Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, offering educators across the United States an opportunity to access various freebies and discounts from restaurants, retailers, and service providers. This annual event acknowledges the contributions of teachers, who often spend significant personal funds on classroom supplies—an average of $745 per year according to source data. While many businesses participate to generate positive public relations, offers are frequently unadvertised or require specific verification steps. This article compiles verified deals available during the May 2025 celebration, focusing on free food, digital tools, and retail discounts. Offers are subject to local participation and availability, and educators are advised to confirm details with individual locations.
Verified Restaurant Freebies and Discounts
Restaurants constitute the largest category of offers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Many deals require the presentation of a valid school ID or teacher badge, and some are limited to specific dates or locations.
Adobe Educators can verify their eligibility on the Adobe website to receive a 60% discount on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
Applebee’s Participating locations offer a free appetizer with any entrée purchase. The appetizer is valued at up to $12.
Bose Teachers visiting the Bose Education Discount page and verifying their ID can receive $30 off any purchase of $199 or more.
Buffalo Wild Wings A 20% discount on the entire order is available for teachers who present a valid school ID.
BurgerFi While specific 2025 announcements were pending at the time of the source documentation, BurgerFi historically offers a 20% discount on meals for teachers with a school ID. It is recommended to call local locations to confirm participation.
Burger King Educators with a badge can receive free fries with any purchase.
Chick-fil-A Many locations historically offer free breakfast or lunch to teachers. Educators should check with their local stores regarding current year promotions.
Dickey’s BBQ Pit In 2024, Dickey’s offered a free Big Yellow Cup with a $10 purchase. Educators should check for the current year's offer.
Firehouse Subs Teachers using the Firehouse Rewards app may access BOGO sub deals.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard A free mini sundae is available with a valid school ID.
Hat Creek Burger Co. This Texas-based chain historically offers a free menu item for teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day.
Huddle House Free meals were offered in 2024; local confirmation is required for 2025 deals.
Insomnia Cookies Teachers with a valid ID received a free classic cookie all week during previous celebrations.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice A free small Ice or Gelati is typically available on Teacher Appreciation Day. Social media channels should be monitored for confirmation.
McAlister’s Deli Teachers receive a free beverage (iced tea or lemonade). The chain also conducts a catered lunch giveaway.
McDonald’s Many locations offer free coffee or breakfast products upon presentation of a teacher ID.
Peter Piper Pizza Teachers can get a free personal pizza in-store from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Potbelly A free cookie or fountain drink with an entrée purchase was offered last year, with a likely repeat for 2025.
RaceTrac Educators previously received a free medium coffee; announcements for 2025 were pending.
Shake Shack Teachers with a valid school ID receive a free milkshake.
Shipley Do-Nuts Previous offers included a half-dozen glazed donuts free with any purchase for loyalty members.
Sonic Members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle received app-exclusive freebies previously.
Starbucks Many locations historically offer a tall brewed coffee; check local stores for offers.
TGI Fridays Free entrées for teachers are anticipated on Teacher Appreciation Day.
Whataburger Free breakfast items are available for teachers before 9:00 a.m. with a valid school ID.
Zaxby’s In 2024, the chain offered a BOGO Boneless Wings Meal for rewards members.
Retail and Classroom Supply Discounts
Retailers provide discounts on supplies and educational materials, acknowledging the financial burden teachers often shoulder.
Staples In 2024, teachers received free supply kits with ID. Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, teachers receive 20% off in-store purchases.
Abuelo’s Teachers receive a free queso throughout the school year until May 31. On Teacher Appreciation Day, a 20% discount on the entire check applies.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza A 20% discount with teacher ID was offered in 2024; check local restaurants for 2025 deals.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Large drinks were $5 for teachers last year; check for current year deals.
Golden Corral Teachers received 20% off meals Monday through Friday last year with a school ID.
Happy Joe’s Participating stores offer a 10% discount.
HTeaO In 2024, teachers received 50% off drinks.
Mountain Mike’s From May 6 to 9, teachers can get $15 off any pizza using the code APPRECIATE25.
Noodles & Company In 2024, they offered $15 off catering with a promo code.
Digital Freebies and Software Offers
Several technology and wellness companies offer free subscriptions or tools to educators, typically requiring verification via a school email address.
Canva for Education Always free for teachers, providing access to classroom-ready design tools.
Headspace Educators can register with their school email to receive a free annual subscription.
Loom for Education A free video recording platform is available for teachers.
Microsoft Office 365 Education Free access is available with a school email, including Word, Excel, Teams, and more.
WeAreTeachers Free printable posters are available annually; 2025 designs are available on their site.
Giveaways and Additional Opportunities
Edmentum Edmentum is conducting a giveaway for three $500 gift cards (Amazon or Target) for eligible educators. The giveaway began on April 28, 2025.
Important Considerations for Educators
The availability of these offers varies by location and franchise ownership. Many deals are unadvertised or rely on app alerts. It is strongly recommended that educators call ahead to confirm participation at their specific location. Most deals require a valid teacher ID or school identification. While many offers are confirmed for 2025 based on previous years' patterns, some details remain pending official announcement from the brands.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide range of freebies and discounts designed to offset the costs associated with the profession and provide personal enjoyment. From free appetizers at national restaurant chains to essential classroom supplies and digital software subscriptions, the opportunities are diverse. Educators should utilize the verified information provided here while maintaining awareness that specific terms and participation levels can vary locally. By preparing necessary identification and verifying with local businesses, teachers can maximize the benefits available to them during this designated week of recognition.