Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Complete Guide To Free Food Discounts And Deals For Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week, an annual celebration recognizing the vital contributions of educators in the United States, brings with it numerous freebies, discounts, and special offers from restaurants, retailers, and service providers. In 2025, this special recognition period runs from May 5th to May 9th, with National Teacher Appreciation Day falling on Tuesday, May 6th. The tradition, which began in 1984, consistently offers educators opportunities to enjoy complimentary items and savings as a token of appreciation for their challenging yet rewarding profession.

Understanding Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week in the US always occurs during the first full week of May, with National Teacher Appreciation Day specifically designated as the Tuesday of that week. The 2025 celebration follows this established pattern, running from Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 9th. Many businesses extend their appreciation beyond the single day, offering deals throughout the entire week.

According to recent surveys, while 73% of parents rate their children's teachers as excellent or good (based on 2023 Gallup polling), educators themselves report significant challenges. A 2024 Pew Survey found that 77% of teachers consider their job "frequently stressful" or "overwhelming," and a March-April 2024 Horace Mann Educators Corporation survey revealed that over 30% of teachers don't feel appreciated despite their commitment to students and their calling. These statistics highlight the importance of community recognition through events like Teacher Appreciation Week and the special offers that accompany it.

Confirmed Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Food Freebies

Restaurants across the country participate in Teacher Appreciation Week by offering complimentary items and special discounts. For 2025, numerous establishments have confirmed deals that educators can enjoy by presenting valid school identification.

Restaurant Food Offers

• Abuelo's: Educators can enjoy 20% off their entire check on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025. This offer is valid at every Abuelo's location but requires dine-in service and presentation of a valid teaching or school staff ID.

• Applebee's: From April 28th through May 10th, 2025, teachers and nurses can receive a free appetizer (up to $12 value) with the purchase of an adult entrée. To redeem, educators must mention the promotion along with their school or work badge to their server. This offer is available at all Flynn Applebee's locations for dine-in orders only, cannot be combined with other offers, and is limited to one coupon per order per visit.

• Burger King: Educators can receive a FREE Whopper Jr. with any $1+ purchase. Specific details about identification requirements or the exact duration of this offer were not fully specified in the available information.

• McAlister's Deli: Teachers can get a FREE Big tea with dine-in or takeout orders from May 5th through May 12th, 2025. This offer is valid in-store only at participating locations and requires presentation of a badge or ID. Additionally, McAlister's is offering a giveaway for a catered lunch for one teacher and up to 30 coworkers or teammates, with entry available through an online form.

• Eddie Merlot's: Throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers can receive a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée. A valid teacher's ID is required to receive this deal, which cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts and does not include items from the Dessert for Two menu.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Educators can receive 20% off all gift card purchases made online, with this deal extending through June 24, 2025.

• The Greene Turtle: On May 6th specifically, teachers can enjoy a free dine-in meal valued up to $15 by showing a valid teacher ID.

• Grimaldi's: From May 5th through May 9th, 2025, teachers can receive 15% off orders at all participating locations by showing their valid school ID.

• Happy Joe's: During Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers can receive 20% off their orders at participating locations by presenting a valid school ID.

• Hat Creek Burger Company: All school staff can receive a free Little Hat Burger on May 6th, 2025. This offer requires no purchase and is valid for both dine-in and takeout.

• la Madeleine: On May 6th, teachers can get a buy-one-get-one-free offer on bakery items when ordering through the La Madeleine Bonjour Rewards app. Notably, this offer does not require ID verification.

• Logan's Roadhouse: Teachers can receive 20% off when ordering an entrée from May 5th through May 12, 2025, by showing a valid ID.

• Doodleface: For Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9), educators can get 20% off sustainable, smudge-free crayon boards online and on Amazon by using the code 20LOVETEACH.

Predicted Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 Offers

While the 2025 offers are confirmed, many businesses have begun announcing their anticipated promotions for Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, which will run from Monday, May 4th through Friday, May 8th. These predictions, based on historical patterns and early announcements, give educators an opportunity to plan ahead.

Predicted 2026 Restaurant Food Offers

• Peter Piper Pizza: Educators can anticipate receiving a free 1-topping personal pan pizza during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026. This offer is likely only available at Peter Piper Pizza locations in Arizona and Albuquerque between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM and will require presentation of a valid school ID.

• Potbelly: The chain is expected to offer teachers a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of an in-store entree during National Teacher Appreciation Week in 2026.

• Ruby Tuesday: Educators can likely look forward to receiving a free add-on Garden Bar when using a promo code in-store during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• Salata: In 2026, teachers can anticipate receiving a discount on a dine-in meal at Salata when showing a valid ID.

