Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Verified Deals, Discounts, and Freebies for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide range of verified deals, discounts, and freebies for educators across the United States. Scheduled for May 5 through May 9, 2025, with National Teacher Day on May 6, this annual event provides opportunities for teachers and school staff to access complimentary products and savings at restaurants, retailers, and online platforms. Offers typically require valid teacher identification, such as a school ID or educator badge, and many promotions are available for a limited time only. This article details the confirmed freebies and discounts available during this period, focusing on food, supplies, and retail benefits based on official announcements and verified sources.

Event Dates and Eligibility Requirements

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9, 2025, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday, May 6. These dates are consistently reported across multiple sources, including official retailer websites and news outlets. The event honors educators, including K-12 teachers and school staff, for their contributions to students and communities.

Eligibility for most offers requires verification of educator status. Participating brands and retailers mandate the presentation of a valid teacher ID, school staff badge, or proof of employment at an educational institution. Some online discounts require verification through third-party services, such as email confirmation using a school-issued address. No purchase is necessary for certain giveaways, but many restaurant deals require an accompanying entrée purchase. All offers are subject to availability at participating locations and may vary by region.

Free Food and Beverage Offers

Restaurants and food chains are offering complimentary items and discounts to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. These promotions include free appetizers, desserts, entrees, and beverages, often valid for dine-in orders only.

Applebee’s: Teachers and nurses can receive a free appetizer (up to $12 value) with the purchase of an adult entrée from April 28 through May 10, 2025. To redeem, present a school or work badge and mention the promotion to the server. This offer is valid at all Flynn Applebee’s locations for dine-in orders only and cannot be combined with other offers. One coupon per order, per visit. The offer expires on May 10, 2025. Another source notes a free dessert with entrée purchase and a future voucher for buy one, get one free entrée through May 10.
Burger King: Educators can enjoy free fries with any purchase by flashing their teacher badge. A variation specifies a free Whopper Jr. with a $1+ purchase. App alerts may provide details on local offers.
Chipotle: The chain is giving away 100,000 burritos in the form of Burrito E-Cards to teachers and school staff. The giveaway runs from April 30 through May 12, 2025. To enter, visit teacherthanks.chipotle.com and complete the entry form. Limit one entry per entrant.
McAlister’s Deli: Teachers can get free drinks during the appreciation week.
Abuelo’s: On Tuesday, May 6, educators receive 20% off their entire check for dine-in only, with a valid teaching or school staff ID.
Sonic: Teachers enrolled in the Sonic Teacher’s Circle Rewards program can get buy one, get one free Sonic Blasts and entrees through May 20, 2025.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers and school staff get 20% off orders through May 12, 2025, by presenting a valid school ID.
Golden Corral: Teachers receive 20% off adult buffet purchases through May 10, 2025.
TGI Fridays: Free entrée on May 7 at participating locations.
Barnes & Noble: Complimentary coffee at the cafe for educators.
Chick-fil-A: Many locations offered free breakfast or lunch to teachers last year; educators should check with local stores for 2025 specifics.

These offers are confirmed by multiple sources, including brand websites and promotional roundups. Educators are advised to call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations, as availability may vary.

Retail Discounts and Free Supplies

Retailers are providing significant discounts on classroom supplies, electronics, and personal items, along with free product kits. These promotions aim to support educators in their professional and personal shopping needs.

Staples: Through May 11, 2025, Staples offers free supply kits including markers, pens, and glue. Additionally, educators presenting a valid teacher ID receive 20% off in-store purchases and a free 12-pack of red pens. For in-store purchases, shoppers are eligible for 20% back in classroom rewards to give to their local teacher or school, with 5% back for themselves.
Office Depot and OfficeMax: From May 5 through June 25, 2025, teachers can use a Teacher Exclusive Coupon for 20% off qualifying purchases and another for 20% back in rewards (or 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases, per another source). A valid form of teacher identification is required in-store.
Adobe: Educators and students can save 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan by verifying eligibility on the Adobe website.
Bose: Verification of educator status on the Bose Education Discount page qualifies for $30 off any purchase of $199 or more.
Apple: Educators can access exclusive discounts on Mac and iPad products through the Apple Education Store.
Cole Haan: 20% discount on online purchases by verifying status with a valid school email address.
Crayola: 20% off products on the Teacher Gift Ideas category page using the code "EDUCATORS" at checkout.
Joann Fabrics: 15% off every purchase by registering with Joann's Teacher Rewards Program.
Adidas: 30% off at adidas.com and in-store, plus 15% off at factory outlet stores.
Michaels: Teachers receive 15% off purchases.
Vera Bradley: Offers exclusive discounts for teachers, as noted in broader retail roundups.

These discounts are verified through official retailer announcements and educational resource websites. Verification processes may involve online forms or in-store ID checks.

Giveaways and Special Promotions

In addition to direct discounts, some brands host giveaways during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Edmentum: Running a giveaway for three $500 gift cards to Amazon or Target. Eligible educators can enter starting April 28, 2025. The promotion is detailed on Edmentum's official website.

Educators should monitor official channels for entry details and eligibility requirements.

Additional Context on Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Week is promoted by organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA), which encourages the use of the hashtag #ThankATeacher on social media. Surveys highlight the importance of this recognition: a 2023 Gallup poll found 73% of parents rate their children's teachers as excellent or good, while a 2024 Pew Survey indicated 77% of teachers find their job frequently stressful. Despite challenges, many educators remain committed to their students.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 provides verified opportunities for educators to access free food, discounted supplies, and retail savings. By presenting valid identification and following promotion-specific instructions, teachers can redeem offers from brands like Applebee’s, Staples, and Chipotle. These deals underscore the value placed on educators and offer practical benefits during a dedicated week of recognition. Educators are encouraged to verify details with participating brands and take advantage of these limited-time offers.