2017 Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Discounts: A Comprehensive Guide to Offers for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week in 2017, officially observed from May 8 to May 12, provided a wide array of freebies, discounts, and special promotions for educators across the United States. Many businesses extended these offers beyond the official week, with some deals starting as early as May 1 and continuing through the end of the month or even the year. The available promotions covered categories such as food and beverage, retail, beauty, entertainment, and educational resources. Eligibility typically required a valid teacher ID, school identification, or enrollment in specific educator programs. Offers varied by location, with many requiring in-store verification or advance sign-up.

The following guide details the verified offers available during this period, organized by category for clarity. All information is derived from reports published in 2017 and reflects the terms and conditions as they were announced at that time.

Food and Beverage Freebies

Several restaurant chains offered teachers complimentary meals or significant savings during May 2017. These deals often required proof of employment as an educator and were valid for a limited time.

Chipotle
On May 2, teachers, faculty, and staff—including homeschool educators—could participate in a buy-one-get-one-free promotion for burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos. This offer was valid from 3:00 p.m. until closing at participating locations. A valid teacher ID or school identification was required. The promotion was limited to one per educator and applied only to in-restaurant orders, excluding online transactions. Some reports noted that the deal extended to May 8 in certain areas.

Chick-fil-A
Multiple locations offered a free chicken sandwich to teachers on May 2, 2017. Availability varied by store, and educators were advised to contact their local Chick-fil-A to confirm participation. In some regions, deals were also available on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 9.

Organ Stop Pizza
From May 1 through May 5, Organ Stop Pizza provided free pizza to teachers. This promotion allowed educators to enjoy a meal along with the venue's musical show.

World of Beer
On May 9, teachers could receive a free Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider or Samuel Adams beer with valid identification. Alternatively, a $5 discount was applied to the total check.

Jimmy John's
While not exclusive to teachers, Jimmy John's offered $1 subs on a Tuesday in May between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This deal did not apply to delivery orders.

Food Lion
On May 2, teachers, faculty, and staff received a 5% discount on their total purchase at all Food Lion stores.

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Educators could access buy-one-get-one-free egg sandwiches or a 20% discount on their order using available coupons.

Sonic
After 8:00 p.m., teachers could purchase shakes or ice cream slushes at 50% off.

Retail and Apparel Discounts

Retailers across various sectors offered percentage-based discounts to teachers, often requiring in-store verification of educator status.

Ann Taylor LOFT
Teachers who signed up for the LOFT Loves Teacher rewards card received 15% off full-price purchases, seasonal style guides, and invitations to teacher appreciation nights. The program provided ongoing perks throughout the year.

Banana Republic
Educators and students could save 15% on full-price in-store purchases by presenting a valid school or teacher ID. This offer was valid at Banana Republic, J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and J.Crew Mercantile locations, but not for online orders.

J.Crew
Similar to Banana Republic, J.Crew offered a 15% discount to teachers and college students with a valid school ID at checkout. The promotion was restricted to in-store purchases.

Old Navy
During Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers could take 20% off their total purchase at participating Old Navy stores.

Talbots
Teachers received a daily 15% discount on regular-priced items without needing a coupon code. A valid teacher ID was required.

The Container Store
Educators could sign up for the free Organized Teacher program to receive special discounts via email year-round.

Aerosoles
Teachers could save 15% on any footwear item priced at $39.99 or higher. This offer required a teacher ID or pay stub for in-store purchases or could be redeemed by phone at 1-800-798-9478.

Roxy
Teachers were eligible for a 15% discount on all Roxy orders.

The Mine
Educators saved 10% site-wide on furniture and accessories with a valid teacher ID.

West Elm
Teachers who signed up for the West Elm Teacher Discount program received 15% off with a valid school ID.

Bed, Bath and Beyond
Teachers could take 20% off any one purchase online or in-store by signing up for mobile alerts.

Gel Pro
A 25% discount on gel mat purchases was available through the end of 2017 using the promo code MOM2017.

Beauty and Cosmetic Offers

Beauty retailers provided exclusive deals for teachers, including significant discounts on professional and personal care products.

Sephora
Teachers could take 50% off during Sephora’s Big Beauty Sale in stores and online through the end of May 2017.

Clinique
The Beauty Closet event offered 50% off an exclusive Clinique collection through May 14.

Bath and Body Works
Educators could use the coupon code S175709 to receive $10 off purchases of $30 or more through May 14.

Mane Attraction Salon
On May 9 (Teacher Appreciation Day), the salon offered 50% off haircuts. The location was near 32nd Street and Camelback.

Entertainment and Educational Resources

Several businesses focused on enriching classroom experiences or providing leisure opportunities at reduced costs.

Harkins Theaters
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Harkins provided a free medium popcorn with every $25 purchase.

Sea World
Active K-12 teachers in California and Arizona were eligible for a 2017 Teacher Fun Card, which included two free single-day tickets valid through December 30.

Barnes & Noble
Teachers who joined the Barnes & Noble Educator Program received 20% off items for their classroom. On certain "Educator Appreciation" days, the discount increased to 25% off the publisher’s price for specific books.

Adobe
Teachers and students could save 60% on a Creative Cloud purchase.

Summitsoft
Educators saved 50% on all software products year-round.

Apple Store for Education
Faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels received discounted rates on Macs, iPads, and other Apple accessories.

General Eligibility and Redemption Guidelines

Most offers required verification of educator status. Valid teacher IDs, school identification cards, or pay stubs were commonly accepted. Some promotions necessitated advance enrollment in loyalty programs or educator-specific mailing lists. Availability was often limited to in-store purchases, with online orders excluded in many cases. Teachers were advised to confirm participation with local stores, as regional variations were frequent.

Conclusion

The 2017 Teacher Appreciation Week offered educators a diverse selection of freebies and discounts, ranging from complimentary meals to substantial savings on retail, beauty, and educational products. While many deals were concentrated around May 2 and May 9, several promotions extended throughout the month or year. Participation generally required valid educator identification and varied by location. Teachers seeking similar future offers should monitor brand websites and educator programs for updated promotions.