• Shake Shack: Select Shake Shack locations are expected to offer a free shake (Classic or Limited Time Only) with a purchase during National Teacher Week in 2026.

• Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers who are loyalty members can anticipate receiving a free half-dozen glazed donuts at Shipley Do-Nuts, with no purchase necessary.

• Smoothie King: Educators with a valid ID can likely expect a discount on their Smoothie King order during next year's National Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Sonic: Teachers can join the Sonic Teachers' Circle Rewards (free to join) in the Sonic app to likely receive exclusive deals from May 4th through 8th, 2026. Each deal is expected to require an online or in-app purchase, with potential offers including a free snack or side with purchase or buy-one-get-one-free Sonic Blasts.

• Insomnia Cookies: The chain is predicted to offer a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Classic cookies during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• La Madeleine: A buy-one-get-one offer on bakery items is anticipated when ordering through the La Madeleine Bonjour Rewards app on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5th, 2026.

• Logan's Roadhouse: Teachers can look forward to an exclusive discount on an entree at Logan's Roadhouse during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• McAlister's Deli: Next year, McAlister's Deli is expected to celebrate teachers with a FREE Big tea with dine-in or takeout orders. Additionally, the chain may hold a giveaway for a catered lunch for one teacher and 30 coworkers or teammates.

• Mod Pizza: Teachers can anticipate a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Mod-size pizzas or salads at Mod Pizza during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

• Mountain Mike's Pizza: The chain is expected to celebrate teachers with a discount on any pizza when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app from May 4th through 8th, 2026.

• Original ChopShop: Teachers can likely expect a discount on online and in-store orders at Original ChopShop during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.

Everyday Teacher Discounts

Beyond the special promotions during Teacher Appreciation Week, many businesses offer ongoing discounts for educators year-round. These everyday benefits provide continuous value to teachers and school staff.

Retail and Service Discounts

• BJ's Wholesale Club: ID.me verified educators can receive a $10 reward when they sign up for a BJ's Wholesale Club membership for $25 (regularly $60).

• Canva: Teachers at eligible schools can access Canva for Education free of charge.

• Costco: New Costco members receive a Shop Card with their membership. New Executive members will receive a $40 Shop Card, while Gold Star members will get a $20 Shop Card.

• Blick Art Materials: Teachers who join the Blick Preferred program can save 10% every day at Blick.

• Eyemart Express: Any school employee (including educators, nurses, custodial staff, food service workers, and bus drivers) at an accredited public or private school, PK-12, college, or university can receive a 20% discount in-store only at Eyemart Express with a proper school ID. This offer is valid year-round.

• Lenovo: Educators can save 5% at Lenovo.com every day.

• Target: A 10% Target teacher discount is available during Teacher Appreciation Week and potentially throughout the year.

• The Parking Spot: Educators can anticipate receiving 25% off parking in May for travel anytime through the end of 2026 by signing up with an associated education email account.

Planning for Teacher Appreciation Week

To maximize the benefits of Teacher Appreciation Week, educators should consider the following strategies:

1. Prepare Proper Identification: Most offers require presentation of a valid school ID. Educators should ensure they have their identification readily available when visiting participating businesses.

2. Check Participation Details: Some offers are location-specific or have limited availability. Calling ahead or checking business websites can confirm participation details.

3. Take Advantage of Multiple Offers: Since many promotions run throughout the week, educators can visit different establishments to maximize their benefits.

4. Digital Offers: Some promotions require app downloads or online registrations. Setting up these accounts in advance can streamline the redemption process.

5. Combine with Other Discounts: Where permitted, combining Teacher Appreciation Week offers with other discounts can provide additional savings.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week provides educators with numerous opportunities to enjoy complimentary items and special discounts as tokens of appreciation for their dedication to students. The 2025 celebration offers a wide range of food freebies and retail deals, from free appetizers and beverages to discounts on classroom supplies and personal items. As businesses continue to recognize the importance of educators, the number and variety of these offers typically grow each year.

For teachers looking to maximize these benefits, proper preparation—including carrying valid identification, checking participation details, and planning visits strategically—can ensure they take full advantage of the appreciation extended by participating businesses. Beyond the special week itself, many establishments provide year-round discounts, offering continuous value to educators throughout the school year.

As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, both confirmed 2025 offers and predicted 2026 promotions highlight the increasing recognition of educators' contributions and the important role these appreciation events play in supporting teachers personally and professionally.

Sources

1. Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Deals

2. National Teacher Appreciation Day Deals

3. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Deals & Free Food