Teacher Appreciation Week is a national observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions of educators across the United States. During this period, various businesses and retailers extend special offers, discounts, and free products to teachers and school staff. For educators in New Jersey, a range of promotions has been made available, covering food, classroom supplies, and retail purchases. These offers generally require verification of educator status, often through a valid school ID or registration with a specific rewards program.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurant chains offer free meals or discounted items during Teacher Appreciation Week. These promotions typically require educators to present identification at the point of sale.
- Wawa: Wawa offers free hot coffee of any size to teachers and all school staff. This promotion is available in Wawa's mid-Atlantic operating area, which includes New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To redeem the offer, educators inform the associate at the register that they are a member of a local school system. The offer is valid in-store only and cannot be redeemed through the Wawa app or delivery services.
- Whataburger: Whataburger provides a free breakfast to educators. Presenting a school ID allows teachers to receive a free taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or honey butter chicken biscuit between 5–9 a.m., May 6–10. This offer includes a Whatateacher table tent, while supplies last.
- Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A offers a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich at participating locations on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7. In some markets, such as St. George, local franchisees may deliver sandwiches, trays, cookies, and other food directly to schools rather than offering in-store coupons.
- McAlister’s Deli: Educators can get a free tea from May 6–12 at participating locations. No purchase is necessary for this offer.
- Sonic: Sonic offers rewards year-round through the Teachers Circle program. Educators can join by downloading the Sonic app, creating an account, navigating to Settings, tapping the Profile icon, tapping Account, and selecting "I'm a Teacher."
- Chipotle: Chipotle offers educators a buy-one-get-one-free deal on adult entrees between 3 and 10 p.m. on Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week. Educators must show an ID to redeem this offer.
- Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Teachers and school staff receive a 20% discount off their entire check at all locations on May 6.
- Atomic Wings: Teachers can enjoy a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6. This offer is available for dine-in only.
- Bad Daddy’s: This burger bar chain offers Bad Ass Margaritas at $5 on Monday, May 5, and $8 for the rest of the month. Additionally, educators can get half-price appetizers during the two hours before closing time throughout the week.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers can sign up online for the Awesome Achievement Program to receive up to 90 certificates per school year. These certificates honor "Awesome Achiever" students, who can show them to receive a free Snickers Pizookie.
Classroom and Office Supplies
Restocking supplies is a common need for educators. Several retailers offer significant discounts on classroom essentials and office supplies.
- Staples: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10), teachers can get 20% off their in-store purchase with a valid teacher ID. They can also get a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies last) by finding coupons in the Staples app. A separate offer from Staples allows educators presenting a valid teacher ID to receive 20% off in-store purchases and a free 12-pack of red pens through Sunday, May 11.
- Office Depot and OfficeMax: Teachers can earn 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases using the Teacher Exclusive Coupon.
- Half Price Books: Educators can get 10% off purchases year-round with the Educator Discount Card.
- JOANN: Educators can save 15% every day with JOANN Teacher Rewards. A separate source notes that educators can save 15% on every purchase by registering with Joann's Teacher Rewards Program.
- Michaels: Teachers receive 15% off on both in-store and online purchases year-round after verifying their educator ID online through the Michaels Rewards program.
- Crayola: Teachers can receive 20% off all products listed on the Teacher Gift Ideas category page by using the code "EDUCATORS" during checkout.
Retail and Tech Discounts
Beyond food and school supplies, various retailers offer discounts on apparel, technology, and other goods.
- Target: Educators can save on classroom essentials with Target Circle.
- Apple: Educators can access exclusive discounts on Mac and iPad products through the Apple Education Store.
- Cole Haan: Educators can enjoy a 20% discount on online purchases by verifying their status with a valid school email address.
- Adidas: Adidas is offering 30% off at adidas.com and in-store, plus 15% off at factory outlet stores.
- Dockers: Educators receive a 25% discount on Dockers apparel.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week provides a valuable opportunity for educators in New Jersey to access a variety of free products and discounts. The offers detailed above span essential categories such as food, classroom supplies, and personal apparel. While many promotions are available nationally or regionally, eligibility typically requires verification of educator status. Educators are advised to check specific terms and conditions for participating locations and availability.