National Teacher Appreciation Day in 2018 was observed on Tuesday, May 8, with many businesses offering special deals and freebies to educators. Various restaurants, retailers, and service providers participated by providing discounts, complimentary items, and exclusive offers. These promotions often required a valid school ID or faculty badge for verification. The following guide details the specific offers available to teachers during the 2018 appreciation period, based on available deal listings from that time.
Restaurant and Food Offers
Numerous dining establishments offered free meals, discounts, and special menu items for teachers during the 2018 appreciation week. Participation varied by location, and many deals were valid only on the designated day or throughout the week.
Pizza and Casual Dining
- Cicis: The pizza buffet chain offered teachers a free adult buffet meal. Drink purchases were not included in this offer. Educators were advised to contact their local Cicis to confirm participation.
- Chipotle: On National Teacher Appreciation Day, Chipotle provided a buy-one-get-one-free offer on burritos, bowls, salads, or orders of tacos. This deal was valid from 3:00 p.m. until closing time for teachers who presented a faculty ID.
- Giordano’s: From May 6 through May 9, Giordano’s offered a 20% discount on any order using the code 656-263-214. The offer applied to dine-in and online orders for both nurses and teachers.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Teachers received a 15% discount on dine-in and takeout orders from May 6 through May 10 with a valid ID. However, this offer was not valid in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut locations. Additionally, Grimaldi’s hosted a nomination contest for a teacher to win a pizza party.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: While not a direct freebie for teachers, BJ's offered the "Awesome Achievement Program," allowing teachers to sign up online to receive up to 90 certificates per school year to honor "Awesome Achiever" students. Students presenting these certificates could receive a free Snickers Pizookie.
- Duffy's Sports Grill: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10), teachers showing their faculty ID badge received a $10 MVP Bonus loaded directly onto their MVP accounts. Sign-up for the MVP program was required at www.duffysmvp.com/mvp.
- The Greene Turtle: On May 6, teachers with a valid school ID received a free dine-in meal valued up to $15.
- Happy Joe’s: Participating locations offered teachers a 20% discount on their orders during the week with a valid school ID.
- Hat Creek Burger Company: All school staff were eligible for a free Little Hat Burger on May 6.
- Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Teachers and school staff received a 20% discount off their entire check at all locations on May 6.
- Atomic Wings: Teachers could enjoy a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6, available for dine-in only.
- Bad Daddy’s: This burger bar chain offered Bad Ass Margaritas at $5 on May 5 and $8 for the rest of the month. Additionally, half-price appetizers were available during the two hours before closing time throughout the week.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: From May 6 to 10, teachers dining in received a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entrée. No coupon was required.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Throughout the week, teachers received a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée. A valid teacher ID was required, and the offer was not valid with other discounts or on the "Dessert for Two" menu.
Bagels and Fast Food
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10, Bruegger’s gave teachers a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase and valid ID at participating bakeries.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: This chain offered 20% off all gift card purchases made in stores and online. This deal was valid through June 24, allowing customers to purchase discounted gift cards for teachers.
- Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers: On May 8, teachers and faculty with a current school ID received a free box combo for dine-in or drive-thru orders between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- Chick-fil-A: Participating restaurants offered teachers a free sandwich from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8. A teacher ID was required.
- Krispy Kreme: In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, educators received a free doughnut on May 7.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers could receive a free order of half a dozen donuts. This deal was also offered on May 4 and May 5 and did not require any other purchase.
- Sonic: Teachers could join the free rewards program by downloading the Sonic app, creating an account, and selecting "I'm a Teacher" in the profile settings.
Retail and Supplies Discounts
Retailers also participated by offering discounts on classroom supplies and general merchandise.
- Staples: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10), teachers received 20% off in-store purchases with a valid teacher ID. They also received a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer, while supplies lasted) by finding coupons in the Staples app.
- Barnes and Noble: Educators could get 20-25% off the publisher’s price on all purchases intended for classroom use.
- Apple Store for Education: Apple provided discounted rates on Macs, iPads, and accessories to faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels as part of their everyday deals.
- Ann Taylor LOFT: LOFT offered teachers 15% off full-priced purchases every day through the "LOFT Loves Teachers" program, which required sign-up.
- Banana Republic: Teachers received 15% off full-priced, in-store purchases by showing a specific flyer and a teacher ID.
- Samsung: Samsung offered major discounts on select electronics, including a $620 discount on the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 monitor, $300 off the 34-inch ViewFinity S65VC, and a $700 discount on the Samsung WAD Interactive Display.
Special Services and Other Offers
- Box Tops for Education: During May 2018, Box Tops offered a $5 bonus for schools when users downloaded the Box Tops app and scanned their first receipt using the code TEACHER.
- Doodleface: For Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), Doodleface offered 20% off sustainable, smudge-free crayon boards online and on Amazon using the code 20LOVETEACH.
- Athleta NYC: On May 5, Athleta NYC hosted an appreciation event for teachers featuring a free 55-minute vinyasa yoga class led by Julie Martin and Monica Monfre, a tea tasting sponsored by Candid Tea, and skincare from Yinsa Yoga. Ticket reservations were required.
Conclusion
In 2018, Teacher Appreciation Week provided educators with a wide variety of freebies and discounts across the food, retail, and service sectors. Offers ranged from free buffet meals and coffee to significant savings on classroom supplies and electronics. Most deals required a valid school ID or faculty badge, and participation varied by location. Teachers were advised to verify participation with local establishments before attempting to redeem offers.