Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, with Teacher Appreciation Day observed on Tuesday, May 6. During this period, various national and local businesses offer special discounts, free items, and promotional deals to educators. These offers typically require verification of educator status, often through a valid school ID or participation in digital verification programs such as ID.me. The availability of specific deals can vary by location, particularly for franchises, so checking with local establishments is recommended.
Dates and Verification Requirements
The annual celebration is scheduled for the first full week of May. In 2025, this falls between May 5 and May 9. Most participating businesses require proof of employment as an educator to redeem offers. Acceptable verification generally includes a valid school identification card or digital verification through third-party services. For national chains, it is important to note that not all franchise locations participate in national promotional programs; therefore, consumers should confirm participation with their local store before visiting.
Food and Restaurant Deals
Several restaurant chains offer free food and buy-one-get-one deals during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Breakfast Options Whataburger offers a free breakfast menu item for teachers who present their school ID. Eligible items include a taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or a honey butter chicken biscuit. This promotion is valid between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. from May 6 through May 10. Additionally, Whataburger is granting $1,000 to 75 lucky teachers for their schools.
Lunch and Dinner Options Chipotle offers a buy-one-get-one free deal for teachers. This offer is valid on entree orders placed after 3:00 p.m. on May 7. The deal includes burritos, bowls, salads, and orders of tacos. It is valid for dine-in only and requires education staff members to present valid identification. Chipotle is also running a sweepstakes where 100,000 teachers can win a free burrito.
Chick-fil-A offers various promotions depending on the location. Participating franchises may offer a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7. Other locations may offer a free Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Mini's (3-count) or a free Chicken Sandwich on May 2 between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Some locations also offer breakfast-specific promotions or free items on May 7 and through May 10.
Other participating restaurants include: * Arby’s: Some locations offer educators a free sandwich on May 7. * Bruegger’s Bagels: Offers a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase through May 10. * Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Teachers dining in can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an adult entree through May 10. * Cicis: Offers a free adult buffet meal on May 7 with a coupon. * DiBella’s Subs: Teachers receive a free side and a 20-ounce fountain drink with the purchase of any sub or salad. * Burger King: Offers free fries with any purchase during Teacher Appreciation Week. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers six boneless wings for $1 with the purchase of any Buffalo Wild Wings burger.
Retail and Classroom Supply Discounts
Discounts for educators extend to classroom supplies, books, and apparel.
Office Supplies Office Depot and OfficeMax offer bonus rewards on qualifying in-store purchases. One source indicates a 25% back in bonus rewards on qualifying purchases through June 29, while another indicates a 30% back in bonus rewards. Both require a valid teacher ID.
Crafts and Art Supplies Michaels offers a 15% discount on both in-store and online purchases year-round. To receive this discount, educators must verify their educator ID online through the Michaels Rewards program. JOANN offers a 15% savings every day with JOANN Teacher Rewards. DoodleFace Crayon Boards are offered at a 20% discount on Amazon from May 5 through May 9 using the code 20LOVETEACH.
Books and Reading Barnes & Noble offers educators 25% off during Educator Appreciation Days and 20% off year-round. Half Price Books offers a 10% discount on purchases year-round with the Educator Discount Card. Einstein Bros. Bagels offers 20% off all gift card purchases through June 24.
Apparel Target offers savings on classroom essentials through Target Circle. Dockers offers a 25% discount on Dockers apparel. The Scholastic Store allows educators to download 100 free printable items and five free posters for their classrooms during Teacher Appreciation Week.
ID.me Limited Time Deals
Teachers who verify their status through ID.me have access to additional limited-time discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. These include: * Adidas: 25% off full-price items and sales items. * ContactsDirect: 20% off plus free shipping. * Crocs: 15% off. * GE Appliances Store: Up to 43% off MSRP and free delivery on orders over $399. * Glasses.com: 50% off lenses plus free shipping. * Kendra Scott: 15% off. * Stanley: 30% off. * TaylorMade: 15% off.
Other Promotions and Year-Round Offers
Some businesses offer deals that are not limited to the specific week or require different types of participation.
Travel Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and members of the military. This program allows eligible individuals to save $150 on all-inclusive getaways of five nights or more.
Automotive and Community Support Ford offers a promotion where teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 receive a $50 e-gift card. This e-gift card can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose.
Sonic Sonic offers a year-round rewards program for educators called Teachers Circle. Teachers can sign up for this program through the Sonic app to receive rewards throughout the year.
Sweepstakes Chipotle is running a sweepstakes for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, offering 100,000 teachers the chance to win a free burrito.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide range of freebies and discounts for educators, primarily concentrated between May 5 and May 9. The offers span food, classroom supplies, apparel, and services. Most deals require valid educator identification, and availability may vary by location, particularly for franchise restaurants. Educators are advised to verify participation with local businesses and prepare necessary identification to redeem these offers.