As a teacher, you don’t just teach lessons—you pour in your time, energy, and heart. The good news? Lots of businesses are ready to give you a gold star in return: discounts! From classroom supplies to cozy clothes, travel to tech, you can snag serious savings just by flashing your school ID. Call it your well-deserved “extra credit.”
We’ve made it easy—just click a store’s name to see the deal. And here’s a pro tip: many retailers roll out even bigger perks during Teacher Appreciation Week, so keep an eye out for those bonus savings.
Get half off your first box, 10% off future boxes, free shipping on the first—and yes, dessert for life. Now that’s a sweet deal!
Sonic
Join the Sonic Teachers’ Circle for free deals and tasty discounts. Just enroll in the Sonic app and let the rewards roll in. Download the Sonic app, then create an account, go into Settings, tap the Profile icon, tap Account and select “I’m a Teacher” to enroll.
Save when booking accommodations through Hotels.com—perfect for that much-deserved getaway.
Do you have a favorite teacher discount that’s not mentioned here? Share it in the comments.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Who says cleaning has to come in a plastic bottle filled with mystery chemicals you can’t even pronounce? With a few simple pantry staples—think vinegar, baking soda, and a lemon peel—you can whip up DIY cleaning products that are safe, budget-friendly, and surprisingly powerful. Bonus: they smell a whole lot better, too.
Pantry Powerhouses: The Magic Behind DIY Cleaners
Before diving into recipes, let’s get to know a few key ingredients that make these formulas shine:
Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this kitchen staple is not just for baking—it’s a powerful cleaner, too. Its mild abrasiveness makes it great for scrubbing, while its whitening, brightening, and deodorizing properties leave surfaces fresh and clean.
Vinegar: An all-star degreaser and deodorizer, vinegar is a fantastic cleaner for glass and nonporous surfaces. It’s acidic, so avoid using it on natural stone like granite or marble, cast iron, stainless steel and unfinished wood—as it could corrode or damage them. Never mix vinegar with bleach (or you risk a dangerous reaction).
Citric Acid: Found naturally in citrus fruits, citric acid is sold in powder form. It is excellent at cutting grease, removing stains, and tackling mineral deposits. It’s not good for all surfaces, though. Like vinegar, it is high in acidity. Skip citric acid on wood floors, electronics, copper, brass, and natural stone.
A Note on Mixing Vinegar + Baking Soda
That fizzy foam is fun and can help lift dirt—but baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other when combined. The leftover liquid isn’t a strong cleaner. Use them separately for best results.
Tried-and-True DIY Recipes
We researched some of the most popular do-it-yourself formulas for homemade household cleaners. Do you have a favorite that’s not on this list? Be sure to share it in the comments.
All-Purpose Cleaner
¼ cup Dawn dish soap
½ cup lemon juice
¾ cup vinegar
½ cup rubbing alcohol
1¼ cups water
Mix the ingredients above and store in a spray bottle. Pro tip: Infuse the vinegar with lemon, orange or grapefruit peels for 1–2 weeks for a fresh scent and extra grease-cutting power.
Alternatively, you can use a simpler version of just ½ cup white vinegar and 4 cups warm water for an all-purpose cleaner. Cleaning glass? Use equal amounts vinegar and water to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Carpet Freshener
2 cups borax
1 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil
Mix the ingredients above and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, sprinkle the mixture on your carpet. Let it sit 30 minutes, then vacuum. Not only does it freshen the room, it helps repel pests and deter rodents.
Carpet Stain Remover
Baking soda
1 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 cups warm water
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, wait 10 minutes, then vacuum. Mix the dish soap, vinegar and water, and apply with a sponge. Use a clean cloth to blot the moisture. Repeat with sponging the water mixture and blotting until the stain disappears.
Dishwasher Detergent
8 oz castile soap
1 cup water
3 Tbsp. vinegar
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container. When you are ready to run the dishwasher, add 1 tablespoon per load.
Drain Cleaner
½ cup borax
½ cup salt
1 cup white vinegar
Mix the above ingredients into a paste and pour it into the drain. Let it sit 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Fabric Softener
5½ cups water
15 oz. hair conditioner
2½ cups vinegar
20 drops essential oil (optional especially if your hair conditioner has a nice scent)
Mix and store. Use ¼ cup per wash during the rinse cycle.
Grout Cleaner
Add water to baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply that paste to the grout. Let it sit 15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
Hardwood Floor Shine
Bucket of warm water
Few drops natural dish soap
1 tsp castile soap or olive oil
Mop as usual to restore the shine without damaging the wood.
