School’s Almost Out, But the Perks Continue for Educators with Indigo’s plumTeacher

As the school year winds down, parents across the country are beginning to brainstorm teacher appreciation gifts for the special educators in their lives. But sometimes, as a teacher, it’s nice to get a head start—and treat yourself to something special. That’s where plumTeacher comes in. Created by Indigo to recognize the incredible work of educators, this free program offers exclusive year-round benefits, with extra promotions during set times—like the spring Teacher Appreciation Weekend from May 29 to June 2, 2025. In this special feature, Joanne Sallay, President & CEO of Teachers on Call, shares everything you need to know about this teacher appreciation program—and how to support both the program and the teachers in your life, even if you’re not a teacher yourself.

Teachers on Call’s Joanne Sallay on Celebrating Educators with plumTeacher

Personally and professionally, I love Indigo. The store is so thoughtfully curated, and in an age when finding what you actually need in-store feels rare, Indigo never disappoints. As the leader of a Canadian educational tutoring service, I especially appreciate how each location has its own local flavour while consistently showcasing Canadian authors and illustrators. As a proudly Canadian company itself, Indigo plays a key role in reinforcing the importance of supporting homegrown books and businesses. Anyone who follows our Hooked on Books series interviewing Canadian creators will know I’m a longtime champion! Another standout for me is Indigo’s unwavering support for education and teachers with their school programs through the Love of Reading Foundation. So when plumTeacher was launched, I couldn’t wait to participate.

At Teachers on Call, our in-home and online tutoring team is made up entirely of provincially certified teachers—making us the perfect early adopters. We had the opportunity to visit Indigo in the fall during the launch of plumTeacher to explore the store and create a wish list of must-haves for the academic year ahead. From professional reads to classroom staples and cozy personal picks, there was no shortage of inspiration. Now, with the new spring plumTeacher Appreciation Weekend, I am topping up the list with fresh seasonal finds and thoughtful ways to relax and recharge ahead of summer break. Keep scrolling for my new spring picks!

So, what is plumTeacher?

If you're a teacher or school library professional, you're likely already familiar with Indigo’s longstanding impactful literacy initiatives like Adopt a School and the Literacy Fund Grant through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. Indigo consistently sends a powerful message: reading matters — and so do the educators who make it happen.

Now, there’s a new program designed just for teachers — and it’s called plumTeacher. After all, teachers are known for going above and beyond, often spending out of pocket to support their students and classrooms. Indigo’s plumTeacher program was created to help stretch those dollars (and gift cards!) further, while offering meaningful benefits tailored to the teaching community. Best of all, it’s completely free to join!

By enrolling in plumTeacher, educators will receive:

• 20% off in-store purchases during Teacher Appreciation Weekends (excludes technology products).
• Exclusive email offers are curated just for teachers.
• A dedicated newsletter filled with literary ideas and classroom inspiration.
• Invitations to teacher-only in-store events that build community and connection.
• Access to the Teacher Content Hub, a digital space for practical, shareable classroom resources.

#TeacherPicks: Our Fall plumTeacher Field Trip

Last fall, a group of amazing elementary and secondary teachers from the Teachers on Call tutoring team (who also happen to be classroom teachers) visited Indigo to compile their top picks—from classroom essentials to personal favourites. This spring, I went back on my own to top up the list with fresh finds for the season ahead. While we’ll all be waiting to sign up for plumTeacher before making our purchases, here’s a sneak peek at what’s made it onto our latest wishlist. Whether you’re shopping for others or looking to treat yourself, there’s something for every educator to enjoy. To see our original team picks, click here.

1. Books: Celebrate Summer, Celebrate Canada

Summer and reading go hand-in-hand—and there’s no more inviting place to explore than Indigo. I love the emphasis on Canadian literature. Look for the red Celebrate Canada stickers throughout the store and online, along with special displays for Local and Canadian Authors.

