Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is a national celebration in the United States, running from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, with National Teacher Appreciation Day observed on Tuesday, May 6. This event, organized nationally by groups such as the National Education Association (NEA) and Teachers of Tomorrow, is dedicated to honoring the educators who shape young minds. During this week, businesses across the country offer a variety of exclusive deals, discounts, and freebies to show gratitude for teachers' hard work and dedication. These offers span multiple categories, including food and beverage, retail, and educational services, and are typically available to educators who present a valid school ID or verify their status through official programs.
The history of Teacher Appreciation Week traces back to the 1950s, when Arkansas educator Mattie Whyte Woodridge began advocating for a national day to honor teachers. In 1953, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt supported the idea and convinced Congress to establish a National Teacher Day. The celebration was later expanded to a full week in 1986 with backing from the NEA. Today, the week serves as an opportunity for students, parents, schools, and communities to express gratitude through handwritten letters, classroom decorations, personalized gifts, social media shoutouts using hashtags like #ThankATeacher, volunteering, or donating school supplies. Educators can also submit stories of extraordinary teachers to the NEA’s educator spotlight.
For teachers seeking to take advantage of the numerous offers available during this period, it is important to verify eligibility requirements, which often include presenting a valid school ID, verifying status through platforms like ID.me or Target Circle, or signing up for brand-specific loyalty programs. Offers may vary by location, and some deals are limited to specific dates or regions. The following sections detail the freebies and discounts available from various national and local businesses, with a focus on offers confirmed for 2025 where possible. Note that some deals from previous years have not been officially announced for 2025; in such cases, it is advisable to check with the specific location or brand directly before visiting.
National Food and Beverage Offers
Many restaurant chains and food service providers participate in Teacher Appreciation Week with special deals for educators. These offers often require showing a valid school ID or employee badge at the point of purchase. Some deals are available nationwide, while others may be limited to specific locations or timeframes.
- Applebee’s: Teachers can present a valid school ID during Teacher Appreciation Week to receive a free appetizer with any entrée purchase. The free appetizer is valued up to $12, and popular choices include mozzarella sticks.
- BurgerFi: While not officially announced for 2025, BurgerFi offered teachers with a school ID 20% off their meal in previous years. It is recommended to call the nearest location to confirm if this deal is returning for 2025.
- Burger King: Teachers can flash their school ID badge to enjoy free fries with any purchase.
- Firehouse Subs: During Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers can purchase two medium subs for $14 or two large subs for $20. This deal applies to specific subs, including Turkey & Provolone, Hook & Ladder, Italian, and Meatball Subs.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers with a valid school ID can receive a free mini sundae during the celebration.
- Insomnia Cookies: In past years, teachers with a valid ID could obtain one free classic cookie in stores all week long. However, Insomnia Cookies has not confirmed the deal for 2025. Educators should check the brand’s social media channels or call ahead to inquire.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Last year, Jeremiah’s gave away a free small ice or “jelati” to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. The offer for 2025 has not been confirmed, so checking social media or calling ahead is advised.
- McAlister’s Deli: During Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, McAlister’s is giving away a free tea (sweet, unsweet, half & half, or lemonade) to teachers and nurses. A valid employee ID must be shown at checkout.
- Potbelly: From May 5 through May 11, teachers and nurses can receive a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée.
- Sonic: Teachers can join Sonic’s Teachers’ Circle via the app before May 5 to unlock freebies between May 5 and May 9. Rewards include BOGO Sonic Blasts, entrees, or cheeseburgers; free large drinks or slushies; and a free small side with an entrée purchase.
- Starbucks: During Teacher Appreciation Week, Starbucks typically offers teachers a 10% discount on drinks or a free tall brewed coffee when they show their school ID. Educators should monitor Starbucks’ social media or call local stores to confirm if this deal is active in 2025.
- Texas Roadhouse: Teachers with a valid school ID receive a 10% discount off the total bill.
- Tijuana Flats: On Wednesday, May 7, teachers and nurses can enjoy 20% off their entire dine-in or carryout purchase by showing a valid employee ID and mentioning the promo code NURTEA25 at checkout.