Soft Scrub Cleanser
1½ cups baking soda
½ cup liquid laundry soap
10 drops tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil
Mix into a paste and store airtight. Rehydrate with water if it dries.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup citric acid
½ cup vinegar
Mix the dry ingredients—the baking soda and citric acid. Sprinkle that powder mixture in the toilet bowl. Then, add vinegar to the bowl, which will cause it to foam. Scrub and then flush.
Of course, taking care of your home goes beyond keeping it clean—it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked so hard for. At California Casualty, we understand your home is your greatest investment, and we’re here to make sure it’s fully protected with the right insurance coverage.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When most people picture a nurse, they imagine bedside care in a hospital—checking vital signs, administering medications, and comforting patients. While that’s certainly a cornerstone of the profession, today’s nursing world is far broader and more dynamic than ever before. Nurses are branching out into unexpected environments, leveraging new technologies, and carving out specialties that align with unique passions and lifestyles.
From tending to campers in the woods to caring for patients at sea or investigating crime scenes, nursing offers an incredible variety of career paths. If you’ve ever wondered what opportunities lie beyond the hospital floor, here are some exciting and specialized roles that just might be your perfect fit.
Adventure-Filled Roles
Amusement Park Nurse
If you thrive in high-energy environments, becoming an amusement park nurse could be a thrilling fit. These nurses respond quickly to everything from bumps and bruises to medical emergencies, often acting as first responders until patients can be transported to hospitals. Documentation and assessment skills are critical, as is the ability to communicate across language and cultural barriers. Registered Nurses (RNs) with strong emergency or trauma backgrounds shine in this role.
Camp Nurse
Imagine trading fluorescent lights for fresh air and the laughter of children. Camp nurses provide care at day camps and overnight programs, handling everything from bug bites and sprains to more serious conditions. Some camps focus on children with disabilities or chronic illnesses, which requires additional vigilance and compassion. Nurses often manage the camp health office and keep detailed records. An ER, pediatric, or trauma background can prepare you well for this role.
Cruise Ship Nurse
For those with wanderlust, cruise ship nursing blends healthcare with travel. Onboard, you’ll staff both walk-in clinics for routine needs and fully equipped ERs for emergencies. You’ll treat passengers from around the world, handle acute symptoms, and sometimes navigate international laws and insurance complexities. Expect close living quarters with other crew members and lots of adventure at sea. RNs with critical care or emergency experience—and a valid passport—are in high demand.
Military Nurse
Military nurses provide care to active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families both at home and overseas. Beyond medical expertise, this role requires resilience and adaptability, as nurses may practice in challenging environments. It’s a career that combines service to country with service to patients.
Travel Nurse
Want variety without committing to one location? Travel nurses work short-term contracts at hospitals and clinics across the country—and sometimes internationally. While the staffing agency is your official employer, your workplace can change every few months, offering endless opportunities to explore new settings. Travel nurses need to adapt quickly to different teams, technologies, and patient populations. A BSN or ADN is required, and additional certifications make you even more competitive.
Patient-Centered Specialists
Hospice Nurse
Providing end-of-life care requires both clinical expertise and deep compassion. Hospice nurses support terminally ill patients and their families, offering comfort and dignity during difficult times. While emotionally challenging, many nurses find this work profoundly rewarding. A nursing degree is required, and certification as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse is available for those who wish to specialize further.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives guide women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, often forming close bonds with families. In many states, they can practice independently from physicians. This role blends advanced medical knowledge with a holistic, patient-centered approach to women’s health.
School Nurse
School nurses are vital to student health and wellness, addressing everything from playground injuries to chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. They conduct screenings, administer medications, and play a critical role in keeping kids healthy and ready to learn. A BSN or higher is typically required. Many states require a school nursing certificate as well.
Nurse Navigator
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially for patients with complex conditions like cancer. Nurse navigators serve as guides—educating patients, coordinating appointments, and helping families understand treatment plans. This role requires both organizational skills and a compassionate touch.
Cutting-Edge and Innovative Roles
Forensic Nurse
Forensic nursing blends healthcare with criminal justice. These nurses care for victims of assault and abuse while also helping collect evidence and testify in court cases. They may work alongside coroners or law enforcement. A BSN is often required, and a forensic nursing certificate can open even more doors.
Home Infusion Nurse
In this role, the hospital comes to the patient. Home infusion nurses administer intravenous treatments in a patient’s home. They also educate patients and families, creating safe and supportive care environments outside of traditional settings.
