Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, scheduled for May 5 through May 9, represents a significant period where businesses across the United States extend special offers to educators and school staff. This annual observance, rooted in a decades-long effort to honor the contributions of teachers, has evolved into a widespread commercial tradition. Numerous restaurants and retailers participate by providing free items, discounts, and other promotional benefits. Access to these offers generally requires verification of educator status, most commonly through the presentation of a valid school ID. The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available during this period, based on information from various news reports and organizational blogs.
Historical Context and Origins of the Observance
Teacher Appreciation Week has a history spanning several decades. The initiative began in the early 1940s when Mattye Whyte Woodridge, a teacher from Arkansas, lobbied political and educational leaders to establish a day honoring teachers. Her efforts eventually reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who advocated for a National Teacher Day in 1953. However, a consistent national observance did not materialize until the 1980s. During that decade, the National Education Association successfully lobbied Congress to recognize National Teacher Day as an annual event.
In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association expanded the celebration, designating the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. This timing has remained consistent, establishing a predictable schedule that allows businesses to plan and promote their annual offers. Today, the week serves as a primary opportunity for brands to engage with the educational community through targeted promotions.
Restaurant Freebies and Discounts
The food and beverage sector is the most active participant in Teacher Appreciation Week, offering a variety of free meals, snacks, and discounts. These offers typically span the entirety of the week or are concentrated on specific days, such as Teacher Appreciation Day.
Breakfast and Fast Food Options
Several chains focus on morning meals or quick snacks, providing educators with breakfast or side items.
- Whataburger: This fast-food chain offers a free breakfast entree. The promotion is valid from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily during Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. The offer is restricted to in-restaurant dining. To redeem, teachers and school staff must present a valid school ID. Some reports also mention a "Whatateacher" table tent available while supplies last.
- Sonic: Teachers enrolled in the Sonic "Teachers’ Circle Rewards" program can access rewards on food items from May 5 through May 9. These rewards are applicable when ordering online or through the Sonic app. The Teachers’ Circle program is designed to provide year-round benefits to educators.
- Burger King: Participating Burger King locations offer free fries with any purchase. This offer requires the teacher to show a valid school ID. Some sources indicate this deal is valid throughout the week, while others specify it is available during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Aroma Joe’s: On May 6, which is recognized as Teacher Appreciation Day, Aroma Joe’s offers a free 24-ounce drink to teachers with a valid teacher ID.
- Insomnia Cookies: Teachers can receive a free classic cookie. This offer is valid from May 5 through May 9 (or extending to May 13 in some reports) when shopping in-store. No purchase is necessary, but a valid school ID must be presented. Some sources also note that nurses are eligible for this promotion during the same period.
Casual Dining and Full-Service Restaurants
Lunch and dinner options are available at various casual dining establishments, often requiring an entrée purchase.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers and school staff receive a 20% discount on their orders. This offer is valid for both dine-in and takeout orders during Teacher Appreciation Week. A valid school ID is required to redeem the discount. Some sources list the dates as May 2 through May 6, while others indicate it is valid throughout the week of May 5-9.
- Chipotle: Chipotle is conducting a giveaway of $1 million in free entrées. Teachers can enter by visiting teacherthanks.chipotle.com and submitting their name and email. At the end of the week, 100,000 winners will be randomly selected. Selected winners will receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me before receiving a free entrée e-card with a promo code.
- Applebee’s: Many locations offer a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée. Some sources specify a free appetizer up to $12 with any entrée purchase. This offer requires the presentation of a teacher ID.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, teachers who purchase an entrée can receive a free cookie or a regular-sized soft drink. A valid ID is required to redeem this offer.
- McAlister’s Deli: Teachers can get a free tea from May 6 through May 12 at participating locations. No purchase is necessary for this offer.
- Shake Shack: Teachers who show a valid work ID badge can receive a hand-spun shake with their order during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: While not a direct freebie for teachers, BJ’s offers an "Awesome Achievement Program." This program allows elementary school teachers to reward students for good behavior and achievements. Students can redeem a certificate for a free Snickers Pizookie and a silicone bracelet. Teachers can sign up for this program online.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Teachers can receive a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée and a valid teacher ID. This offer is valid from May 5 through May 9.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers can get a free mini sundae by showing a valid school ID.
Retail and Supply Discounts
Beyond food, several retailers offer discounts on supplies, books, and other merchandise. These offers often extend beyond the specific week or require enrollment in a rewards program.
- Office Depot: From May 5 through June 25, Office Depot offers two Teacher Exclusive coupons. Teachers can receive 20% off a qualifying purchase and earn 20% back in rewards. A valid form of teacher identification must be shown in-store to access these coupons.
- Staples: Staples offers "20% back in classroom rewards" on in-store purchases made now through May 7. Teachers can use these rewards to give to their local school. Additionally, teachers receive 5% back for themselves.
- Half Price Books: Educators can receive a 10% discount on purchases year-round by using the Educator Discount Card.
- JOANN: Teachers save 15% every day on purchases.
- Michaels: Teachers receive a 15% discount on both in-store and online purchases year-round. To activate this benefit, educators must verify their status through the Michaels Rewards program online.
- Target: Target offers savings on classroom essentials through its Target Circle program.
- Dockers: Educators receive a 25% discount on Dockers apparel.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
The primary requirement for accessing most Teacher Appreciation Week offers is proof of employment as an educator or school staff member. A valid school ID is the most frequently cited form of verification. This ID generally needs to be presented at the point of sale or redemption.
For offers that involve online entry or digital rewards, such as the Chipotle promotion, additional verification steps may apply. Chipotle, for instance, utilizes ID.me to verify educator status for winners of its entrée giveaway. Similarly, Sonic’s year-round Teachers’ Circle program requires enrollment in the app to access rewards.
It is important to note that availability can vary by location. Many reports emphasize that specific deals and the exact dates of offers may differ depending on the franchise or store. Therefore, consumers are advised to confirm participation with their local establishment before attempting to redeem an offer.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a diverse range of freebies and discounts from various restaurants and retailers. The week, running from May 5 to May 9, provides educators with opportunities to receive complimentary food, beverages, and merchandise. Participation generally requires a valid school ID. Offers range from free breakfast entrees at Whataburger and cookies at Insomnia Cookies to significant discounts on supplies at Office Depot and Staples. While many deals are concentrated during the week, some retailers provide year-round educator discounts. Consumers should always verify specific details, such as participating locations and exact offer dates, with the individual businesses.