During the first full week of May, numerous national brands and local businesses extend special offers to educators as a gesture of appreciation. The year 2021 saw a variety of freebies and discounts available to teachers, ranging from complimentary food and beverages to significant savings on retail purchases and educational resources. These offers generally required verification of educator status, often through a valid school ID, a school email address, or enrollment in a third-party verification program. The availability of these deals was often time-sensitive, primarily concentrated around the official Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran from May 3 through May 9 in 2021.
The range of participating businesses was extensive, covering the food service, retail, and educational sectors. For educators seeking to maximize their benefits, understanding the specific requirements and limitations of each offer was essential. Many deals were available exclusively in-store, requiring physical presentation of identification, while others were accessible through online portals or mobile applications using specific promo codes. Additionally, several retailers offered extended savings periods, allowing teachers to access discounts beyond the specific week of celebration.
Food and Beverage Offers
Restaurants and quick-service chains were prominent participants in Teacher Appreciation Week 2021, offering a mix of free food items and percentage-based discounts. These offers generally targeted educators dining in or placing orders via specific methods such as mobile apps or phone calls.
Sonic Drive-In offered a promotion valid during the appreciation period. Teachers could receive a free large drink or slush by using the promo code "TEACHERS" at checkout. This offer was valid either online or within the Sonic mobile app and required a purchase to redeem the free item.
Buffalo Wild Wings extended a discount to teachers throughout the week. Educators received 20% off their order when dining indoors or placing an order over the phone. This deal was valid Monday through Friday of the appreciation week and required the presentation of a valid teacher ID.
McAlister’s Deli provided a specific freebie for teachers. Educators could enjoy a free tea until May 7, 2021, by showing a teacher ID. The brand also ran a nomination contest where individuals could nominate their favorite teacher to win free catering for their colleagues; every nominee received a free tea as well.
McDonald's participation was noted as not being specific to Teacher Appreciation Week, though it coincided with the timeframe. The chain offered a free McFlurry through its mobile app on a Tuesday during that period. Some local franchises reportedly advertised additional deals specifically for teachers, though these were not part of a unified national campaign.
Taco Bell ran a Cinco de Mayo promotion that overlapped with the appreciation week. On May 4, the chain offered free crunchy tacos for orders placed online or through the app. In-store ordering was also eligible for the free taco until 11:59 p.m. on that date.
Chick-fil-A was mentioned as a potential source of free items for teachers, but the documentation noted that there was no nationwide deal. Instead, some individual locations offered teachers free items, requiring local verification.
Retail and Office Supply Discounts
Retailers, particularly those specializing in office and school supplies, offered substantial savings to help educators stock their classrooms and personal workspaces.
Office Depot (and OfficeMax) offered a significant rewards-based discount. Teachers could earn 25% back in OfficeMax Rewards on qualifying purchases. To access this, a coupon was available online at officedepot.com/teachers starting Sunday of the appreciation week.
Staples offered a direct discount on in-store purchases. From May 2 through May 9, teachers received 20% off when they presented a valid school ID at checkout. This offer was strictly for in-store use and came with specific exclusions.
The Parking Spot, a near-airport parking company, offered a discount on travel expenses. Teachers could get 25% off airport parking through May 7, and 10% off thereafter. To utilize this deal, teachers were required to create an account using a school email address.
Apparel and Accessories
While the primary focus of the 2021 appreciation week was often food and immediate classroom needs, broader retail discounts were also available, some of which extended into the following years or were valid year-round.
Adidas offered a 30% discount on purchases made online and in-store, or 20% off at outlet locations.
Crocs provided a 15% discount on full-price styles.
New Balance offered 15% off full-price purchases of shoes.
Ray-Ban offered a 15% discount on eyewear and 6% cashback for U.S. teachers.
Tarte Cosmetics offered a 40% discount on makeup and beauty products.
Vera Bradley provided a 10% discount on bags and luggage.
J.Crew and Madewell were also noted as offering significant discounts to help build a professional wardrobe.
Educational Resources and Digital Tools
Beyond physical goods, several companies offered free software and digital resources to assist teachers with organization and instruction.
Microsoft Office provided free access to the full suite of tools, including Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and PowerPoint.
StudentTreasures offered a resource for creating class books, though specific details on the offer were limited to the blog post regarding money-saving tips.
SheerID served as a verification platform that partnered with several brands to provide exclusive offers. Teachers were directed to sheerid.com/shoppers/teacherdeals to find a list of participating brands.
Health and Wellness
Several brands extended discounts to teachers for health and wellness products and services.
P.volve Fitness offered 50% off everything to educators as a thank you.
Rosetta Stone provided three months free to teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers.
Verizon offered an unlimited plan for $30 per line per month (for four lines with AutoPay) to teachers, nurses, military members, and first responders.
Verification and Eligibility
Accessing these offers generally required proof of educator status. The most common methods included:
- School ID: A physical or digital identification card issued by the employing educational institution.
- School Email Address: Used for signing up on brand websites or third-party verification platforms.
- Pay Stub: Occasionally required to verify employment.
- Third-Party Verification: Services like SheerID were frequently used to validate eligibility for various discounts.
It was recommended that educators check with local retailers and restaurants to confirm participation, as deals could vary by location. Furthermore, specific exclusions often applied to discounts, particularly regarding sale items or specific product categories.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 provided a diverse array of freebies and discounts across food, retail, and digital sectors. From free drinks at Sonic and tea at McAlister's to substantial savings on technology and apparel, the offers acknowledged the contributions of educators. While many deals were tied specifically to the May 3-9 timeframe, others, such as software access and retail discounts, offered longer-term value. Successful redemption relied on having the proper identification ready, whether for an in-store purchase or an online verification process.