Informatics Nurse
For nurses with an interest in data and technology, informatics is an exciting frontier. These professionals bridge the gap between clinical practice and IT, ensuring that health information systems support high-quality care. They analyze data, redesign workflows, and help shape the future of digital healthcare.
Nurse Auditor
Nurse auditors work behind the scenes, reviewing records to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. They play an essential role in quality assurance and financial accuracy for healthcare organizations. If you love details and data, this career path could be a great fit.
Nurse Esthetician
Focused on beauty and wellness, nurse estheticians provide advanced skincare and cosmetic treatments like injectables, chemical peels, and laser therapies. This role requires medical expertise and a flair for artistry, making it a rewarding niche for those passionate about aesthetics.
Nursing Legal Consultant
Nurses with strong analytical skills can thrive as legal consultants, helping attorneys interpret medical records, statutes, and standards of care. They may prepare documentation, attend medical examinations, and even testify in court. An RN license is essential for this role.
Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth is one of the fastest-growing areas of nursing, allowing professionals to provide care virtually. From triaging patients to remote monitoring and care coordination, telehealth nurses can work from a variety of locations—including their own homes. This role requires excellent communication skills and comfort with technology.
Nurse Recruiter
Not all nurses provide direct care. Nurse recruiters leverage their knowledge of the profession to identify, interview, and hire qualified candidates. Many recruiters work in staffing agencies or healthcare organizations. A background in nursing, human resources, or healthcare administration is often helpful.
Wherever your nursing career may take you—whether it’s bedside, beyond the hospital walls, or across the country—California Casualty is here to help protect what matters most. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing top-notch home and auto insurance to Community Heroes like you. It’s our policy to do more for those who give more, and that includes the dedicated nurses who care for us every day.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Your car isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a billboard for your personality. That minivan? Probably secretly a superhero in disguise. That flashy convertible? Definitely a thrill-seeker who lives for the spotlight. Buckle up, because we’re taking a fun ride into what your vehicle really says about you.
Let’s talk color.
Think of your car’s paint job as a giant mood ring on wheels—broadcasting your vibe before you even step out. Some shades whisper, others shout, and all of them say something about who’s behind the wheel.
Red – Bold, fiery, and impossible to ignore. A red car screams, “Look at me!” Whether it’s passion, speed, or a thirst for adventure, red drivers are all about standing out.
Yellow & Orange – Sunny, upbeat, and just a little bit quirky. These rare road gems belong to the optimists and free spirits who aren’t afraid to zig while everyone else zags.
Green – From eco-warrior to outdoorsy adventurer, green says you’re in tune with nature—and maybe even a little creative. Go bright for playful energy, dark for polished sophistication.
Blue – Calm, cool, collected. Blue is the color of trust, stability, and loyalty, which is why it’s often the family favorite. Blue-car drivers give off dependable vibes—even if they do secretly speed when no one’s looking.
Black – Sleek, powerful, and timeless. Black cars exude confidence and prestige. They can be stylishly elegant… or just a little bit intimidating.
Silver, Gray & White – Clean, crisp, and effortlessly cool. These neutral tones say you appreciate subtlety over flash. Bonus: they hide dirt and scratches better than most—practical and polished all at once.
Brown, Bronze, Gold & Tan – Down-to-earth and unpretentious, these colors belong to the reliable realists. Whether it’s a latte-like tan or a deep chocolate brown, you’re all about substance over show.
Now let’s talk type.
Your car’s shape says just as much as its color. From low-slung convertibles to family-friendly haulers, the body style you choose is like a personality profile on four wheels. Let’s see what your ride reveals.
The Sleek Sports Car – The Adrenaline Junkie
You’re bold, confident, and not afraid of a little attention (okay, a lot of attention). Life for you is about speed, style, and seizing the moment. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the open road or just pulling into the coffee shop parking lot, you love to make an entrance. Friends know you as the one who’s always up for an adventure, the one who adds a little spark—and maybe a little drama—to every outing. Buckle up, because with you in the driver’s seat, life is never stuck in the slow lane.
The Practical Sedan – The Organized Achiever
Reliable, steady, and efficient—if you’re behind the wheel of a sedan, people can count on you. You’re the type who actually reads the manual (and maybe highlights it). Schedules, routines, and to-do lists? You’ve got them down to a science. Your car choice reflects your ability to get things done without unnecessary flash. But don’t mistake your practicality for boring—you know exactly what you want, and you know the smartest way to get there. In a world full of detours, you’re the one who always finds the fastest, most sensible route.
