Educator Freebies And Discounts Where Teachers Can Save During Teacher Appreciation Week And Year-Round

Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual event that recognizes educators' contributions to society. During this special week, numerous restaurants, retailers, and service providers offer exclusive discounts, free meals, and special deals as a token of appreciation. Additionally, many businesses provide year-round discounts for teachers that can be accessed any time. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and discounts available to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and throughout the year.

Understanding Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is a nationally recognized observance that occurs annually during the first full week of May. According to the source material, the week typically runs from Monday to Friday, with National Teacher Appreciation Day falling on the Tuesday of that week. In 2025, Teacher Appreciation Week will be held from May 5-9, while in 2026 it will take place from May 4-8. This week-long celebration began in 1984 and has since become an opportunity for businesses to show their gratitude to educators through special offers and discounts.

Restaurant Freebies and Deals During Teacher Appreciation Week

Restaurant Freebies and Deals for 2025

According to the source data, several restaurants are offering special deals during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025:

• Abuelo's: On Tuesday, May 6, educators can enjoy 20% off their entire check at every Abuelo's location. To receive the discount, educators must show a valid teaching or school staff ID. This offer is dine-in only.

• Applebee's: Free appetizer to all teachers and nurses at Applebee's from April 28th – May 10th. Valid with adult entrée purchase. Get a free appetizer up to $12 value. Simply mention this ad along with your school/work badge to your server. Available at all Flynn Applebee's locations. Dine-in orders only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per order, per visit. Offer expires 5/10/25.

• Burger King: FREE Whopper Jr. with a $1+ purchase

• Smoothie King: Starting on May 6 (Teachers' Appreciation Day and Nurses' Appreciation Week), teachers and nurses can enjoy 20% off their order when they show their valid working ID in-store.

• SONIC: SONIC Teachers' Circle is a free rewards program exclusively for educators and is available through the SONIC App. Any teacher, faculty or staff at a K-12 or degree-granting university can sign up to start receiving exclusive rewards. To take advantage of these Teacher Appreciation Week offers, educators must sign up before May 5, when rewards become available. From May 5 to May 9, Teachers' Circle members can redeem these exclusive deals on fan-favorite menu items:

  • Free SONIC Snack or Side with Purchase
  • Buy One SONIC Blast, Get One Free
  • $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger

• Tacodeli: On May 6, Tacodeli is showing some serious gratitude with a free taco for all educators who show a valid school ID or badge. Offer valid school ID or badge required. No purchase necessary. Limit one free taco per educator. Available in-restaurant only, while supplies last.

• THB Bagels: 10% off catering orders of $100 or more. You can request an exclusive code for the discount by emailing [email protected].

Predicted Restaurant Deals for 2026

The source data also includes predicted deals for Teacher Appreciation Week 2026:

• Beef 'O' Brady's: Teachers can look forward to an exclusive discount on Beef 'O' Brady's orders during Teacher Appreciation Week when they show a valid work ID.

• Bubbakoo's Burritos: Watch for a discount on your entire in-store purchase at Bubbakoo's Burritos next year.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers and school staff will likely get a discount on their dine-in, walk-in, and call-in orders at Buffalo Wild Wings. You'll have to show valid work ID.

• Burger King: Educators can look for a freebie, such as a FREE Whopper Jr. with any $1 online or in-app Burger King purchase on National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5, 2026).

• Chick-fil-A: Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants will likely offer teachers a freebie, like a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or 8-count nuggets. Note these deals may require you to order using a specific method: online, in-app, or in-store.

• Chicken Salad Chick: Watch for Chicken Salad Chick to offer a BOGO free deal on their large Quick Chick Salads during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• Chipotle: Next year, we anticipate Chipotle will celebrate educators by giving away 100,000 burritos in the form of Burrito E-Cards to teachers and other school staff. The giveaway will likely run during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Look for a discount on your in-store purchase at Dickey's Barbecue Pit when you show a valid work ID.

• Insomnia Cookies: Watch for a BOGO free Classic cookie at Insomnia Cookies during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

• La Madeleine: We predict a BOGO offer on bakery items when you order through the La Madeleine Bonjour Rewards app on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5.

• Logan's Roadhouse: In 2026, teachers can look for an exclusive discount on an entree at Logan's Roadhouse.

• McAlister's Deli: Next year, McAlister's Deli will likely celebrate teachers with a FREE Big tea with dine-in or takeout orders. Plus, we anticipate they'll hold a giveaway for a catered lunch (for one teacher and 30 of their coworkers or teammates).

