National Teacher Appreciation Week in 2018 provided a wide array of discounts, free food, and special offers for educators across the United States, including the Chicago area. Participating businesses ranged from national restaurant chains to retail stores, honoring teachers with various incentives that required specific verification methods such as valid faculty IDs or sign-ups for loyalty programs. The offers generally spanned the week of May 6 through May 10, 2018, coinciding with National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7.
While many of these deals were national in scope, specific participation and terms often varied by location. Chicago-area educators could access these benefits by presenting valid school identification or joining specific rewards programs. The following comprehensive overview details the freebies and discounts available during the 2018 Teacher Appreciation period, based on verified offers from that time.
Food and Beverage Offers
The majority of Teacher Appreciation Week deals in 2018 focused on food and beverage discounts. Participating establishments required teachers to present a valid school ID or faculty badge to redeem the offers. Some locations required specific sign-ups for loyalty programs or the use of promotional codes.
Casual Dining and Restaurants
Several casual dining chains offered complimentary appetizers or discounts on meals for teachers during the 2018 appreciation week.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Teachers dining in between May 6 and May 10, 2018, received a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entrée. No coupon was required for this offer, though a valid teacher ID was likely necessary.
- Duffy’s Sports Grill: This establishment offered a $10 MVP Bonus loaded directly onto the MVP accounts of teachers who showed their faculty ID badge during the week of May 6–10. Teachers needed to sign up for the MVP program at www.duffysmvp.com/mvp to participate.
- Giordano’s: From May 6 to May 9, 2018, Giordano’s offered 20% off any order using the code 656-263-214. This offer was valid for both dine-in and online orders and was extended to both nurses and teachers.
- The Greene Turtle: Teachers received a free $14 meal on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, with a valid school ID. This offer was dine-in only.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Educators received a 15% discount on dine-in and takeout orders from May 6 to May 10, 2018, with a valid ID. However, this offer was not valid in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, making it available to Chicago-area locations. Grimaldi’s also hosted a nomination contest for a teacher to win a pizza party.
- Old Chicago: Teachers could earn a free Starter when joining OC Rewards and completing their first visit through May 5, 2018. Additionally, the chain offered bonus cards on gift card purchases.
- Original ChopShop: From May 5 to May 9, 2018, teachers received 10% off dine-in and carryout orders by showing a valid badge or ID.
- Peter Piper Pizza: Educators were eligible for a free 7-inch, one-topping personal pizza from May 5 to May 9, 2018, available between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Teachers and school staff received a 20% discount off their entire check on May 6, 2018, at all locations.
- Taziki’s: This restaurant offered a $10 voucher for every $50 spent on gift cards (valid through June 15, 2018), which could be redeemed for dine-in meals through August 31, 2018.
- Bad Daddy’s: The chain offered Bad Ass Margaritas for $5 on May 5, 2018, and $8 for the rest of the month. They also provided half-price appetizers during the two hours before closing time.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers could sign up for the "Awesome Achievement Program" to receive up to 90 certificates per school year to honor "Awesome Achiever" students. Students could use these certificates to receive a free Snickers Pizookie.
- Tijuana Flats: On May 7, 2018, teachers received 20% off their entire dine-in or carryout purchase. The code NURTEA25 was required, and a valid ID had to be shown.
- Vitality Bowls: From May 5 to May 9, 2018, teachers received 20% off with a valid teacher ID.
Quick Service and Fast Food
Fast food and quick-service restaurants also participated, offering free meals, BOGO deals, and breakfast items.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10, 2018, Bruegger’s gave teachers a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase and valid ID at participating bakeries.
- Chipotle: On May 8, 2018 (National Teacher Appreciation Day), Chipotle offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on burritos, bowls, salads, or orders of tacos from 3 p.m. until close. Faculty ID was required.
- Cicis: Teachers received one free adult buffet meal (drink not included) on May 8, 2018.
- Sonic: Teachers could join the free rewards program by downloading the Sonic app and indicating they are a teacher. This allowed access to specific rewards.
- Tim Hortons: Members of the Tims Rewards loyalty program could buy one dozen donuts and get another dozen free, or buy a dozen and get a half dozen free throughout May 2018. The offer required activation in the app.
- Whataburger: From May 5 to May 9, 2018, teachers received a free breakfast menu item (Taquito with cheese or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit) between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. with a valid teacher ID. This was available for dine-in, drive-thru, and take-out.
- Atomic Wings: On May 6, 2018, teachers received a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries (dine-in only).
- Chick-fil-A: Participating locations offered teachers a free sandwich from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 8, 2018. Teacher ID was required.
- MOD Pizza: Teachers received half off a pizza or salad with a school ID.
Retail and Services Discounts
Beyond food, several retailers and service providers offered exclusive discounts to educators during the 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Apple Store for Education: Apple provided discounted rates on Macs, iPads, and accessories to faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers as part of their everyday deals for educators.
- Barnes & Noble: Educators received 20% to 25% off the publisher’s price on all purchases for classroom use.
- Ann Taylor LOFT: Through the "LOFT Loves Teachers" program, teachers received 15% off full-priced purchases every day. Sign-up was required via the provided link.
- Banana Republic: Teachers received 15% off full-priced, in-store purchases by flashing a specific flyer and showing a teacher ID.
- J. Crew: Teachers received 15% off online purchases.
- Staples: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–10, 2018), teachers received 20% off in-store purchases with a valid teacher ID. They also received a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies lasted) via coupons found in the Staples app.
- The Parking Spot: Teachers normally received a 10% discount, but in May 2018, this increased to 25% off any reservation made for travel through the end of 2025.
- Museum of Illusions: Teachers could register with their work email during Teacher Appreciation Week to enter a raffle for goodie bags.
Conclusion
The 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week offered a diverse selection of freebies and discounts for educators, ranging from complimentary meals and appetizers to significant savings on classroom supplies and technology. To redeem these offers, teachers generally needed to present valid school identification or sign up for specific loyalty programs. While many offers were concentrated on National Teacher Appreciation Day, several extended throughout the week. Educators were advised to verify participation with local establishments, as terms and availability could vary by location.