National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is scheduled to run from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9, encompassing National Teachers Day on May 6. This annual observance, established by the National Parent Teacher Association in 1984, honors the contributions of educators across the United States. The week originated from earlier efforts, including lobbying by then-first lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953 to create a day recognizing teachers' vital role in communities.
Recent surveys highlight the importance of this recognition. A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that 73% of parents with K-12 students rate their children's teachers as excellent or good. Conversely, a Pew Survey from April 2024 found that 77% of teachers consider their jobs "frequently stressful," and 68% find them "overwhelming." Additionally, a March survey by Horace Mann Educators Corporation revealed that over 30% of educators do not feel appreciated, though the majority remain committed to their students.
Various businesses, including restaurants, retailers, and service providers, offer exclusive deals and freebies during this period to show appreciation. The following details compile verified offers available to educators for National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025.
Food and Beverage Offers
Numerous restaurant chains provide discounts, free items, and special promotions for teachers during the week.
Chipotle Chipotle is conducting a giveaway for National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week. Through May 13, teachers and healthcare workers can sign up online for a chance to be randomly selected among 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers to win a free burrito. Selected winners will receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me. Verification must be completed within 48 hours to receive the free burrito e-card. Chipotle also utilizes its Round-Up for Real Change feature on the app and website to support the Kids In Need Foundation and the American Nurses Foundation.
Sonic Drive-In Sonic Drive-In offers exclusive deals for members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle rewards program during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). To join, teachers must download the Sonic app, create an account, navigate to Settings, tap the Profile icon, tap Account, and select "I'm a Teacher." Once enrolled, members can access the following offers: - A free Sonic Snack or side with purchase. - Buy one Sonic Blast, get one free. - A $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger. These offers are valid for dine-in or takeout and require no purchase for the free items.
Smoothie King Smoothie King offers a 20% discount on in-store orders for teachers on May 6-8. To redeem, teachers must present a valid working ID.
Peter Piper Pizza Teachers can receive a free 7-inch, 1-topping personal pizza at Peter Piper Pizza locations in Arizona and Albuquerque from May 5 to May 9. The offer is available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily and requires a valid school ID.
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Teachers and school staff receive a 20% discount off their entire check at all Abuelo’s locations on May 6.
Atomic Wings Atomic Wings offers a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6. This deal is available for dine-in only and requires a valid teacher ID.
Bad Daddy’s Bad Daddy’s offers several promotions during the week. On Monday, May 5, Bad Ass Margaritas are priced at $5, dropping to $8 for the remainder of the month. Additionally, half-price appetizers are available during the two hours before closing time throughout the week.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse BJ's offers the Awesome Achievement Program, allowing teachers to sign up online to receive up to 90 certificates per school year to honor "Awesome Achiever" students. Students can present these certificates to redeem a free Snickers Pizookie.
la Madeleine la Madeleine offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on bakery items on May 6. This offer is accessible via the Bonjour Rewards app and does not require ID verification.
Logan’s Roadhouse Teachers receive a 20% discount on entrees ordered from May 5 to May 12. A valid ID is required to redeem the offer.
McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Deli provides a free big tea in-store at participating locations from May 5 to May 12 with a teacher badge or ID. The offer is valid in-store only. Teachers may also enter to win a catered lunch for up to 30 people by completing an online entry form.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes MOOYAH offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on burgers on May 7. The offer is valid at participating in-store locations only, requires a valid ID, and is limited to one per customer.
Mountain Mike's Pizza Mountain Mike's Pizza offers a 15% discount on all pizzas from May 6 to May 9. The discount is applied using the code APPRECIATE25.
Old Chicago Old Chicago offers a $10 bonus card for every $50 spent on gift cards. Through May 5, customers purchasing $50 in gift cards online receive two bonus cards. Additionally, new members of the OC rewards program receive a free Starter upon completing their first visit.
Original ChopShop Teachers receive a 10% discount on dine-in and carryout orders from May 5 to May 9. A valid badge or ID is required.
Picazzo's Picazzo's offers a $10 gift card for teachers who dine in from May 5 to May 9. The gift card is for use on a return visit and is available while supplies last.
Salata Salad Kitchen Educators receive a 20% discount on their meal when showing a valid ID in-restaurant through May 9.
Retail and Service Offers
In addition to dining, several retailers and service providers offer discounts and free products to educators.
Staples During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10), teachers receive 20% off in-store purchases with a valid teacher ID. They can also get a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies last). Coupons for the pens are available in the Staples app.
The Parking Spot Teachers already receive a standard 10% discount at The Parking Spot. For the month of May, this discount increases to 25% off any reservation made for travel through the end of 2025.
Museum of Illusions Educators receive free admission to all 29 Museum of Illusions locations across the U.S. During Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can register with their work email for a chance to win a Museum of Illusions goodie bag. Three winners will be selected via raffle.
Petlibro Petlibro offers a 20% discount on devices, including automatic feeders and drinking fountains for cats and dogs, on May 6. The discount is applied using the code TEACHERSPET.
Virtual Events and Raffles
Horace Mann Educators Corporation Horace Mann is expanding National Teacher Appreciation Week into a month of virtual events. Teachers can attend these events for a chance to win weekly prizes. Additionally, two winners will each receive a $2,500 Liberty Travel gift card.
Educational Resources
While not a traditional free sample or retail discount, the Teachers Pay Teachers platform serves as a resource for educators seeking classroom materials. Source data indicates the availability of educational units, such as a bullying prevention unit designed for grades 2-5, which includes lesson plans and matching sheets. The platform also hosts free resources, including attendance certificates and brag tags, as well as a feelings match game suitable for pre-K to 1st-grade students.
Conclusion
National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide array of verified deals and freebies for educators across the United States. From free burritos and personal pizzas to discounts on retail purchases and educational supplies, businesses in various sectors are participating to recognize the hard work of teachers. Most offers require valid teacher identification or enrollment in specific rewards programs. Educators are encouraged to review the specific terms and availability dates for each offer to ensure successful redemption.