Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025, scheduled from May 5th to May 9th, serves as a designated period for businesses to acknowledge the contributions of educators through various promotional offers. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, a range of local and national businesses have announced specific deals, freebies, and discounts available to teachers and school staff. These offers typically require verification of employment status, most commonly through the presentation of a valid school ID. The available incentives span multiple categories, including food and beverage, automotive services, and educational supplies.
Local St. Louis Area Offers
Several businesses specific to the St. Louis region and surrounding Illinois communities have structured promotions for Teacher Appreciation Week. These offers vary in duration and requirements.
Waterway Carwash
Waterway Carwash has designated every Wednesday in May as a day for educators to receive complimentary services. This promotion includes: - A free Hot Wax Express car wash. - 10¢ off per gallon of gasoline at participating fuel locations. - A free fountain or hot beverage at locations equipped with a convenience store.
To redeem these offers, teachers must present a valid school ID to staff. Shaun Nordgaarden, Chief Operations Officer of Waterway Carwash, stated, “This month is about showing our appreciation for the educators who play such an important role in shaping future generations.”
Eckert’s Farm & Country Restaurant
Eckert’s Farm offers multiple incentives for teachers during the appreciation period. - Belleville Location: From May 6 through May 10, teachers showing a valid school ID can receive a complimentary mini ice cream sundae at Mr. E’s Donut & Custard Shop. Additionally, they can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at Eckert’s Country Restaurant. - May 4 Specifics: On May 4, teachers could receive 50% off an entrée at the Country Restaurant and a free small sundae at the Custard Shop with a valid school ID.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
On May 4, Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood, MO, offered a contest for teachers. Fans following the bakery’s Instagram could nominate a teacher to win a special "thank you" cake from Chef Reid. Teachers could also nominate themselves.
Schlafly Beer
Schlafly Beer offered a free pint to teachers at their brewpubs located in downtown St. Louis (Tap Room), Maplewood (Bottleworks), and St. Charles (Bankside). This offer required a valid school ID.
Lion’s Choice
At multiple locations in St. Louis, Lion’s Choice provided a free concrete (frozen dessert) to educators. To redeem, teachers were required to show a valid school ID and screenshot a coupon from @LionsChoice on social media platforms prior to ordering.
Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint organized a sweepstakes where fans could nominate a teacher to win a catered lunch. The winner, selected on May 7, received delivery of the lunch at the end of the school year.
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton
This hotel offered a complimentary pool pass (valued at $45) to nurses and teachers who dined at Café la Vie between May 6 and May 10. Guests were required to spend a minimum of $20 and show valid identification.
National Food and Beverage Deals
National chains frequently participate in Teacher Appreciation Week with widespread offers. While many of these are available nationwide, specific participation in St. Louis should be verified with local franchises.
Breakfast Options
- Whataburger: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6–10), Whataburger offered a free taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or honey butter chicken biscuit between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. A valid school ID was required, and the offer included a "Whatateacher" table tent while supplies lasted.
Lunch and Dinner Offers
- Chick-fil-A: Participating locations offered a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7.
- Applebee’s: Teachers and nurses could receive a free appetizer (up to $12 value) with an adult entrée purchase from April 28 through May 10. This offer required mentioning the specific advertisement and showing a school/work badge. It was valid for dine-in orders only at Flynn Applebee’s locations.
- Abuelo’s: On May 6, educators received 20% off their entire check at all locations. This offer is dine-in only and requires a valid teaching or school staff ID.
- Atomic Wings: On May 6, teachers could enjoy a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries for dine-in only.
- Bad Daddy’s: While this chain offered $5 Bad Ass Margaritas on May 5 and half-price appetizers during pre-closing hours, specific teacher discounts were not detailed in the source material beyond the drink pricing.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers could sign up for the "Awesome Achievement Program" to receive up to 90 certificates per school year to honor students. Students presenting the certificate receive a free Snickers Pizookie.
- Chipotle: Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos in the form of Burrito E-Cards to teachers and school staff. The entry period runs from April 30 to May 12 via teacherthanks.chipotle.com. Limit one entry per entrant.
- McAlister’s Deli: Teachers could receive a free tea from May 6–12 at participating locations. No purchase was necessary.
- Sonic: Sonic offers year-round rewards through the "Teachers Circle" program. Teachers can join by downloading the Sonic app, creating an account, and selecting "I'm a Teacher" in the profile settings.
Retail and Supply Discounts
Beyond food services, various retailers offer discounts on supplies and personal items.
Office and Classroom Supplies
- Staples: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–10), teachers received 20% off in-store purchases with a valid teacher ID. Additionally, the Staples app offered a coupon for a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer, while supplies last).
- Half Price Books: Educators can receive 10% off purchases year-round with the Educator Discount Card.
- JOANN: Teachers save 15% every day on all purchases.
- Michaels: Educators receive 15% off both in-store and online purchases year-round after verifying their educator ID through the Michaels Rewards program.
- Target: Target Circle offers savings on classroom essentials.
Apparel and Personal Items
- Dockers: Educators receive a 25% discount on Dockers apparel.
General Eligibility and Redemption Rules
The primary requirement for most offers listed is the presentation of a valid school ID. This serves as proof of employment within the education sector. Some offers, such as the Chipotle Burrito E-Card or the Sonic Teachers Circle, require digital registration or entry through a specific website or app.
Offers are frequently subject to "participating locations" clauses. National chains often leave participation decisions to individual franchise owners. Therefore, it is recommended that educators contact their local establishment or check the specific brand’s website before visiting to confirm the availability of the offer.
Expiration dates vary significantly. Some offers are valid only on a single day (e.g., May 4 or May 7), while others span the entirety of Teacher Appreciation Week or longer. Specific terms, such as "dine-in only" or "no purchase necessary," are attached to individual offers and must be adhered to for successful redemption.
Conclusion
The St. Louis area and national chains provide a diverse array of freebies and discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. From automotive maintenance and food services to classroom supplies, businesses utilize this period to offer tangible benefits to educators. The availability of these offers generally relies on the presentation of valid school identification, and redemption windows range from specific dates to the entirety of the week. Educators are advised to verify participation with local branches and prepare necessary documentation to access these benefits.