Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9, 2025) is a dedicated time to recognize educators for their contributions. This article compiles verified offers, freebies, and discounts available to U.S. teachers during this period, based on information from promotional sources and deal-tracking sites. Offers vary by location, require valid educator identification, and are subject to change; consumers are advised to confirm details with participating establishments before visiting.
Edmentum Teacher Appreciation Giveaway
Edmentum, an educational technology company, is hosting a giveaway for Teacher Appreciation Week. Three winners will each receive a $500 gift card, redeemable at either Amazon or Target. Eligible educators can enter the giveaway, which began on April 28, 2025. No purchase is necessary to enter. The entry process is managed through a dedicated page on the Edmentum website.
Free Food and Treats at Restaurants
Several restaurant chains offer complimentary food items to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Most offers require a valid school ID and are available at participating locations.
- Applebee’s: Many locations offer a free appetizer or dessert with an entrée purchase. Availability varies by franchise.
- Burger King: Educators can receive free fries with any purchase, according to expected promotions. App alerts may provide local offer details.
- Chick-fil-A: Participating locations have previously offered free breakfast or lunch items. Contact local stores for 2025 specifics.
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit: In 2024, a free Big Yellow Cup was offered with a $10 purchase. Check for this year's offer.
- Firehouse Subs: Teachers using the Firehouse Rewards app may access Buy One, Get One (BOGO) sub deals.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: A free mini sundae is available with a valid school ID.
- Hat Creek Burger Co. (Texas): This chain has offered a free menu item on Teacher Appreciation Day.
- Huddle House: Free meals for teachers were offered in 2024; confirm 2025 deals with local restaurants.
- Insomnia Cookies: Teachers with a valid ID could receive a free classic cookie during the appreciation week in 2024.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: A free small Ice or Gelati is typically offered on Teacher Appreciation Day.
- McAlister’s Deli: This chain provides a free beverage (iced tea or lemonade) and runs a catered lunch giveaway for teachers.
- McDonald’s: At many locations, teachers presenting an ID can receive free coffee or breakfast items.
- Peter Piper Pizza: Teachers can get a free personal pizza in-store from 3-7 p.m. during the appreciation week.
- Potbelly: A free cookie or fountain drink with an entrée purchase was offered last year; a 2025 repeat is likely.
- RaceTrac: Educators could receive a free medium coffee in 2024. Watch for 2025 announcements.
- Shake Shack: Teachers get a free milkshake with a valid school ID.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: Last year’s offer was a half-dozen glazed donuts free with any purchase for loyalty members.
- Sonic: Teachers in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle may access app-exclusive freebies.
- Starbucks: Educators could receive a tall brewed coffee at many locations in 2024.
- TGI Fridays: Free entrées for teachers were offered on Teacher Appreciation Day in the past.
- Whataburger: Free breakfast items are available for teachers before 9 a.m. with a valid school ID.
- Zaxby’s: In 2024, they offered a BOGO Boneless Wings Meal for rewards members.
Restaurant Discounts for Educators
In addition to free items, many restaurants provide percentage-based discounts on meals for teachers.
- Abuelo’s: Teachers receive free queso throughout the school year until May 31. On Teacher Appreciation Day, a 20% discount on the entire check is available.
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: A 20% discount with teacher ID was offered in 2024. Confirm 2025 deals locally.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers get 20% off all week with ID.
- BurgerFi: A 20% discount on orders with teacher ID was offered last year and is likely to return.
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Large drinks were $5 for teachers last year. Check for this year's deal.
- Golden Corral: Teachers received a 20% discount on their meal, Monday to Friday last year, with a school ID.
- Happy Joe’s: A 10% discount is available at participating stores.
- HTeaO: In 2024, teachers received 50% off drinks.
- Mountain Mike’s: A $15 discount on any pizza is available with code APPRECIATE25 from May 6 to 9.
- Noodles & Company: In 2024, they offered $15 off catering with a promo code.
- Salata: A 20% discount on meals and catering is available for teachers on select days.
- Tijuana Flats: Educators received 20% off last year.
Retail and Supply Discounts
Staples has historically provided free classroom supply kits to teachers with ID, though supplies are limited and run out quickly. Teachers can also receive a 20% discount on in-store purchases.
Digital Freebies and Subscriptions
Several companies offer free digital tools and subscriptions to educators, typically requiring registration with a school email address.
- Canva for Education: Always free for teachers, providing access to classroom-ready design tools.
- Headspace: Offers a free annual subscription for educators.
- Loom for Education: Provides a free video recording platform for teachers.
- Microsoft Office 365 Education: Free access is available with a school email, including Word, Excel, Teams, and more.
- WeAreTeachers: Offers free printable posters each year, with 2025 designs available on their site.
Regional Retailer Programs
Some regional grocery and retail chains offer specific teacher appreciation events or discount programs. These are typically seasonal and require verification.
- Southeast (Publix): Offers a teacher discount card.
- Texas (H-E-B): Hosts educator appreciation days.
- Midwest (Meijer): Holds 15% teacher discount days.
- Northeast (Wegmans): Provides educator specials.
- West Coast (Ralphs): Features a teacher rewards program.
- Southwest (Fry's): Holds educator discount days.
World Teachers' Day Offers
World Teachers' Day occurs on October 5. While not as widely celebrated in the U.S. as Teacher Appreciation Week, some businesses offer deals. Specific offers for this day require checking with individual retailers and restaurants, as they are not as consistently advertised as the May events.
Important Considerations for Teachers
When seeking teacher appreciation offers, keep the following in mind:
- Verification: Most deals require a valid school identification card or proof of employment.
- Location Variability: Offers often vary by franchise or store location. Always call ahead to confirm participation at your local establishment.
- Timing: Many deals are limited to specific dates within Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9, 2025) or on World Teachers' Day (October 5, 2025).
- Combining Offers: Some businesses may allow combining educator discounts with other coupon codes or promotions, but this is not universal. Ask at the point of sale.
- Proactive Inquiry: Many businesses offer teacher discounts but do not advertise them. It is appropriate to ask about available educator programs.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents numerous opportunities for educators to access free food, discounted retail purchases, and free digital resources. The offers listed are based on promotional information and past deal tracking. Due to the variability of participating locations and franchise policies, direct verification with each business is essential. Teachers are encouraged to plan ahead, carry proper identification, and check official brand channels for the most current information regarding their local availability.