National Teacher Appreciation Week offers a range of freebies and discounts for educators, typically observed during the first full week of May. While many national chains provide standardized offers, local businesses in specific regions, such as Greensboro, North Carolina, also participate with unique promotions. Based on the provided documentation, the following information outlines the verified freebies, deals, and eligibility requirements available to teachers in the Greensboro area and surrounding locations.
Greensboro Area Local Offers
Although the provided sources focus heavily on the Raleigh, Cary, and Morrisville areas, they highlight specific local businesses offering discounts that may be relevant to educators in the broader North Carolina region, including Greensboro. Teachers in Greensboro should verify participation with specific local branches, as regional chains often have varying participation policies.
Asian Cuisine and Tea Shops
Several Asian dining and tea establishments in North Carolina have announced specific discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Toyar’s BBQ & Hotpot: Located at 4075 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC, this establishment offers teachers a 10% discount from May 5 to May 9, 2025. The offer was announced via Instagram.
- Bengong’s Tea: Located at 4141 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC, teachers receive a 10% discount on all drinks from May 5 to May 9, 2025, when presenting a school ID. This offer was also announced on Instagram.
- SoHot HotPot: This restaurant has two locations: 4509 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC, and 1937 High House Road, Cary, NC. Teachers receive a 10% discount from May 5 to May 9, 2025, with a valid teacher ID.
- MeetFresh: Located at 4509 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC, teachers get 10% off all drinks and desserts from May 5 to May 9, 2025, upon showing a valid school ID.
Restaurant Chains
National restaurant chains often provide deals that are redeemable at locations in Greensboro. Documentation indicates that participation can vary by location, as individual franchise owners often make their own decisions regarding offers.
- Applebee’s: In 2025, Applebee’s offered a free appetizer (up to $12) with the purchase of an adult entrée. This offer was valid for dine-in only and required a teacher ID. Some locations may also offer a free dessert instead of an appetizer.
- Burger King: Burger King offers typically require an in-app purchase or online order. In 2025, offers included free fries with any purchase when a teacher ID was shown. For National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5), educators could look for a free Whopper Jr. with any $1 online or in-app purchase.
- Chick-fil-A: Offers vary significantly by location and ownership. In 2025, some locations offered a free Chicken Biscuit with any Iced Coffee or specialty beverage purchase on Tuesday, May 6. Other potential offers include a free Chicken Sandwich or 8-count nuggets. Ordering methods may be restricted to online, in-app, or in-store.
- McDonald’s: On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, McDonald’s offered a free soft drink, sweet tea, or hot or iced drip coffee to teachers who showed their school ID when ordering.
- Krispy Kreme: While not exclusively for teachers, Krispy Kreme offered one free glazed doughnut to every guest on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, via the Krispy Kreme app.
- McAlister’s Deli: Through May 12, 2025, teachers and nurses received a free 32 oz tea upon showing a valid badge or ID. This was valid for dining in-store or takeout.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Teachers can look for a discount on in-store purchases when showing a valid work ID.
- Dunn Brothers Coffee: In 2026, this chain is expected to offer a deal of two medium coffee-based drinks for $10.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Teachers can expect a free dessert with the purchase of an entree, valid May 5-9, 2026, provided a valid school ID is presented.
- Green Mill: During National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, Green Mill is expected to offer half-price taps on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additionally, a free appetizer with any food purchase is anticipated on May 5.
- Aroma Joe’s: A free 24-ounce drink is available with a valid teacher ID on May 6 (Teacher Appreciation Day).
- Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Kitchen: On May 6, teachers can earn a $20 bonus card with catering orders.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: A 20% discount is available with a valid teacher ID.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: While primarily a student reward program, BJ’s "Awesome Achievement Program" allows elementary school teachers to sign up to reward students. Students earn certificates for a free Snickers Pizookie and silicone bracelet.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Einstein Bros. offers specific promotions, though the exact details in the provided text were truncated.
General Eligibility and Requirements
To access these freebies and deals, specific documentation is almost always required. The provided sources consistently emphasize the following eligibility rules:
- Valid Identification: A valid school ID, teacher badge, or work ID is mandatory for almost all offers. Some sources mention that homeschooling parents may also qualify if they possess a home school ID card.
- Participation Varies: For national chains, participation varies by location. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check the specific location's social media before visiting.
- Purchase Requirements: Some deals are "free with purchase" (e.g., Burger King, Applebee’s), while others are strictly no-purchase-necessary (e.g., Aroma Joe’s drink).
- Geographic Specificity: The most specific local deals listed in the provided data are located in the Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville). Greensboro teachers should check with local branches of national chains for participation.
ID.me Verification for Broader Discounts
Beyond immediate food freebies, the provided documentation highlights the ID.me verification platform. Teachers who verify their status through ID.me gain access to year-round discounts and special limited-time deals during Teacher Appreciation Week. Verified educators can access discounts from retailers such as Adidas (25% off), Crocs (15% off), Stanley (30% off), and Kendra Scott (15% off), among others.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week provides significant opportunities for educators in the Greensboro, North Carolina, area to receive free food and discounts. While specific local offers in Greensboro were not detailed in the provided sources, national chains with a presence in the area—including Applebee’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and McDonald’s—are expected to participate with offers requiring a valid school ID. Educators are advised to carry their identification and verify local participation with specific franchise owners, as offers vary by location.