Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, observed from May 5 through May 9, with National Teacher Day on May 6, provides a range of freebies and discounts for educators across the United States. The offers include complimentary food items, retail discounts, and digital tools, all requiring verification through school identification or official documentation. This article details the available information on these promotions, focusing on verified sources and eligibility requirements.
McDonald's participation in Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 includes a specific free offer for educators. On May 6, 2025, teachers can receive a free soft drink, sweet tea, or hot or iced drip coffee by presenting a valid school ID at participating locations. This offer is confirmed for National Teacher Appreciation Day. Another source indicates that McDonald's outlets may provide free coffee or breakfast products to teachers who show their school ID, though specific details on breakfast items are not detailed in the provided materials. The offers appear to be available at "several McDonald's outlets," suggesting potential variability by location.
Chick-fil-A also offers promotions during Teacher Appreciation Week. On May 6, 2025, teachers can get a free Chicken Biscuit with any iced coffee or specialty beverage purchase. However, this offer varies by location, as each owner sets their own terms, and consumers are advised to check with their local restaurant. Additionally, Chick-fil-A provides a 20% discount on the entire check on May 6. For the "Awesome Achievement Program," educators can sign up online to receive up to 90 certificates per school year to honor "Awesome Achiever" students with a free Snickers Pizookie and a silicone bracelet; this is redeemable for dine-in only.
Other restaurant freebies and deals for teachers during the week include: - McAlister’s Deli: Free 32 oz tea for teachers and nurses through May 12, 2025, with a valid badge or ID, valid for dine-in or takeout. - Abuelo’s: 20% off the entire check on May 6, 2025, for educators with a valid teaching or school staff ID; dine-in only. - Applebee’s: Free appetizer (up to $12 value) from April 28 to May 10, 2025, with adult entrée purchase, mention of the ad, and school/work badge; dine-in only at Flynn Applebee’s locations. - Burger King: Free Whopper Jr. with a $1+ purchase. - Chipotle: Giveaway of 100,000 burrito e-cards from April 30 to May 12, 2025; entry via teacherthanks.chipotle.com form, limit one per entrant. - Krispy Kreme: Free glazed doughnut for all guests on May 7, 2025, via the app; not teacher-specific. - Buffalo Wild Wings: Free 5-piece boneless wings with fries on May 6, 2025; dine-in only. A 20% discount is also reported at several locations. - Whataburger: Free breakfast items before 9 a.m. with valid school ID; free food and big discounts mentioned generally. - Sonic: App-exclusive freebies for teachers in Sonic Teachers’ Circle; join to access deals. - Starbucks: Free tall brewed coffee during Teacher Appreciation Week; check local stores. - Potbelly: Free cookie or fountain drink with entrée purchase (likely repeat from previous years). - RaceTrac: Free medium coffee for educators (watch for 2025 announcements). - Shake Shack: Free milkshake with valid school ID. - Shipley Do-Nuts: Half-dozen glazed donuts free with any purchase for loyalty members (previous year offer). - TGI Fridays: Free entrées on Teacher Appreciation Day (look for announcements). - Zaxby’s: BOGO Boneless Wings Meal for rewards members (2024 offer).
Eligibility for these food freebies generally requires teachers, support staff, and homeschooling parents to present a school ID, faculty documentation, or home school ID card. Homeschool teachers may qualify through ID.me verification or other official documentation at many brands. Offers are often limited to dine-in orders and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Retail and tech discounts available during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 include: - Samsung: Special discounts for teachers (details on verification via ID.me). - Stitch Fix: Special discounts (ID.me verification likely). - Barnes & Noble: Up to 20% off books and school supplies through the Educator Program. - Staples: Free supply kits with ID in 2024 (likely repeat in 2025; arrive early as supplies run out fast) and 20% off in-store purchases. - Disney: Exclusive accommodation rates and ticket prices for teachers. - SeaWorld and Busch Gardens: Free access or significantly reduced rates with proof of employment. - Hertz and Enterprise: Travel discounts for teachers during the week. - AT&T and Verizon: Exclusive savings on mobile plans and accessories with educator proof. - Hobby Lobby: Teacher discount (mentioned in related content).
Digital freebies for educators include: - Canva for Education: Always free; sign up for classroom-ready design tools. - Headspace: Free annual subscription; register with school email. - Loom for Education: Free video recording platform. - Microsoft Office 365 Education: Free access with school email.
The National Education Association (NEA) promotes Teacher Appreciation Week, emphasizing advocacy for real funding and respect beyond freebies. The week originated from efforts by Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge and was formalized by Congress and the NEA in the 1980s. Consumers should verify offers directly with participating brands, as details may vary by location and year.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers verified freebies and deals for educators, including McDonald's free beverages on May 6 and Chick-fil-A's Chicken Biscuit, alongside retail and digital discounts. Eligibility requires school ID or verification, with offers varying by location. Educators are encouraged to check local participating brands for the most current information.
Sources
- IndyStar: Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 Deals
- Southern Savers: Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies Deals
- The Freebie Guy: Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies Deals
- Wealth Waggle: Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Deals Dates
- The Human Capital Hub: Teacher Appreciation Week Discounts 2025
- Edmentum: Educator Deals to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
