wanted to provide a platform this year to allow both students and parents to celebrate their teachers by sharing personal stories of gratitude and appreciation.”

In addition to its Thank A Teacher program, Staples will support educators via a 20% discount for teachers who shop in-store with their teacher ID through Sept. 26. As part of the Staples Classroom Rewards program, for every qualifying purchase made at Staples through Sept. 26, 20% in rewards will go directly to an enrolled educator of the customer's choice when they enter their receipt online. Teachers can also earn a $5 gift reward when they enroll in the Classroom Rewards program.

To address the new realities of this school year, Staples now offers PPE including face masks and hand sanitizer.