2025 Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Deals: A Guide to Restaurant Discounts and Special Offers

Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025 is scheduled for May 5 through May 9, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday, May 6. This annual observance, established by the National Parent Teacher Association in 1984, serves as a nationwide recognition of educators' dedication and impact. During this period, various businesses, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors, offer special promotions, discounts, and free items to teachers and school staff. Most of these offers require verification of educator status, typically through a valid school ID, and participation may vary by location and franchise.

Understanding Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

The tradition of honoring educators has evolved from a single National Teacher Day into a week-long celebration. According to historical context provided by sources, the movement began in the early 1940s with advocacy from Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge. The idea eventually reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, leading to a Congressional resolution for National Teacher Day in 1953. However, a consistent national observance was not established until the 1980s, when the National Education Association lobbied for annual recognition. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association expanded the celebration to the first full week of May, a timing that remains in effect today.

For 2025, the dates are confirmed as May 5-9. Businesses utilize this period to express gratitude through freebies and deals. It is important to note that not all franchises or local branches participate in national chain programs. Educators are advised to contact their local establishments to confirm participation and specific offer details. Most promotions require proof of employment as an educator, such as a school ID, to prevent misuse and ensure the offers reach the intended recipients.

Restaurant Freebies and Discounts

Restaurants are the primary providers of Teacher Appreciation Week promotions, offering a range of free food items and discounts. These deals are designed to provide immediate value to educators during their busy schedules. Offers vary in terms of validity dates, redemption methods, and eligibility requirements.

Major National Chains

Chipotle
Chipotle offers two distinct promotions for educators during this period. First, the brand is running a sweepstakes where 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers can win a free burrito. Eligible participants can sign up online through May 12 or May 13 (sources provide slightly conflicting end dates) for a chance to be randomly selected. The sweepstakes coincides with National Nurses Week, which falls during the same week. Additionally, on May 7, Chipotle offers a buy-one-get-one free meal for school staff members from 3 p.m. until close. This offer applies to burritos, bowls, salads, and taco orders for dine-in only and is valid for education staff at all levels.

Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A participates in Teacher Appreciation Week with location-specific deals. While some sources indicate select franchises offer promotions on May 7 and through May 10, others mention that many locations provided free breakfast or lunch to teachers in previous years. The specific 2025 offers may include a 20% discount on the entire check on May 6, though participation varies by franchise. Educators should check with their local Chick-fil-A for exact details.

Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20% discount on orders during Teacher Appreciation Week. This discount is valid throughout the week, though specific terms and conditions may apply at participating locations.

McDonald's
McDonald's is offering a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6. This deal is dine-in only and available at participating locations.

Burger King
Burger King is expected to offer free fries for educators with any purchase. App alerts are used to notify users about local offers, so teachers should monitor the Burger King app for confirmation.

Additional Restaurant Offers

Several other restaurants provide free items or discounts with specific conditions:

Arby’s: Some locations offer educators a free sandwich on May 7.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Teachers receive a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase. This deal is valid through May 10.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Dine-in teachers can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer is valid through May 10.
Cicis: School staff members can receive a free adult buffet meal on May 7 with a coupon.
DiBella’s Subs: Teachers can receive a free side and a 20-ounce fountain drink with the purchase of any sub or salad.
Applebee’s: Many locations offer either a free appetizer or dessert with an entrée purchase. Availability varies by location.

Retail and Service Discounts

While the majority of offers focus on food, some retailers and service providers also participate in Teacher Appreciation Week.

Samsung
Samsung provides special discounts for teachers, though specific percentage details are not provided in the source data. Educators are encouraged to check the Samsung website for current promotions.

Stitch Fix
Stitch Fix offers special discounts for teachers. Specific terms are not detailed in the available information.

Michaels
Michaels offers educators 15% off in-store purchases.

Rosetta Stone
Teachers can receive a free three-month subscription to the Rosetta Stone app. To participate, individuals should send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "National Teacher Appreciation Week" to receive a free code.

Sky Zone
Sky Zone provides free jump tickets for teachers and their family members at participating locations.

Edmentum Giveaway
Edmentum is hosting a giveaway for Teacher Appreciation Week, offering three $500 gift cards to Amazon or Target. Eligible educators can enter the sweepstakes, which began on April 28.

Important Considerations for Participants

When seeking Teacher Appreciation Week freebies, educators should keep several factors in mind to ensure a smooth redemption process:

Verification Requirements
Most businesses require proof of educator status. A valid school ID is the standard form of verification. Some offers may accept other forms of identification or employment verification, but school IDs are universally recognized.

Participation Variability
National chains often leave participation decisions to individual franchise owners or local store managers. This means that not all locations of a participating brand will offer the same deals. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check the local establishment's social media or website for specific promotion details.

Timing and Expiration
Deals are tied to specific dates within the May 5-9 window. For example, Chipotle's BOGO offer is valid only on May 7, while Bruegger's Bagels and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen extend their offers through May 10. The Chipotle sweepstakes sign-up remains open through mid-May, but the random selection occurs after the close of entries.

Registration and Loyalty Programs
Some deals require advance registration or membership in loyalty programs. For instance, Chipotle's sweepstakes requires online sign-up, and Tim Hortons deals require Tims Rewards membership. Educators should prepare for these requirements in advance to avoid missing out on offers.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a variety of freebies and discounts for educators across the United States. The week, running from May 5 to May 9, culminates in National Teacher Day on May 6. Restaurant promotions dominate the landscape, with major chains like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Buffalo Wild Wings providing significant savings and free food items. Retailers such as Samsung, Stitch Fix, and Michaels also contribute discounts, while service providers like Rosetta Stone offer specialized free trials. Participation is contingent on educator verification, typically via school ID, and offers may vary by location. Educators are advised to verify details with local establishments and register for any required loyalty programs or sweepstakes to maximize their benefits during this period of recognition.