Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025 is scheduled for May 5 through May 9, offering a concentrated period for educators to access special deals and freebies from various businesses. While some offers are available exclusively during this window, others are extended to teachers year-round. Participation and availability may vary by location, particularly for chain establishments, necessitating verification with local branches. General considerations for these promotions often exclude tax and gratuity from complimentary items. Beyond restaurant and retail deals, the educational community frequently shares digital resources and classroom materials as a form of peer-to-peer support.
Retail and Service Discounts for Educators
Several national and local brands offer structured discount programs for verified educators. These programs typically require proof of teacher status, such as a valid school ID or verification through third-party services like ID.me.
Staples From May 4 to May 10, 2025, Staples offers an in-store promotion for teachers. Eligible participants can receive a 20% discount on their in-store purchase by presenting a valid teacher ID. Additionally, a free 12-pack of Tru Red™ Stick Pens is available. These offers are valid only in-store while supplies last, limited to one per customer, and require a valid teacher ID. Coupons for these deals are accessible via the Staples app, and standard exclusions apply.
Apple Apple provides education pricing on new Mac or iPad devices to college students, their parents, and faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. This discount is generally around 10% and is available year-round.
Verizon Verizon offers discounts on mobile or home internet plans to teachers. Eligibility for these discounts requires confirmation through the ID.me platform.
The Salty During the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week, specifically from May 5 to May 12, The Salty offers a 15% in-store discount to teachers who present proof of teacher status. This offer is also extended to nurses during Nurse Appreciation Week. The participating location noted is 1515 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.
Topper’s Pizza Located at 1225 Concord Parkway N, Concord, North Carolina, Topper’s Pizza is offering teachers a 50% discount on any regular-sized menu item from May 5 to 9, 2025. To redeem this offer, the code TEACHERSWEEK must be used, and the discount is available both in-store and online.
Charlotte Checkers Teachers can obtain free tickets to the Charlotte Checkers’ playoff game on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. These tickets are available while supplies last.
Classroom Resources and Digital Freebies
The educational community often utilizes blogs and platforms like TeachersPayTeachers to distribute free instructional materials. These resources range from math worksheets to literacy activities and are often shared during specific events like "Teacher Week."
Math Resources A 65-page Math Ring, Flashcards, and Mini Posters Packet is available for free download. This resource was originally sold for $5 but is offered at no cost to blog followers. It includes 120 charts and "Fill in the Missing Number" worksheets designed to meet Common Core Math Standards for first grade. Access typically requires following the creator's blog and TeachersPayTeacher store.
Literacy and Class Books Free resources are available to accompany specific children's books, such as I Like Me by Nancy Carlson and WOW! SCHOOL! by Robert Neubecker. These materials include templates for class books where students can write and illustrate responses. The I Like Me activity asks students to write something they like that they can do, while the WOW! SCHOOL! activity involves drawing a picture in the center and a border around the edge.
Grandparents Day Activities Educators preparing for Grandparents Day can access free printable coloring sheets, specifically a "Pete the Cat" coloring sheet. Additional freebies include craft templates and "roll a grandparent" activities. There are also illustrations available for hallway displays where students depict themselves as grandparents.
Employee Appreciation Strategies
For school administrators and organizers looking to celebrate teachers, several strategies have been suggested to demonstrate appreciation.
Catered Meals and Coffee Stations Organizing catered meals or creating rotating snack and coffee bars is a recommended way to keep teacher morale high.
Student-Led Appreciation Arranging for students to share thanks through morning announcements, gratitude walls, or notes allows teachers to receive appreciation directly from their students.
"Room Service" A "Room Service" menu allows teachers to request small treats or supplies that are then delivered to their rooms by staff or volunteers.
Wellness Breaks Partnerships with local spas or therapists to provide chair massages or to transform the faculty lounge into a peaceful recharge zone are effective wellness initiatives.
Themed Spirit Days Planning lighthearted dress-up days, such as "decades day" or "dress like your teacher," provides a fun, unifying activity for the school.