Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Restaurant Freebies and Retail Discounts for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions of educators, typically taking place in early May. In 2025, this period is scheduled from May 5 through May 9, with some participating brands extending offers through the following weekend. During this time, numerous national and regional businesses provide free products, discounts, and special deals to teachers, faculty, and support staff who can verify their status with a valid school ID or other proof of employment.

The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, based on current promotional announcements and historical patterns. Offers generally require in-person verification of educator status, though some digital exclusives and sweepstakes are also available.

Restaurant Freebies and Discounts

Dining establishments are a primary source of Teacher Appreciation Week promotions, with many offering free menu items or significant discounts. Participation often varies by location, as franchise owners may adjust offers.

Fast Food and Casual Dining

Chick-fil-A Participating Chick-fil-A locations typically offer free breakfast items to educators. In previous years, teachers received a free 4-count Chicken Mini breakfast sandwich on Tuesday morning between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with a valid school ID. For 2025, a similar offer is anticipated, potentially including a free Chicken Biscuit with the purchase of any Iced Coffee or specialty beverage on Tuesday, May 6. However, these offers can vary by owner and location, so verification with the local restaurant is recommended.

Chipotle Chipotle has announced a significant giveaway for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. The brand is giving away $1 million in free Chipotle entrees. Educators must enter their name and email address for a chance to win a free Chipotle e-Card containing a promo code for a free entrée. Additionally, in select regions, Chipotle has historically offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos for teachers, faculty, and staff with a valid school ID. This specific dine-in offer typically runs from 3:00 p.m. until close.

MOD Pizza MOD Pizza offers teachers 50 percent off any pizza or salad with a valid school ID. In some locations, the first 50 teachers to arrive on Tuesday may receive a special surprise.

Zaxby’s Zaxby’s often features a "Teacher Appreciation Week" promotion with a special offer available each day. For example, previous promotions included a free Large Fry on Tuesday, a Boneless Wings Basket on Wednesday, a 5-piece chicken finger meal on Thursday, and a Big Zax Snack on Friday. These offers usually require a valid school ID. In 2024, Zaxby’s offered a BOGO Boneless Wings Meal for rewards members.

Cici’s Pizza Cici’s Pizza offers a free adult buffet to teachers on Tuesday during Teacher Appreciation Week. This offer is dine-in only and requires a valid school ID.

Applebee’s Many Applebee’s locations offer a free appetizer or dessert with an entrée purchase. Educators should show their teacher ID to unlock a free appetizer up to a $12 value. This offer is widely reported for 2025.

Burger King Burger King is expected to offer free fries with any purchase for educators. This offer typically requires flashing a school ID badge. App alerts are often used to announce local participation.

Shake Shack Shake Shack provides teachers with a free milkshake with a valid school ID. This offer is valid during Teacher Appreciation Week and often extends through the following weekend. It requires an in-store purchase.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Potbelly offers teachers a free cookie or a regular-sized soft drink with the purchase of an entrée. This offer is available from May 5 through May 11 and requires the presentation of a valid ID.

McDonald’s On Tuesday, May 6, participating McDonald’s locations are offering teachers a free soft drink, sweet tea, or hot or iced drip coffee. A valid school ID must be shown when ordering.

Sonic Sonic offers rewards to teachers enrolled in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle Rewards program. Members receive access to exclusive rewards on food items from May 5 through May 9 when ordering online or via the Sonic App.

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20 percent discount on entire orders for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. This deal is available for both dine-in and takeout orders upon presentation of a valid school ID.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy’s offers a free mini sundae to teachers who show a valid school ID.

Insomnia Cookies Insomnia Cookies offers a free Classic cookie from May 5 through May 9 for teachers who shop in-store. No purchase is necessary, but a valid ID is required.

TGI Fridays TGI Fridays is offering teachers a free meal on Tuesday, May 7. Specific restrictions or purchase requirements were not detailed in the source material, but the offer is confirmed for 2025.

McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Deli offers a free 32 oz tea to teachers and nurses through May 12 with a valid badge or ID. This is valid for dining in or takeout.

Krispy Kreme While not exclusively for teachers, Krispy Kreme offers one free glazed doughnut to every guest on Wednesday, May 7. This offer is available through the Krispy Kreme app and is open to all customers.

Shipley Do-Nuts Shipley Do-Nuts previously offered a half-dozen glazed donuts free with any purchase for loyalty members. This offer is likely to repeat for 2025.

Whataburger Whataburger offers free breakfast items for teachers before 9 a.m. with a valid school ID.

RaceTrac RaceTrac previously offered a free medium coffee to educators. Announcements for 2025 offers are pending.

Retail and Supply Discounts

Beyond food, several retailers offer discounts on supplies and educational tools during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Staples Staples offers teachers 20 percent off in-store purchases during the celebration. Additionally, they provide free supply kits in-store with a valid educator ID. These kits are popular and tend to run out quickly, so early arrival is advised.

Adobe Adobe offers a 60 percent discount on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for verified teachers and students. Eligibility must be verified through the Adobe website.

Bose Bose provides a $30 discount on any purchase of $199 or more for educators. Verification is required via the Bose Education Discount page.

BurgerFi BurgerFi previously offered 20 percent off meals for teachers with a school ID. While not officially announced for 2025, a return of this offer is considered likely based on historical patterns.

Digital Freebies and Educational Tools

Several technology companies provide free access to software and services for educators.

Canva for Education Canva offers a free version of its design platform for teachers, providing access to classroom-ready design tools.

Headspace Educators can register with their school email to receive a free annual subscription to Headspace, a mindfulness and meditation app.

Loom for Education Loom offers a free video recording platform for teachers.

Microsoft Office 365 Education Microsoft provides free access to Office 365 Education for teachers and students with a valid school email address.

Wireless Service Discounts

Major wireless carriers offer discounted plans for educators, though these are generally available year-round rather than specific to Teacher Appreciation Week.

AT&T AT&T offers teachers and their families 25 percent off wireless plans with proof of eligibility.

Verizon Verizon offers discounts on wireless plans for eligible teachers.

Sweepstakes and Giveaways

Edmentum Edmentum is hosting a Teacher Appreciation Giveaway, offering three winners a $500 gift card to their choice of Amazon or Target. Eligible educators can enter starting April 28.

Important Considerations for Redeeming Offers

Verification: Almost all offers require a valid school ID or other documentation identifying the individual as faculty or staff. Homeschooling parents may need to provide a homeschool ID card.
Location Variations: Franchise-owned restaurants often make their own decisions regarding participation. It is highly recommended to call the local location ahead of time to confirm they are honoring the promotion.
Timing: Many offers are specific to certain days of the week (e.g., Tuesday) or require purchase. Check the specific terms of each deal.
App Exclusives: Some deals, particularly at Sonic and Burger King, are tied to mobile app usage or rewards programs.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide variety of freebies and discounts ranging from free meals and snacks to significant savings on technology and retail supplies. Educators are encouraged to carry valid identification and check with local establishments to ensure participation. By utilizing these offers, teachers can enjoy well-deserved recognition and savings during their dedicated week.