Comprehensive Guide to Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Freebies and Discounts

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide range of freebies and discounts from various businesses across the United States. These promotions are designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of educators. However, participation and specific offer details often vary by location and franchise owner. Consequently, educators are generally advised to check with their local establishments to confirm availability before visiting. Most participating businesses require proof of educator status, typically in the form of a valid school ID or employee badge, to redeem these offers.

The types of freebies and discounts available span multiple categories, with a significant focus on food and beverages. Restaurants and fast-food chains are offering incentives ranging from free entrees and appetizers to percentage-based discounts on meals. In addition to dining options, some retailers are providing savings on classroom supplies and other goods. The timing of these promotions typically aligns with the official Teacher Appreciation Week, with many deals valid during the first or second week of May. Some offers are available for a single day, while others extend throughout the week. Certain promotions may require enrollment in a rewards program or the use of a specific promo code.

Restaurant and Food Service Offers

A variety of restaurants are providing free food and discounts to teachers during the appreciation period. These offers range from free breakfast items to discounted dinners and include both national chains and regional favorites.

Breakfast and Bakery Items

Several establishments are targeting the morning crowd with free coffee, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Educators can receive a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase. This deal is valid through May 10.
Whataburger: Teachers can get a free Taquito with cheese or a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. through May 9. A valid school ID is required, and the offer is valid for dine-in, drive-thru, and carryout, but not available in the app.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: While not a free item, they are offering 20% off all gift card purchases made online. This deal is valid through June 24.

Lunch and Dinner Promotions

Many popular lunch and dinner spots are offering significant value through free items, discounts, and special meal deals.

Chipotle: Chipotle is running two distinct promotions. First, they are giving away $1 million in free Chipotle entrees. Teachers can enter their name and email for a chance to win a free Chipotle e-Card containing a promo code. Second, on May 7, school staff members can receive a buy-one-get-one free meal from 3 p.m. to close. This offer includes burritos, bowls, salads, and orders of tacos for dine-in only and is valid for education staff members at all levels.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers receive 20% off orders during Teacher Appreciation Week. This deal is available for both dine-in and takeout orders when a school ID is shown.
Burger King: Teachers who show their ID can get free fries with any purchase.
Sonic: Teachers enrolled in Sonic’s Teachers’ Circle Rewards program will get access to rewards on food from May 5-9 when they order online or from the Sonic App.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, teachers can get a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they buy an entrée. An ID must be shown to redeem the free item.
Shake Shack: Teachers can show their work ID badge to enjoy a hand-spun shake when they order during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Chick-fil-A: Select franchises are offering deals and promotions on May 7 and through May 10. The specific offer is determined by the location owner.
Arby’s: Some locations are offering educators a free sandwich on May 7.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Teachers who dine in can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entrée. This deal 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.
Hat Creek Burger Company: All school staff can get a free Little Hat Burger on May 6. No purchase is necessary, and the offer is good for dine-in or takeout.
la Madeleine: Customers can get one bakery item free when they buy one on May 6. The deal is available in the Bonjour Rewards app and does not require an ID.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Teachers get 20% off when they order an entrée from May 5-12. A valid ID is required.
McAlister’s Deli: Teachers get a free big tea from May 5-12 in-store at participating locations with their badge or ID. This offer is valid in-store only.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, several businesses are offering complimentary desserts and frozen treats.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers can get a free mini sundae when they show a valid school ID.
Insomnia Cookies: Teachers can get a free Classic cookie from May 5-9 when they shop in-store. No purchase is necessary for this deal, but teachers must show a valid ID.

Retail and Other Offers

Beyond food, some retailers are also participating by offering discounts on products and supplies.

Staples: From May 4 to May 10, teachers who visit a Staples store will receive 20% off their in-store purchase with a valid teacher ID. They will also receive a free 12-pack of Tru Red pens. Additionally, Staples is running an Instagram giveaway for an end-of-year care package. To enter, teachers are asked to share a funny or heartwarming classroom story.
Macayo’s Mexican Food: This restaurant is offering 20% off all year round for all teachers and school personnel. To receive the discount, an employee ID must be shown. The offer cannot be combined with other offers, is not valid on alcohol, and is not valid on Cinco de Mayo or Mother’s Day. Other blackout dates may apply.
Doodleface: For Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), Doodleface is offering 20% off its sustainable, smudge-free crayon boards online and on Amazon. The code 20LOVETEACH is required to get the discount.

Important Considerations for Educators

When seeking to redeem these offers, there are several key factors and general rules to keep in mind.

Verification and Participation

Proof of educator status is a universal requirement. A valid school ID or employee badge is the standard form of verification for most, if not all, of these promotions.

Participation is not always guaranteed, even at locations of national chains. Many of these businesses are franchised, and the decision to participate in Teacher Appreciation Week promotions rests with the individual owner. Sources explicitly state that it is up to each location’s owner to participate in appreciation day deals. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check with the local establishment before going to avoid disappointment. This rule applies to national chains such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and McDonald's, where participation can vary significantly from one location to another.

Timing and Redemption

The validity period for these deals varies. Some are specific to a single day, such as the Hat Creek Burger Company offer on May 6 or the Whataburger breakfast deal available through May 9. Others, like the Potbelly or Logan’s Roadhouse offers, are valid for a full week. It is crucial to note the specific dates for each promotion.

Redemption methods also differ. While many offers are for in-store, dine-in, or drive-thru transactions, some require digital action. For example, the Chipotle entree giveaway requires an online entry for a chance to win an e-card. The Sonic offer requires enrollment in their Teachers’ Circle Rewards program and ordering through the app or online. The la Madeleine deal is accessed through their Bonjour Rewards app.

Exclusions and Limitations

Certain offers come with specific exclusions. For instance, the Macayo’s Mexican Food discount is not valid on alcohol purchases or on major holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day. The Chipotle BOGO deal on May 7 is for dine-in only. The Sonic promotion is exclusively for members of their Teachers’ Circle Rewards program. Always review the specific terms and conditions for each offer to understand any limitations.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents a valuable opportunity for educators to receive freebies and discounts from a diverse array of businesses. The promotions cover a broad spectrum, from free meals and desserts to discounts on retail purchases and classroom supplies. However, the success of redeeming these offers depends heavily on verifying participation with local franchises, presenting valid educator identification, and adhering to the specific terms, dates, and redemption methods for each individual promotion. By being informed and checking details in advance, teachers can fully take advantage of the appreciation shown during this week.