Welcome to plumTeacher: Where Educators are Celebrated All Year Round

With World Teachers' Day fast approaching on October 5th, it’s a timely reminder of how much we appreciate the invaluable contributions teachers make to the classroom and beyond. As the President & CEO of Teachers on Call, I’m proud to lead a tutoring team comprised entirely of certified teachers and principals from coast to coast. We believe that educators deserve to feel celebrated every single day for the impact you have on your students’ lives—and our friends at Indigo could not agree more! That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to Indigo’s brand-new plumTeacher program, designed to give back to educators like you all year round. Best of all, the program is free to join, with no cost for teachers! Many of you are already familiar with plum rewards, but this new offering is dedicated specifically to teachers, making your shopping experience even more rewarding!

Everyone has their happy place, and for me, that place is Indigo. It’s my go-to staycation spot—a place where I can discover the newest books to hit the shelves and thoughtfully curated products, like the perfect donut-shaped mug. What makes it even more special are the welcoming children and lifestyle sections, favourites among teachers and families alike. I know I’m not alone—Indigo is one of the few places where you can effortlessly combine wish lists for both personal and professional needs. We all know there are special times of the year when teachers receive a little something for themselves or their classrooms—whether it’s the start of the school year, teacher appreciation, holiday time, or the end of the school year. But the plumTeacher program is about so much more. It’s designed to celebrate teachers all year long, offering perks and resources to support you with your goals and dreams, whenever you need them most. Plus, teachers can take advantage of special Teacher Appreciation Weekends to check off whatever is on their wish list, from classroom essentials to personal treats.

So, what is plumTeacher?

It’s well known that teachers spend so much out of pocket throughout the year for their students and classrooms, and Indigo’s plumTeacher program is their way of helping stretch your dollars and Indigo gift cards further. One of the key benefits of the program is free access to educator resources. Teachers love to share ideas and resources. There are numerous Facebook groups and websites dedicated to this very topic. By joining plumTeacher, you’ll have access to Indigo’s growing online Teacher Content Hub, where you can find helpful resources to use in your classroom and share with your fellow educators.

By enrolling in the program, teachers will receive:

• Access to shop during Teacher Appreciation Weekends throughout the year, with 20% off in-store purchases (excluding tech products).
• Special email offers, relevant to educators, straight to your inbox.
• A newsletter featuring literary resources that can help inspire your classroom and beyond.
• Invitations to exclusive in-store teacher community events.
• Access to Indigo’s growing online Teacher Content Hub, filled with helpful educator resources.

Be Among the First to Sign Up for plumTeacher!

This is your opportunity to be among the first to sign up for plumTeacher during the Launch Weekend from September 19th-22nd, 2024. Visit any Indigo, Chapters, Coles, or Indigospirit store in-person across Canada (excluding Quebec) – find your closest store here. Sign up for free and enjoy 20% off in-store purchases during the weekend. 

Alongside the plumTeacher launch, Indigo’s Adopt-a-School fundraiser – a cause near and dear to many of our hearts – is also happening this fall. This initiative supports underfunded schools by filling their libraries with much-needed books. Each store selects a school to support, and during our visit, we were touched by the bookmarks made by appreciative students! If you have plans this weekend, not to fret – you can sign up anytime and enjoy more exclusive teacher appreciation weekends and ongoing benefits throughout the year.

Now, the biggest question is what to buy – and we’ve got you covered! Keep reading!

#TeacherPicks: Recommended by Teachers, for Teachers

We’re all familiar with Heather's Picks—and personally, I have never read a Heather's Pick I didn’t love! On that theme, I’ve rounded up some amazing elementary and secondary teachers to pick out must-have items teachers love. From classroom essentials to personal favourites, we’ve curated a list of #TeacherPicks to inspire you for the school year ahead, and to give you some ideas on items to consider. Although we will all be waiting to sign up for plumTeacher first prior to making our purchases!

Jen’s #TeacherPick: 

The Good Egg and The Bad Seed
“I love that there is a matching stuffy. The book’s message is fantastic, and having something physical for kids to hold as they learn that message makes it even more powerful. It’s such a great resource for the classroom.”

Kiana’s #TeacherPick: 

French Picture and Chapter Books

“It’s often hard to find French books that are truly representative of the diverse students we teach. I was impressed that I was able to see a selection of books that reflect their interests, identities, and communities.”

Jason's #TeacherPick: 

Nelson Mathematics Workbook

"In my classroom, I feel that these are really trustworthy resources."

Josh’s #TeacherPick: 

Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning

“AI is such a powerful tool, and I want to make sure I can harness it effectively in my math classroom.”

Ready? How to Sign Up for plumTeacher!

Who qualifies for plumTeacher?

The plumTeacher program extends to a broad spectrum of education professionals, including school leadership, school teachers, specialized and home-based educators. This includes school administrators (principals and vice-principals), school teachers (elementary and secondary teachers in K-12 schools, including guidance counsellors, classroom and educational assistants, and special education staff members), specialized educators (English as a Second Language teachers and college/university faculty members), and home-based educators (parent educators and homeschool teachers). 

What verification is required for plumTeacher?

To sign up, you’ll need to bring verification of your educational role. If you don’t have a physical teacher ID card, any current documentation with your name, position, and school affiliation will be accepted—this includes valid teacher certification, school staff ID, or a current verification letter from your school administrator. Canadian Centre for Home Education (CCHE) cards are also accepted for homeschooling parents.

So, mark your calendars, grab your teacher identification, and head over to your local Indigo, Chapters, Coles, or Indigospirit! Sign up for the plumTeacher program to enjoy all the amazing perks it has to offer— you deserve it!

This blog has been created in partnership with Indigo, reflecting our shared mission to inspire a love of reading and our mutual appreciation for the incredible work of educators. Photography by Jennifer Allison from JSHUTTER Photography