National Teacher Appreciation Week in 2019 was observed from May 6 through May 10, with National Teacher Day falling on May 7. This annual event, established by the National PTA and the National Education Association, serves as a designated time for students, parents, and communities to honor educators for their contributions. During this period, various brands, restaurants, and organizations across the United States offer special deals, freebies, and discounts to teachers. For educators in Indianapolis, Indiana, the 2019 celebration included a mix of national corporate offers and local events specifically tailored to the community.
While many national promotions require a valid school identification card for redemption, some offers are available to the general public. Participation in specific deals often varies by location, and many restaurants require the use of mobile apps or rewards programs to access discounts.
Local Indianapolis Events
A unique event was hosted in Indianapolis during the 2019 Teacher Appreciation Week, focusing on storytelling rather than traditional discounts. Chalkbeat Indiana, in collaboration with Teachers Lounge Indy, organized a "Teacher Story Slam" at the Tube Factory Artspace. This free event took place on Friday, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The event featured a selection of teachers sharing true stories live from the classroom. These narratives were described as hilarious, heartfelt, and insightful accounts of the challenges and triumphs of teaching. Previous stories had included accounts of teachers spending personal funds on classroom supplies and the financial struggles associated with the profession. While admission to the story slam was free, attendees were required to RSVP. Beer, wine, and cider were available for purchase at the venue.
Coffee and Restaurant Deals
Several coffee chains and restaurants offered complimentary items or discounts to teachers during the week. Many of these promotions were valid only on specific days, such as National Teacher Day (May 7).
Ziggi’s Coffee On May 8, 2019, Ziggi’s Coffee offered one free 16-ounce drink per customer with a valid teacher or school employee ID at all 18 of its nationwide locations. The offer excluded Red Bull Infusions and could not be combined with other special offers or punch cards. Limitations applied to one discount per customer, and the offer was not valid for group orders.
Biggby Coffee Although Biggby Coffee lists a Teacher Appreciation Day event, the specific date provided in the source material was September 3, 2019. On that date, Biggby offered teachers a free 16-ounce hot or iced specialty beverage with a school ID. Additionally, while supplies lasted, teachers received a free mug.
McDonald’s McDonald’s did not have a specific national promotion for Teacher Appreciation Week in 2019. However, the brand offered a free McFlurry via its mobile app on May 7. Furthermore, regional deals were available in parts of Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, where select restaurants offered teachers a free bakery item with any purchase from May 6 through May 10, provided a valid school ID was shown.
O'Charley’s Restaurant + Bar O'Charley’s provided teachers with a free slice of pie when dining in from May 6 through May 10. This offer required a valid ID, was limited to one free piece per check, and could not be combined with other offers or discounts.
Ruby Tuesday On May 7, Ruby Tuesday offered teachers a free garden bar or cheeseburger with fries or tots upon presentation of a school ID.
Sonic Drive-In Sonic Drive-In ran a deal in honor of teachers during this period. While the deal was intended for teachers, it was technically open to everyone who utilized the Sonic app.
PDQ PDQ offered a promotion starting May 7 through May 13. With the purchase of 10 or more boxed lunches, customers received a $1 discount on every box.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes From May 6 through May 8, MOOYAH offered a $3 discount on purchases of $10 or more. This required using the MOOYAH Rewards App or entering the coupon code "THANKS" on online orders.
McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Deli ran a nomination campaign where the public could nominate a teacher to win free tea for a year. Those who submitted a nomination received a free tea promotion code to use within 14 days. However, to redeem the code, the user had to be a member of the McAlister’s Deli rewards program. Winners were announced on May 7.
Retail and Service Offers
Arby’s On May 7, Arby’s offered a free sandwich to teachers and school administrators who presented a valid ID.
Costco Costco offered a membership deal specifically for teachers. New teacher members could join Costco and receive a $20 Costco Shop Card.
Staples and Office Depot The nation's two largest office-supply stores, Staples and Office Depot, offered deals that extended beyond the single day of Teacher Appreciation Day, though specific details on these offers were not elaborated in the provided source material.
Educational Technology and Tools
GameSalad In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, GameSalad, Inc. offered free access to its online platform for the month of May. This platform allows students to build their own video games, and the offer included lesson plans, quizzes, and other content to help integrate video game creation with computer science concepts.
To process the request, educators were asked to sign up with a valid school email address. Additionally, signing up entered teachers into a giveaway for a chance to win a GameSalad branded laptop bag. The giveaway was open to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who were 18 years of age or older. GameSalad, based in Austin, Texas, served as the sponsor.
Important Considerations for Participants
When seeking Teacher Appreciation Week deals, specific requirements and limitations often apply.
Identification Most offers requiring teacher status necessitate the presentation of a valid school ID. This includes offers at restaurants like Arby's, Ziggi's Coffee, and Ruby Tuesday.
Geographic and Location Variations Participation varies by location. For example, the McDonald's bakery item offer was restricted to specific regions (Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana). It is standard practice to verify with the local establishment before visiting to ensure they are participating in the promotion.
Digital Requirements Some deals, such as those from Sonic Drive-In and McDonald's (for the McFlurry), require the use of a specific mobile app. Others, like the McAlister's Deli free tea code, require membership in a rewards program.
Expiration and Limits Many offers are valid only for a single day or have strict expiration dates. For instance, the Ziggi's Coffee offer expired on May 8, 2019. Additionally, limits are common, such as one discount per customer or one item per check.
Conclusion
The 2019 Teacher Appreciation Week provided Indianapolis educators with a variety of opportunities to receive free food, products, and services. The celebration ranged from a community-focused storytelling event in Indianapolis to national discounts on coffee, food, and educational software. While many of the specific 2019 dates have passed, the patterns of participation—such as the requirement of school IDs, the use of mobile apps, and regional variations in availability—remain relevant for understanding how brands structure these promotional events.