While I’m a devoted fan of Heather’s Picks, I also love browsing the Staff Picks. Shoutout to Shadi at the midtown Toronto store near my office for recommending Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. It’s now on my plumTeacher wishlist (and yes—it’s also a Heather’s Pick, so I know I’m in good hands!).

Bonus: Don’t forget to join Indigo’s Reading Challenge. It’s a fun, bingo-style game that adds inspiration to your summer reading. And who doesn’t love a good bingo card?

2. Reading Accessories: Cozy Up Your Summer Reads

One of my favourite finds? The picnic blanket, currently available for $19.99 when you spend $30 or more. It comes in a variety of styles, but my favourite features the whimsical message: reading, lounging, swimming, napping, dreaming—perfect for outdoor reading sessions. Try pairing it with a Canadian summer read by Carley Fortune or Lily Chu.

3. Celebrate Teachers Section: You Deserve It

If the Celebrate Teachers section doesn’t make you feel appreciated, I don’t know what will. From adorable mugs and stationery to practical totes, there’s something for every educator. I especially love the For the Love of Reading tote, with 100% of proceeds supporting a priority school in need.

4. Children’s Books: For the Classroom and Home

It’s never too early to get a head start on your classroom library—or to refresh your own kids’ shelves at home. If looking for Canadian inspiration, check out the national recreational Forest of Reading program! Pair your picks with the Kids' Reading Challenge, complete with their very own bingo card. (Yes, kids love bingo too!)

5. Gifting: For Others… or Just for You

Whether you’re shopping for Father’s Day (hello Pickleball Match Tracker!), looking for a fun gift for a fellow teacher, or simply treating yourself, Indigo has you covered. I also love celebrating Canadian and women-owned businesses like Comeback Snacks, a brand offering popcorn with a powerful turnaround story, and Blume, the superfood company redefining lattes with feel-good ingredients and purpose. As a proudly Canadian company, Indigo not only champions Canadian books and authors, but also curates lifestyle items from homegrown brands like these—making it easier than ever to support local talent with every purchase. Honestly, I dare you to spend under 30 minutes there—just being in the store feels like a gift on its own.

 

Who Qualifies for plumTeacher

Originally designed for elementary and secondary teachers across Canada, the plumTeacher program is intentionally inclusive. If you teach, support student learning, or lead in an educational setting—you’re eligible to join. The program is open to a wide range of education professionals, including:

• School-based educators: Elementary and secondary teachers, guidance counsellors, EAs, and special education staff
• School leadership: Principals and vice-principals
• Specialized educators: ESL instructors and college/university faculty
• Home-based educators: Homeschooling parents

What You’ll Need to Verify Your Role

To enroll, simply provide proof of your role in education. 

Valid Teacher Identification is required to enroll in this program. If you do not have a physical card, please present current documentation that includes your name, position and the school affiliation. 

Examples of acceptable identification include:

• A valid teaching certificate
• School-issued staff ID or pay stub
• A letter from your school administrator
• A Canadian Centre for Home Education (CCHE) card (for homeschooling parents)

Ready to Join? Here's How to Sign Up for plumTeacher:

Bring proof of your role to any Indigo store, or take advantage of the new option to sign up online, and fill out your teacher details here!

Take Part in the Teachers’ Choice Program – Your Recommendations Matter

Don’t miss the opportunity to take the quick and easy online survey for Teachers’ Choice—Indigo’s annual program that invites educators across Canada to help curate a list of must-read books for children of all ages. From May 6 to 23, 2025, teachers can share their favourite classroom reads to help shape the national book list for back-to-school and be entered to win one of six Indigo gift cards, including a $500 grand prize. Check back in August—online and in-store—for the full Teachers’ Choice reading list, featuring top book picks for kids of all ages. Share the books you love and why here!

And for any families reading this—Indigo gift cards make perfect end-of-year teacher gifts in June. Trust me—these gifts are teacher approved and guaranteed to be put to good use during the next Teacher Appreciation Weekend (if teachers can wait, lol).

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 of the Teachers on Call team by Jennifer Allison from JSHUTTER Photography