National Teacher Appreciation Week and the associated Teacher Appreciation Day provide opportunities for educators to access promotional offers from various brands. In 2018, several national companies and local establishments offered free products, discounts, and special deals to teachers, faculty members, and school staff. These offers typically required proof of employment, such as a faculty ID or school identification card, and were often valid only during specific dates or hours. The availability of these offers varied by location, with many businesses in the Atlanta area participating in the celebrations.
The scope of these promotions ranged from complimentary meals and beverages to significant discounts on retail purchases and travel services. Brands such as Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Barnes & Noble, and Norwegian Cruise Line were among those recognizing educators during this period. Understanding the eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and specific terms for each offer is essential for teachers seeking to take advantage of these opportunities.
Food and Beverage Promotions
During the 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week, the food and beverage sector offered some of the most accessible and popular freebies. Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants provided teachers with opportunities to enjoy meals at a reduced cost or completely free of charge.
Chipotle
Chipotle participated in Teacher Appreciation Day on May 8, 2018, with a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer. This promotion was available to all teachers, faculty members, and school staff. To redeem the offer, individuals were required to present a faculty ID at participating locations. The offer was valid for burritos, burrito bowls, salads, and tacos. The promotion was time-sensitive, running from 3:00 p.m. until closing time on the specified day.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A offered free chicken sandwiches to educators on May 8, 2018. This offer was valid at select locations between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. As with the Chipotle offer, a faculty ID was necessary to receive the free sandwich. Consumers were advised to verify participation with their local Chick-fil-A store prior to visiting to ensure the location was honoring the promotion.
Einstein's Bagels
Einstein's Bagels provided a 20 percent discount on any purchase for teachers throughout the appreciation week in 2018. To utilize this discount, educators were required to use the promo code 9053.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly Sandwich Shop offered a complimentary fountain drink or cookie to customers who purchased a sandwich or salad on Teacher Appreciation Day in 2018.
Cici's Pizza
Cici's Pizza offered a free pizza buffet on May 8, 2018. This offer was valid at participating locations for individuals presenting a valid school ID.
Giordano's
Giordano's extended a discount to members of its email club for Teacher Appreciation Day in 2018. Both new and existing members received 20 percent off online orders placed on that day. Individuals not already enrolled in the email club were directed to sign up at www.giordanos.com/join.
Mod Pizza
Mod Pizza offered a 50 percent discount on a pizza or salad for teachers who presented their teacher ID on May 8, 2018.
Retail and Educational Supplies
Retailers also participated in Teacher Appreciation Week by offering discounts on books and educational supplies. These offers were designed to support teachers in stocking their classrooms and accessing educational materials.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble provided support for educators during Teacher Appreciation Days. Teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers enrolled in the educator discount program were eligible for a 25 percent discount off the publisher list price on selected items.
Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million offered coupons to educators who signed up for an educator's discount card. This promotion incentivized teachers to register for the program to access future savings.
Travel and Leisure Offers
Beyond immediate dining and retail needs, the travel sector acknowledged educators with exclusive discounts.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced a new year-round discount for teachers in 2018. Educators and staff from the U.S. and Canada were eligible for a 5 percent discount off the regular fare. Additionally, registrants received a $50 onboard credit. To access these benefits, individuals had to register and verify their status through NCL. This offer was part of the cruise line's Giving Joy recognition program, which also included a sweepstakes component where teachers could win a free vacation.
General Information Regarding Teacher Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation Week in 2018 spanned from May 7 to May 11, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on Tuesday, May 8. The National Education Association (NEA) and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are key organizations involved in promoting these events. The NEA encourages transforming appreciation into action to support public schools, while the PTA focuses on celebrating the daily contributions of teachers, such as guiding students and sparking curiosity.
While many offers are national, local variations and additional deals often exist. For example, the Atlanta Journal Constitution was noted as compiling a list of retailers celebrating the day in that region. However, specific details regarding local Atlanta-based businesses beyond the national chains listed were not provided in the source material.
Conclusion
The 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week offered a diverse array of freebies and discounts for educators, ranging from free meals at fast-food chains to substantial discounts on travel and educational materials. The primary mechanism for accessing these offers involved presenting valid faculty or school identification during specific timeframes. While national brands like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Norwegian Cruise Line provided standardized offers, local participation and specific terms could vary. Teachers interested in these promotions should always verify current participation and requirements with the specific brand or local establishment, as details may change year to year.