Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Free Food, Discounts, and Special Offers for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is underway, running from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9. This annual observance, which includes National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 6, is a time for restaurants, retailers, and businesses across the United States to recognize the dedication and hard work of educators. According to the provided source material, a variety of freebies, discounts, and special offers are available to K-12 and university teachers who present valid identification. The following article details the verified deals, eligibility requirements, and specific terms for educators seeking to take advantage of these promotions.

Overview of Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

Teacher Appreciation Week is held annually during the first full week of May. The 2025 schedule begins on May 5 and concludes on May 9, with National Teacher Day falling on May 6. The week is a national recognition of educators, with polling data indicating that 73% of parents rate their children's teachers as excellent or good. However, surveys also highlight that many teachers face significant stress and do not always feel appreciated. In response, numerous businesses have structured promotions to provide tangible appreciation in the form of free food, discounts on products and services, and other perks.

Free Food and Restaurant Deals

A significant portion of the available Teacher Appreciation Week offers come from restaurant chains, providing free meals, appetizers, and discounted items to teachers with valid identification.

Whataburger (Texas-Specific Offer)

For the fourth consecutive year, Whataburger is offering a freebie specifically for Texas teachers. From May 5 through May 9, teachers can visit participating Whataburger locations between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to receive a free breakfast item. The offer is valid during morning hours and requires teachers to present a valid school ID. This promotion is limited to teachers in Texas.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is offering teachers a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée during Teacher Appreciation Week. Educators can choose any appetizer up to a $12 value by showing a valid teacher ID at participating locations. The offer is valid from May 5 through May 9.

Burger King

Burger King is providing teachers with a free fries coupon with any purchase. To redeem, teachers must flash their school badge or ID. The offer is valid during the promotional period.

SONIC Drive-In

SONIC Drive-In is running a multi-faceted promotion for members of its Teachers’ Circle program. From May 5 to May 9, members can access the following offers: - A free SONIC Snack or Side with any purchase. - A Buy One SONIC Blast® Get One Free deal. - A $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger. The Teachers’ Circle is a free program available through the SONIC App for K-12 and university educators. Teachers must sign up by May 5 to access these offers.

Logan’s Roadhouse

From May 5 through May 12, Logan’s Roadhouse is offering teachers a 20% discount on an entrée. A valid teacher ID is required to claim the discount.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Mike’s Pizza is offering 15% off any pizza from May 6 to May 9. To redeem, teachers must use the promo code APPRECIATE25. This offer is valid for online orders.

Local Houston, Texas Deals

Several restaurants in the Houston, Texas area are offering specific discounts on Teacher Appreciation Day (May 6): - Kazzan Ramen & Bar: 20% discount for all teachers with a work ID. - Verde Garden: 10% off the entire tab with a work ID. - Wooster’s Garden: 10% discount on the entire tab with a work ID. - Original ChopShop: 10% off dine-in and to-go orders from May 5–9 with a valid badge or ID.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering 20% off all gift card purchases from now through June 24. This offer is available exclusively online and is positioned as a way to thank teachers. It is not a direct freebie for the teacher but a discount on gift cards intended for gifting.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond food, Teacher Appreciation Week deals extend to retail, technology, and entertainment services.

Office Supply and Technology Discounts

Adobe: Teachers can save 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan by visiting the Adobe website and verifying eligibility as a teacher or student.
Bose: Educators can receive $30 off any purchase of $199 or more by visiting the Bose Education Discount page and verifying their ID.
Applebee’s (mentioned above) also falls under the broader restaurant category.

Entertainment and Leisure

Lucky Strike: Lucky Strike has launched a 2025 Summer Season Pass, offering daily bowling, free shoe rentals, and other perks from May 13 through September 1. Passes start at $67.49. This deal is open to everyone, not just teachers.
Museum of Illusions: All U.S. Museum of Illusions locations are offering free admission to teachers and educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers need to present a valid school ID. Educators who register with their work email during their visit are entered into a raffle for a goodie bag.

Pet Products

Petlibro: In celebration of National Teacher Day (May 6), Petlibro is offering 20% off all devices with the promo code TEACHERSPET. This promotion is tied to a viral story about a teacher using a Petlibro camera feeder as a classroom reward.

Other Discounts

Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers can get 20% off their entire order by presenting a valid school ID.
BurgerFi: Last year, BurgerFi offered 20% off meals with a school ID. For 2025, the chain has not officially announced the deal, but it is considered likely to return. Teachers are advised to call their nearest location to confirm.
Costco: A list of year-round discounts for educators, including from Costco, is organized by Teach for America. The specific details of the Costco discount are not provided in the source material.

Eligibility and Redemption Requirements

The primary eligibility requirement across most offers is a valid teacher identification. This typically includes: - A school-issued ID badge. - A teacher ID card. - A work ID.

For program-based offers like the SONIC Teachers’ Circle, pre-registration is required. Teachers must sign up for the free program through the SONIC App by May 5 to access the May 5–9 offers.

Geographic restrictions apply to some promotions. The Whataburger offer is explicitly for Texas teachers. Local Houston deals are limited to specific restaurant locations. Most other chain restaurant and retail offers are available at participating locations nationwide, but it is always advisable to confirm with a local outlet.

Many offers are time-sensitive, valid only during the specific dates of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) or on National Teacher Day (May 6). The Logan’s Roadhouse deal extends through May 12, and the Einstein Bros. Bagels gift card discount runs through June 24.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents a variety of opportunities for educators to receive free food, discounts, and special perks. The most substantial freebies are concentrated in the restaurant sector, with national chains like Whataburger, Applebee’s, SONIC, and Logan’s Roadhouse offering complimentary or heavily discounted items. Retail and service providers, including Adobe, Bose, and the Museum of Illusions, also extend exclusive discounts to teachers. The key to accessing these offers is the possession of a valid teacher ID and awareness of specific promotional periods. Educators are encouraged to verify details with participating locations and sign up for any required programs in advance to ensure eligibility.