• Mod Pizza: Teachers can watch for a BOGO free Mod-size pizza or salad at Mod Pizza during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• Mountain Mike's Pizza: Mountain Mike's Pizza will likely celebrate teachers with a discount on any pizza when they use a promo code at checkout online or in-app from May 4 - 8.

• Original ChopShop: We anticipate teachers will get a discount on online and in-store orders at Original ChopShop.

• Peter Piper Pizza: Next year, educators can look for a free 1-topping personal pan pizza at Peter Piper Pizza during Teacher Appreciation Week (it will likely only be available at Arizona and Albuquerque locations between 3 - 7 p.m.). You'll have to present a valid school ID.

Eligibility Requirements

For most restaurant offers during Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers and school staff must present a valid school or work ID to receive the discount or free item. Some offers may have additional requirements such as minimum purchase amounts, specific ordering methods (online, in-app, or in-person), or limited availability. Offers may also be restricted to certain locations or have specific timeframes.

Retail Discounts for Teachers During Appreciation Week

While the source data focuses primarily on restaurant offers, it does mention some retail discounts available during Teacher Appreciation Week:

• Target: Watch for the 10% Target teacher discount during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.
• Stitch Fix: Teachers can anticipate a discount on their first Fix at Stitch Fix when they verify eligibility through ID.me.

Year-Round Teacher Discounts

Beyond the special offers during Teacher Appreciation Week, many businesses provide discounts that teachers can access throughout the year:

Books and Educational Materials

• Books-A-Million: Enroll in the free educator's program and get 20% off all classroom purchases.
• Half Price Books: Teachers save 10% when they sign up for an Educator Discount Card.
• Blick Art Materials: Teachers who join the Blick Preferred program can save 10% every day at Blick.

Clothing and Accessories

• Hanes: All members of the education community, including retired teachers, get 10% off each purchase.
• Madewell: The brand is giving teachers 15% off clothing, footwear and accessories, both online and in stores.

Technology

• Lenovo: Educators can save 5% at Lenovo.com every day.
• Canva: Teachers at eligible schools can get Canva for Education free.

Food and Meal Delivery

• HomeChef: The meal-delivery service is offering teachers 50% off their first box and 10% off subsequent boxes.
• Costco: Sign up for a Costco membership and receive a Shop Card. New Executive members will receive a $40 Shop Card, while Gold Star members will get a $20 Shop Card.

Health and Wellness

• Headspace: The mindfulness app is giving free access to all K-12 teachers and support staff.
• Eyemart Express: Any school employee (including educators, nurses, custodial staff, food service, and even bus drivers) at an accredited public or private school, PK -12, college, or university can get a 20% discount (in-store only) at Eyemart Express with a proper school ID. Offer is valid year-round.

Travel and Entertainment

• Cheap Caribbean Vacations: The Beach4Teach Club offers exclusive deals, upgrades and vacation packages, including $150 off your next vacation.
• Great Wolf Lodge: Reservations booked by teachers are offered at up to 40% off thanks to the company's Howling Heroes program.
• The Parking Spot: Next year, we predict The Parking Spot (the near-airport parking company) will offer educators 25% off parking in May for travel anytime through the end of 2026. You'll have to sign up with an associated education email account.

Other Services

• DocFly: Sign up for DocFly as a teacher and receive 10 free document downloads per month.
• BJ's Wholesale Club: ID.me verified educators can get a $10 reward when they sign up for a BJ's Wholesale Club membership for $25 (regularly $60).

How to Access Teacher Discounts

Required Documentation

Most teacher discounts require educators to present a valid school or work ID. Some services may require verification through third-party platforms like ID.me, which can confirm employment at educational institutions. For online discounts, teachers may need to use an education email address (.edu) when signing up.

Sign-up Processes

For ongoing discounts, teachers typically need to register with the retailer or service provider, often through a specific educator verification program. Some programs require annual re-verification to maintain discount eligibility.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

1. Keep school ID easily accessible during Teacher Appreciation Week
2. Sign up for educator discount programs before special events
3. Check both in-store and online options for teacher discounts
4. Combine educator discounts with other promotions when possible
5. Bookmark deal-tracking websites for the latest teacher offers

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week and year-round discounts offer educators significant savings on dining, retail purchases, services, and travel. By taking advantage of these offers, teachers can receive well-deserved perks while stretching their budgets. As businesses continue to recognize the value of educators, the variety and availability of teacher discounts continue to grow. Educators are encouraged to check with their favorite retailers and restaurants about specific offers and to take advantage of both week-long specials and ongoing discount programs.

Sources

1. SwagGrabber Teacher Appreciation Day Freebies
2. The Krazy Coupon Lady Teacher Appreciation Week Deals
3. Best Reviews Teacher Appreciation Week Deals