Teacher Superstore helps Las Vegas educators stretch their dollars
Public Education Foundation store provides $500 worth of supplies for just $26 membership
As the new school year approaches, Southern Nevada teachers are finding relief at a unique resource that helps them stock their classrooms without breaking the bank. The Public Education Foundation’s Teacher Superstore offers educators the chance to walk out with approximately $500 worth of supplies for an annual membership fee of just $26.
Located at 6001 South Decatur Boulevard, Suite D, the Teacher Superstore has been serving Clark County School District educators since 2002, originally operating as the Teacher EXCHANGE before rebranding and relocating to its current larger space in 2022.
Meeting a critical need
The store addresses a pressing issue in local education: according to the Public Education Foundation, 58% of CCSD students arrive on the first day of school without necessary supplies. Meanwhile, a U.S. Department of Education study shows that 94% of teachers nationwide spend their own money on classroom materials, averaging $480 annually.
“A lot of times, our teachers don’t want our kids to go without, so they take on the burden of buying those supplies themselves,” explained Riley Caspersen of the Public Education Foundation. “Having this resource for them allows them to get those supplies while also still being able to pay for the things that they need for their daily life.”
How it works
Any licensed public school or charter school teacher in Clark County can purchase a $26 annual membership, which grants them access to rows of free and heavily discounted classroom supplies. The inventory includes everything from basic items like pencils and notebooks to specialized teaching materials.
Tracy Foote, a first-grade teacher at Hewetson Elementary with 10 years of experience, has been shopping at the store for seven years. “This is a must-go place that I encourage any teacher to go to every year,” Foote said. “You actually walk out with so much compared to if you were to go into Staples or any other office supply store.”
Extended hours for back-to-school season
To accommodate the increased demand during back-to-school shopping, the Teacher Superstore has implemented special seasonal hours. From July 12 through September 4, the store operates:
- Thursday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
After September 4, the store transitions to weekend-only hours (Friday through Sunday). Teachers can also shop online at thepef.org/teacher-superstore.
Beyond the superstore
The Teacher Superstore is just one of several programs run by the Public Education Foundation to support local education. The organization also:
- Awards nearly $6.7 million in college and vocational school scholarships annually to CCSD students
- Operates the Teacher Pathways program, which helps paraprofessionals become licensed teachers through mentorship and financial support
- Partners with the community through back-to-school drives and corporate sponsorships
Last year alone, the foundation helped 6,000 teachers through various programs, demonstrating the significant impact of community support on public education.
Community recognition
The Teacher Superstore’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, Findlay Automotive Group recognized the store as a Vegas Stronger Champion for its support of teachers and students throughout the valley.
“We see it as a way to support both the teachers and the students,” Caspersen noted, emphasizing how the program creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire educational community.
For teachers looking to stretch their classroom budgets while ensuring their students have the supplies they need to succeed, the Teacher Superstore stands as a testament to what community partnership can achieve in supporting public education.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/las-vegas-valley-teachers-save-001424239.html
Category: Education
Subcategory: School Resources
Date: 07/28/2025
