Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, observed from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, provides a nationwide opportunity for educators to access a variety of freebies, discounts, and special offers. National Teacher Day, also known as National Teacher Appreciation Day, falls on Tuesday, May 6. This period is marked by numerous businesses, including restaurants, retailers, and service providers, expressing gratitude for educators' contributions. Offers vary significantly by location, date, and eligibility requirements, often requiring a valid school or teacher ID for verification. The following guide details the verified promotions available during this week, drawing from a range of sources to provide a clear overview for U.S. teachers.
Food and Beverage Offers
A significant portion of Teacher Appreciation Week deals centers on restaurants and food chains, offering educators complimentary items or percentage-based discounts on meals. Many of these promotions are available nationwide, though some may be location-specific, necessitating advance verification with individual establishments.
National Restaurant Chains
Several well-known food chains have confirmed participation with specific offers valid for teachers presenting a valid school ID. These deals often span the entire week or are concentrated on National Teacher Day.
- Applebee’s: Teachers can receive a free appetizer with any entrée purchase. The appetizer can be any selection up to a $12 value.
- BurgerFi: While not explicitly confirmed for 2025, BurgerFi is noted to have offered a 20% discount on meals for teachers with a school ID in the previous year. A return of this offer is considered likely, but confirmation from local locations is recommended.
- Burger King: Teachers can enjoy free fries with any purchase by presenting their badge.
- Firehouse Subs: During the appreciation week, teachers can purchase two medium subs for $14 or two large subs for $20. Eligible subs include Turkey & Provolone, Hook & Ladder, Italian, and Meatball Subs.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Educators with a valid school ID can receive a free mini sundae.
- Insomnia Cookies: In past years, teachers with a valid ID could obtain one free classic cookie in stores throughout the week. This offer has not been confirmed for 2025, so checking the company’s social media or calling ahead is advised.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Last year, the chain offered a free small ice or "jelati" to educators. Confirmation for 2025 is pending, and patrons should monitor social media or call ahead.
- McAlister’s Deli: Teachers and nurses can receive a free tea (sweet, unsweet, half & half, or lemonade) by showing a valid employee ID during checkout.
- Potbelly: From May 5 through May 11, teachers and nurses can get a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée.
- Sonic: By joining the Sonic Teachers’ Circle via their app before May 5, educators can unlock rewards for use between May 5 and May 9. Rewards include buy-one-get-one Sonic Blasts, entrees, or cheeseburgers; free large drinks or slushies; and a free small side with an entrée purchase.
- Starbucks: Typically, Starbucks offers teachers a 10% discount on drinks or a free tall brewed coffee by showing a school ID. This offer’s return for 2025 should be confirmed via social media or by calling local stores.
- Texas Roadhouse: Teachers with a valid school ID receive a 10% discount on the total bill.
- Tijuana Flats: On Wednesday, May 7, teachers and nurses can enjoy a 20% discount on dine-in or carryout purchases. A valid employee ID and the promo code NURTEA25 are required at checkout.
- Whataburger: From May 6 to 10, teachers showing their school ID badge can receive a complimentary breakfast entrée.
Other Food and Beverage Discounts
Beyond immediate meal deals, other food-related promotions are available through gift cards and specific dining establishments.
- Eddie Merlot’s: From May 5 to 9, teachers can enjoy a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée by presenting a valid teacher ID. Dessert options include items like Turtle Cheesecake.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: From now through June 24, the chain offers 20% off all gift card purchases made exclusively online, providing a way to show appreciation.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: From May 5 to 12, teachers can receive 20% off an entrée with a valid ID.
Retail and Office Supply Discounts
Educators often spend significant personal funds on classroom supplies. Several retailers offer targeted discounts to help offset these costs, with some providing bonus rewards on purchases.
- Office Depot/Office Max: Both stores offer teachers 25% back in bonus rewards on qualifying purchases. This promotion is valid in-store only and requires a valid teacher ID. It is available from the present time until June 29.
- Adobe: Teachers and students can verify their eligibility on the Adobe website to save 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
Travel and Entertainment Offers
Teacher Appreciation Week extends beyond meals and supplies to include opportunities for leisure and travel, offering discounts on stays and free admissions.
- Hilton Properties in Tampa, Florida: Specific deals are available for teachers at Hilton Tampa Downtown and Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center.
- Hilton Tampa Downtown: Offers include 20% off the stay, 50% off valet parking, and a $15 daily food & beverage credit. The booking code is TEAP. This offer is valid for travel from June 1 to September 1, 2025, with a minimum one-night stay.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center: Offers include 20% off the stay, 50% off valet parking, and a $15 daily food & beverage credit. The booking code is TEP. This offer is valid for travel from June 1 to September 1, 2025, with a minimum one-night stay.
- Museum of Illusions: All U.S. locations are offering free admission to teachers and educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. A valid school ID is required for a complimentary day of admission. Educators who register with their work email during their visit are entered into a raffle to win a goodie bag.
Health, Beauty, and Lifestyle Discounts
Several brands in the beauty and lifestyle sectors offer discounts to teachers, often requiring online verification through services like ID.me.
- Bose: By visiting the Bose Education Discount page and verifying an ID, teachers can receive $30 off any purchase of $199 or more.
- FlutterHabit: From May 5 through May 12, teachers can earn 30% off FlutterHabit’s lashes and other products by verifying their ID through ID.me.
- Lucky Strike: While not a traditional teacher discount, Lucky Strike has launched a 2025 Summer Season Pass, offering daily bowling, free shoe rentals, and exclusive perks from May 13 through September 1. This may be of interest to educators looking for entertainment options.
Important Considerations for Teachers
While the deals listed are verified, several factors require attention when seeking to use these promotions.
Verification and Eligibility
Most offers require a valid school or teacher ID for in-person verification. Some brands, like Adobe, Bose, and FlutterHabit, use online verification systems such as ID.me or their own educational discount portals. It is crucial to ensure that the identification presented matches the requirements specified by the business.
Location and Date Specificity
Not all deals are available at every location nationwide. Many restaurants are franchised, and individual owners may choose whether to participate. Offers like those at Tijuana Flats are only valid on a specific day (May 7), while others span the entire week. The Hilton deals are specific to Tampa, Florida, properties. Therefore, calling a local establishment or checking its website before visiting is highly recommended to confirm participation and avoid disappointment.
Reliability of Information
This guide is based on information from multiple news and lifestyle sources that aggregate deals. While efforts are made to verify offers, some promotions are based on past years' activities (e.g., Insomnia Cookies, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice) and are not explicitly confirmed for 2025. The most reliable information typically comes directly from a brand’s official website or social media channels. For example, the Sonic Teachers’ Circle requires app sign-up, and the Museum of Illusions free admission is a direct offer from the venue.
World Teachers' Day
For educators looking beyond May, World Teachers' Day is observed on October 5, 2025. Some businesses may extend special deals through the following Monday, October 6. While specific offers for this day are not detailed in the provided sources, it is another potential opportunity for discounts and freebies.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents a diverse array of opportunities for educators across the United States to save money and receive complimentary items. From free meals and desserts at national restaurant chains to significant discounts on travel, technology, and classroom supplies, the week is designed to acknowledge the hard work of teachers. Success in accessing these deals hinges on preparedness: having a valid teacher ID readily available, verifying offer details with local businesses in advance, and staying informed through official brand channels. By taking advantage of these verified promotions, teachers can enjoy well-deserved benefits during their dedicated appreciation week.