National Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025 is scheduled for May 5 through May 9, with Tuesday, May 6 designated as National Teacher Appreciation Day. During this time, various national brands and local businesses offer complimentary products, discounts, and special promotions to show support for educators. While many offers are available at chain locations nationwide, specific opportunities exist for teachers residing in or near Boulder, Colorado. The following guide details verified freebies, discounts, and local promotions available during this period, based on current information from brand announcements and local deal aggregators.
National Restaurant and Food Freebies
Many national food chains offer complimentary menu items or discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week. These offers typically require a valid school ID or proof of educator status. Availability at specific Boulder locations should be confirmed by calling ahead, as participation may vary by franchise ownership.
Food and Beverage Offers * Applebee’s: Individual locations often provide promotional offers. Teachers are advised to check with their local Applebee’s for available deals. * Burger King: Educators can expect offers such as free fries with any purchase. App alerts typically provide details regarding local availability. * Chick-fil-A: Many locations historically offer free breakfast or lunch items to teachers. Verification with the specific Boulder area store is recommended for 2025 promotions. * Dickey’s BBQ Pit: In 2024, Dickey’s offered a free Big Yellow Cup with a purchase of $10. Teachers should check for the current year's offer. * Firehouse Subs: Educators enrolled in the Firehouse Rewards app may receive Buy One, Get One (BOGO) sub deals. * Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Teachers with a valid school ID are eligible for a free mini sundae. * Hat Creek Burger Co.: This Texas-based chain has previously offered free menu items on Teacher Appreciation Day. Boulder area teachers should check the website for 2025 details. * Huddle House: Free meals were offered in 2024. Local confirmation is necessary for 2025 deals. * Insomnia Cookies: Educators with a valid ID previously received a free classic cookie throughout the week. * Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: A free small Ice or Gelati is typically offered on Teacher Appreciation Day. Social media channels are the primary source for 2025 confirmation. * McAlister’s Deli: Promotions often include a free beverage (iced tea or lemonade) and opportunities for catered lunch giveaways. * McDonald’s: Many locations offer free coffee or breakfast products to teachers presenting a valid ID. * Peter Piper Pizza: Teachers can often redeem a free personal pizza in-store during specific hours (e.g., 3-7 p.m.). * Potbelly: From May 5 to 11, 2025, Potbelly is offering a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée. This offer is extended to teachers and nurses. * Shake Shack: Celebrating National Burger Month, Shake Shack is offering a free burger with a minimum purchase of $10 every week in May 2025 (valid May 1 to June 1). * Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers and nurses can enjoy a free 1/2 dozen donuts from May 4 to 6, 2025. * Sonic: Educators in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle app historically receive app-exclusive freebies. * Starbucks: Many locations previously offered a tall brewed coffee to educators. Local checking is required for current offers. * TGI Fridays: Look out for free entrées for teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day. * Whataburger: Free breakfast items are available for teachers before 9 a.m. with a valid school ID. * Zaxby’s: In 2024, rewards members received a BOGO Boneless Wings Meal.
Digital Freebies and Software for Educators
Several technology and software companies provide free access to premium tools for educators year-round. These offers usually require registration with a school email address.
- Canva for Education: Provides free access to classroom-ready design tools.
- Headspace: Offers a free annual subscription for educators; registration requires a school email.
- Loom for Education: Free video recording platform available to teachers.
- Microsoft Office 365 Education: Free access is available with a valid school email address.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, retailers offer supplies and services to support teachers.
- Staples: In 2024, Staples provided free supply kits to teachers with ID. These supplies tend to run out quickly. Additionally, teachers can receive 20% off in-store purchases.
- Samsung: The Samsung Education Offers Program provides savings of up to 30% on popular products. Eligibility requires signing up with an email ID and completing the ID.me verification process.
- The Parking Spot: As the nation’s largest near-airport parking company, The Parking Spot offers a 10% daily discount for teachers. For reservations made in May for travel through the end of the year, the discount increases to 25%. Teachers must register to access this discount. Locations are available at over 45 major airports, including Denver.
- Lenovo: Teachers of any grade level can save an extra 5% sitewide. Discounts are also available for students and parents.
ID.me Limited Time Deals
Teachers who verify their status through ID.me can access special discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. These deals are in addition to year-round educator discounts.
- Adidas: 25% off full price items and sales.
- ContactsDirect: 20% off plus free shipping.
- Crocs: 15% off.
- GE Appliances Store: Up to 43% off MSRP and free delivery on orders over $399.
- Glasses.com: 50% off lenses plus free shipping.
- Kendra Scott: 15% off.
- Stanley: 30% off.
- TaylorMade: 15% off.
Local Boulder and Colorado Area Promotions
While many deals are national, specific local businesses in Colorado and the Boulder area participate in Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Located in Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Parker, Mountain Mike’s Pizza is offering 15% off all pizzas from May 6 to 9, 2025, using the promo code APPRECIATE25. While not directly in Boulder, these locations serve the greater Colorado area.
- National Education Association (NEA): Members of the NEA can access a wide range of ongoing deals and discounts, including discounted vacations and credit card rewards. Members should look under the "Benefits & Discounts" section of their member portal.
Educational Funding and Philanthropy
For those interested in supporting education beyond personal discounts, specific funds exist to enhance the educational experience.
- The BCD Fund: Managed by Boulder Country Day School, this fund supports the school's mission to provide an exceptional educational experience. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Donations support priorities that impact students' lives, fostering curiosity, resilience, and inclusivity. The fund addresses questions regarding the impact of giving, appropriate donation amounts, eligibility for those receiving financial assistance, and employer matching gifts.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a diverse range of freebies and discounts for educators in Boulder, Colorado, and across the United States. From complimentary meals at national chains like Shake Shack and Potbelly to digital tools like Canva for Education and retail discounts at Samsung and Lenovo, there are numerous ways for educators to save. Local Colorado businesses, such as Mountain Mike’s Pizza, also contribute to the celebration. Educators are encouraged to carry valid school identification and to verify specific offer details with local establishments, as participation and terms can vary. Additionally, platforms like ID.me provide a centralized hub for verifying educator status to access exclusive limited-time deals from various retailers.