- Whataburger: From May 6 to 10, teachers who show their school ID badge will receive a complimentary breakfast entrée, including their breakfast biscuits.
- Taco John’s (Minnesota): On Teacher Appreciation Day, teachers, faculty, and staff can eat for free by showing a school ID in-store to receive a small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo.
- Breadsmith (Minnesota): On May 8, teachers can visit a Breadsmith bakery in Edina, St. Paul, or Minnetonka to receive a complimentary Banana Bread or Honey Wheat Loaf (choice of one). The offer requires the teacher to be present.
- Chipotle (Minnesota): Chipotle is randomly selecting up to 100,000 healthcare workers and 100,000 teachers to receive a free entrée now through May 12. Educators can enter for a chance on the Chipotle website.
- Bloomington (Minnesota): From May 6 to 10, Bloomington offers buy one, get one free entrées to teachers and nurses. To redeem, show an ID badge or scrubs and mention the deal to the cashier at checkout. This offer is valid at Piada locations, not online or in-app.
- Chaska (Minnesota): Crooked Pint in Chaska offers deals for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Educators must show a school ID to redeem these dine-in-only offers.
Retail and Service Discounts
In addition to food and beverage deals, several retailers and service providers offer discounts to teachers during this period. These often require verification through official programs or presentation of a valid ID.
- Target: From May 4 to 10, Target offers an exclusive 10% off teacher discount across the entire store. Teachers must verify their status through Target Circle to claim this discount.
- Adobe: Teachers and students can visit the Adobe website and verify their eligibility to save 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
- Bose: By visiting the Bose Education Discount page and verifying their ID, teachers can receive $30 off any purchase of $199 or more from Bose.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers can present a valid school ID to receive 20% off their entire order.
- 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.
- Museum of Illusions at Mall of America (Minnesota): Teachers receive free admission during Teacher Appreciation Week and the remainder of the year with a valid school ID. Educators who visit during Teacher Appreciation Week are automatically entered into a raffle to win a free class field trip to the museum.
- Burn Boot Camp (Minnesota): Teachers can join free sessions every Tuesday in May at the Blaine, Eden Prairie, and Maple Grove locations. Educators must mention the offer upon arrival and arrive 10-15 minutes early if they have never been to the camp before.
- Blaine (Minnesota): From May 5 to 9, teachers can flash their school ID to receive a $5 food or drink voucher at participating locations.
Other Offers and Considerations
Some offers are not limited to a specific category but provide general benefits during the week. For example, Apple offers a 60% discount on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for verified teachers and students. Crocs offers deals on summer sandals and Croc charms for teachers, though specific details for 2025 were not fully outlined in the source material.
It is important to note that not all deals are confirmed for 2025. For instance, BurgerFi’s offer is based on previous years and requires confirmation by calling the nearest location. Similarly, Insomnia Cookies and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice have not officially announced their 2025 deals, so educators should verify directly with the brands. Some offers, like Chipotle’s free entrée, involve a random selection process, and entry does not guarantee a reward.
Geographic availability may vary. While many deals are national, some are specific to Minnesota, such as those from Taco John’s, Breadsmith, Bloomington, Chaska, and Burn Boot Camp. Teachers outside Minnesota should check for similar offers in their local areas.
To maximize benefits, educators should prepare a valid school ID or employee badge, sign up for relevant loyalty programs or verification platforms (e.g., Target Circle, ID.me), and monitor brand social media channels for last-minute announcements. Additionally, some deals may require a purchase, so reading the terms carefully is essential.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers a wide array of freebies and discounts for educators across the United States, from free appetizers and desserts at restaurants to retail discounts and educational software savings. While national chains like Applebee’s, Burger King, and Target provide consistent offers, local businesses in states like Minnesota also contribute with region-specific deals. Educators are encouraged to verify eligibility requirements, which typically involve presenting a valid school ID or verifying status through official programs. Due to potential changes or unconfirmed offers from previous years, it is advisable to contact businesses directly or check their official channels before visiting. This week serves as a meaningful opportunity for communities to show gratitude, and taking advantage of these offers can be a small but appreciated way for teachers to enjoy some well-deserved perks.