The SUV or Crossover – The Adventurer/Family Hero
SUV and crossover drivers are the ultimate multitaskers. One day, you’re hauling soccer gear; the next, you’re loaded up with hiking packs and snacks for a road trip. You thrive on versatility and love knowing you’re ready for anything—from a weekend camping trip to a Costco run. Friends see you as dependable and fun, with a “why not?” spirit that’s always game for the next big adventure. Your car says, “Hop in, there’s room for everyone,” and that’s exactly how you live your life.
The Minivan – The Secret Superhero
You may not always get the flashy spotlight, but let’s be real—you’re the one holding everything together. Minivan drivers are the unsung heroes of the road, juggling schedules, passengers, and bags of snacks with ease. You’re resourceful, patient, and always prepared for chaos (with a pack of wipes hidden in the glovebox, just in case). Behind the wheel, you’re proof that practicality is powerful, and you manage to do it all while keeping your cool. Others might underestimate you, but those who know you understand—you’re the real MVP.
The Convertible – The Free Spirit
Top down, wind in your hair—you’re all about living in the moment. Convertible drivers thrive on freedom, sunshine, and a little bit of flair. You’re spontaneous, fun-loving, and happiest when life feels like a rolling playlist of good vibes. Your car doesn’t just get you places—it turns every drive into a mini vacation. If life is a highway, you’re the one singing at the top of your lungs in the fast lane.
Forward-thinking and eco-conscious, you’re not just driving—you’re making a statement. Electric and hybrid drivers care about the bigger picture, and you like to be on the cutting edge of what’s next. You’re smart, intentional, and probably have a gadget or two that makes life easier (and cooler). Your car reflects your values: sustainability, progress, and a touch of sophistication. You’re not just keeping up with the future—you’re helping shape it.
The Vintage/Classic Car – The Nostalgic Romantic
Driving a classic car isn’t just transportation—it’s an art form. You appreciate craftsmanship, character, and things that last. Nostalgic at heart, you value stories, traditions, and the beauty of a simpler time. Friends might tease you for being “old school,” but they secretly admire your sense of style and your refusal to settle for the ordinary. Like your car, you’re timeless—and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
No matter what you drive—flashy, practical, adventurous, or timeless—your car is more than just transportation. It’s part of your story, and it deserves the same care and protection you give yourself. Be sure to protect it with the right insurance coverage to safeguard against the unexpected. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
California Casualty Group, a trusted auto and home insurer serving California’s educators, peace officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers for over 110 years, is excited to announce a new initiative to help community heroes transition from California’s FAIR plan. This effort supports Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS) and underscores California Casualty’s commitment to providing protection and peace of mind for community heroes by making insurance simple, trusted, affordable, and relevant.
Supporting Stability and Access
California Casualty has submitted a rate filing for its California homeowners program based on the Sustainable Insurance Strategy developed by the California Department of Insurance. The filing requests a homeowners rate increase of 6.9% to address the growing number and intensifying impact of wildfires and other natural disasters. Approval of this filing, combined with the recent Financial Stability Rating® of “A, Exceptional”, received from Demotech, Inc., will enable California Casualty to actively increase the number of customers it serves in California and reduce reliance on the state’s high-cost, limited-coverage FAIR Plan.
“The Sustainable Insurance Strategy helps restore stability and access to California’s homeowners insurance market,” said Mark Pitchford, Chief Operating Officer at California Casualty Group. “We appreciate all the work being done by the Commissioner and the Department to make coverage more accessible to homeowners across the state.”
Commitment to California
While some insurers have reduced their presence in the state, California Casualty has remained committed to California. The company continues to provide insurance in distressed areas where coverage is hardest to find. Today, California Casualty insures more homeowners in these communities than required under the SIS’s 85% threshold. The company plans to add California homeowners policies and maintain its commitment in distressed areas – helping to ease the insurance crisis and reduce reliance on the California FAIR Plan.
“We believe that people who commit to making a difference in our communities deserve financial protection with the highest levels of care, service, compassion, and understanding,” said Carl B. (Beau) Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of California Casualty. “We remain committed to serving these community heroes throughout the state and investing in the long-term health of California’s insurance market.”
About California Casualty
California Casualty Auto and Home Insurance is designed for community heroes and their families. In business since 1914, California Casualty is the endorsed auto and home insurance partner to education, higher education, public safety, and healthcare member/employee groups across seven western states. Since its founding, California Casualty has been led by four generations of Brown family members. Their dedication to California Casualty’s excellence is woven through the entire fabric of our organization. We know what it takes to deliver the value and peace of mind you deserve. Learn more at www.CalCas.com.
