Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual observance that recognizes the contributions of educators across the United States. Typically held during the first full week of May, various businesses and organizations offer complimentary products, discounts, and special promotions to show gratitude for teachers' hard work. These offers often require verification of educator status, such as a valid school ID or institutional email address. The availability and specific terms of these promotions can vary by location and year.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage companies participate in Teacher Appreciation Week by providing free meals or discounted items. Whataburger, for instance, has historically offered a free breakfast to teachers during the appreciation week. In 2025, teachers could enjoy a free Taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. from May 6 through May 10, 2025, upon presenting a school ID.
Shipley’s Do-nuts has also offered promotions during this period. In 2025, loyalty members were eligible to receive a free half-dozen glazed donuts with any purchase from May 6th to May 10th.
Other food service providers offering educator discounts include:
- Abuelo’s: Teachers with an Abuelo’s key tag could receive free queso with their order through May 31, 2025.
- Chili’s: Educators received $5 off a $25 purchase and 20% off with a free Educator Card from May 4-10, 2025. A free tote bag was also available.
- Texas de Brazil: A special 10% discount was offered on dine-in dinner and lunch prices, including the salad area only.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers could receive any Large Drink for $5 with a teacher ID or a 20% discount on online orders using the code EDUCATOR.
Additionally, a local coffee shop in an unspecified area was reported to offer a $1 per drink discount and a giveaway for a $100 gift card during the appreciation week.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, numerous retailers provide discounts to educators. These offers are sometimes available year-round but may be enhanced during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Steve Madden: Teachers were eligible for 25% off their entire purchase.
- Cole Hann: Educators received 20% off online purchases with a valid school email address.
- Half Price Books: Teachers and librarians receive a 10% discount with a valid school ID year-round.
- Paper Mate: In partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org and actor Max Greenfield, Paper Mate launched the "Thanks to Teachers" initiative, which provided funds to underprivileged schools.
- Burlington Stores: Burlington has engaged in various educational initiatives, including adopting local schools and donating funds for classroom supplies. For example, in October 2019, Burlington donated $10,000 to Mustang Creek Elementary and other schools to mark new store openings.
Entertainment and Travel Offers
Some entertainment venues offer free admission or special access to educators. SeaWorld provides a free Unlimited Admission Pass to active and certified teachers in specific states.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: Registration required by April 30, 2025; the pass is valid through January 4, 2026.
- SeaWorld San Diego: Registration required by May 31, 2025; the pass is valid through December 31, 2025.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Registration is available at any time; the pass is valid through September 4, 2025.
Classroom and Educational Support
Organizations such as AdoptAClassroom.org work to support teachers by providing funds for classroom supplies. This nonprofit platform allows donors to contribute directly to specific classrooms or teachers in need. The platform has facilitated significant donations, including a $10,000 donation to Banyan Elementary in March 2020 and a $1,000 gift to Heights Murray Elementary in March 2020.
Zollipops, a brand of sugar-free lollipops, has run campaigns to encourage children to discuss oral health. Educators could sign up to receive free Zollipops for their classrooms for a limited time.
General Educator Benefits
Several general benefits are available to teachers year-round or during specific promotional periods.
- Teachers' Circle: Educators are encouraged to sign up for the Teachers' Circle by May 6 to access exclusive deals for Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Chipotle: During the 2025 appreciation week, Chipotle ran a sweepstakes where educators could enter for a chance to win one of 100,000 free entree gift cards.
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Offered $15 off any pizza with code APPRECIATE25 from May 6–9, 2025, online or via their app. Additionally, teachers could get a coupon for 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases through June 28, 2025.
- Chili’s: Provided a free appetizer every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to teachers and school staff with a valid school ID.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a dedicated period for businesses to acknowledge educators through various freebies and discounts. Offers range from complimentary food items and retail discounts to educational donations and classroom supplies. Most promotions require valid educator identification, and specific dates and terms vary annually. Teachers interested in these offers should verify details with participating locations and ensure they have the necessary documentation to redeem benefits.