Teacher Appreciation Day 2018 Freebies and Discounts: A Guide to Nationwide Offers

National Teacher Appreciation Week, spanning May 7 through May 11, 2018, and specifically National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 8, served as a significant period for businesses across the United States to acknowledge the contributions of educators. During this time, numerous companies and retailers extended special promotions, freebies, and discounts to teachers, administrators, and support staff. These offers ranged from complimentary food items at popular restaurants to substantial savings on classroom supplies and personal purchases. To access these benefits, educators were generally required to present a valid school ID or proof of employment, and many offers were subject to participation by individual locations.

The scope of these promotions varied significantly. While some national chains announced widespread participation, others noted that deals were available only at specific locations or within certain regions. Consequently, verifying availability with local establishments prior to visiting was a recommended step for educators seeking to utilize these offers. The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available during the 2018 Teacher Appreciation celebration, categorized by business type.

Restaurant and Food Service Offers

The food service industry provided a variety of high-value offers during Teacher Appreciation Week, with many deals concentrated on May 8. These ranged from full meals to specific menu items, available at breakfast, lunch, and dinner times.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A locations offered some of the most prominent freebies for educators. However, participation and specific offers varied by market. * Greater Triangle Area (WRAL Source): Participating locations offered a free Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich on Tuesday, May 8, from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. This offer was available to all educators, teachers, faculty, and staff with a valid school ID. The offer was limited to one per person, and the recipient had to be present to redeem it. * Erie, Pennsylvania (GoErie Source): The local Chick-fil-A offered a different promotion valid throughout the month of May. Educators, teachers, support staff, and home school parents received one free breakfast meal, including an entree, side, and small drink, on Thursdays during May. Breakfast hours were from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. * Baltimore Area (CBS News Source): Offers were not nationwide. The Reisterstown location offered free coffee with a breakfast purchase. Locations in Virginia and Delaware offered a free Chicken Biscuit until 10:30 AM or a free Chicken Sandwich from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. A valid school ID was required, and the offer was limited to one per person. * Southern Utah (The Spectrum Source): The St. George location did not offer a coupon-based promotion. Instead, the store brought sandwiches, trays, cookies, and other food directly to schools.

Chipotle

Chipotle offered a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) deal on burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos. This offer was widely reported across multiple sources, though specific timeframes varied slightly. * Timing: The offer was valid on Tuesday, May 8, generally from 3:00 PM until closing. The Erie report specified 3:00 PM to close, while the Baltimore report noted 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. * Eligibility: Educators were required to show valid ID to redeem the offer.

Bruegger's Bagels

Bruegger's Bagels participated in the appreciation events with offers targeted at both educators and the general public looking to treat teachers. * General Offer (WRAL Source): While specific details for teachers were not listed in the WRAL chunk, Bruegger's was listed as a participating restaurant. * Catering and Gift Card Offer (Patch Source): For parents and students, Bruegger's offered 20% off catering orders. Additionally, customers could receive a free egg sandwich of choice with the purchase of a $25 gift card.

Cici's Pizza

Cici's Pizza offered a complimentary buffet deal. * Offer: A free adult buffet was available on Tuesday, May 8. * Requirements: A valid teacher's ID and a coupon were required to redeem the offer.

The Greene Turtle

The Greene Turtle offered a substantial meal discount. * Offer: Teachers received a free entrée up to a $12 value, or $12 off their meal total, on Teacher Appreciation Day.

Einstein Bagels

Einstein Bagels offered a percentage-based discount. * Offer: Teachers received 20% off any purchase throughout the week. * Code: The promo code 9053 was required to receive the discount.

Retail and General Merchandise Discounts

Beyond food service, various retailers offered discounts on clothing, books, and home improvement supplies. These offers often required enrollment in specific educator programs or presentation of a school ID at the point of sale.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble provided significant discounts for educators, particularly on books intended for classroom use. * Standard Educator Discount: Educators received 20% off the publisher's list price on all purchases made for classroom use. * Educator Appreciation Days: During designated Educator Appreciation Days, the discount increased to up to 25% off the publisher's list price. This applied to certain items.

Ann Taylor LOFT and Banana Republic

These apparel retailers offered consistent discounts for educators. * Ann Taylor LOFT: Teachers received 15% off all full-priced items. This was available daily, not just during appreciation week. * Banana Republic: Educators received 15% off full-price purchases each day.

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby offered a discount on in-store purchases. * Offer: A 10% discount was available. * Requirements: Payment had to be made using a check or bank card provided by the school.

Home Depot

Home Depot provided a specific benefit for classroom-related purchases. * Offer: A tax-free exemption was offered on classroom purchases.

Technology and Service Provider Offers

Several technology companies and service providers extended discounts to educators, often requiring online verification or in-store presentation of credentials.

Hewlett Packard (HP)

HP offered a discount through its HP Academy program. * Offer: A 20% discount and free shipping to U.S. teachers.

Amazon

Amazon promoted a business account benefit for educators. * Offer: Educators could apply for a free two-day shipping account through Amazon Business for Education.

AT&T

AT&T offered a potential discount based on eligibility. * Process: Educators could enter their school email address to check for eligibility. Alternatively, presenting a school ID at AT&T stores could determine eligibility for discounts.

Alamo Car Rental

A specific discount was available for members of a teachers' union. * Offer: A $25 car rental discount. * Eligibility: Available to members of the American Federation of Teachers.

Alfa Insurance

Alfa Insurance offered discounts specifically for educators.

General Advice for Redeeming Offers

Successful redemption of these offers generally relied on adhering to specific guidelines established by the participating businesses. * Identification: A valid school ID was the most commonly required item. Some offers specified "faculty ID" or proof of employment. * Location Verification: Many sources emphasized that offers were valid only at participating locations. Since individual franchise owners or regional managers often decide on participation, calling ahead was strongly advised to confirm the specific deal is being honored. * Timing: Offers were strictly time-bound. For example, the Chick-fil-A sandwich offer was valid only on May 8 between specific hours, and the Chipotle BOGO deal was valid only on the evening of May 8. * Enrollment: Some discounts, such as those at Barnes & Noble, required enrollment in the retailer's specific educator program.

Conclusion

The 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week provided a wide array of freebies and discounts for educators across the United States. The most valuable offers included complimentary meals from major restaurant chains like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle, alongside percentage-based discounts at retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Ann Taylor LOFT. While many offers were concentrated on May 8, some extended throughout the week or even the entire month of May. The primary requirement for accessing these benefits was proof of educator status, typically in the form of a school ID. Due to the decentralized nature of retail operations, verifying offer details with local businesses remained a critical step for teachers seeking to take advantage of these appreciation gestures.