Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Freebies Discounts And Deals For Educators Focus Columbus Ohio

Introduction

Teacher Appreciation Week in 2025 is observed May 5–9, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on Tuesday, May 6. During this period, many businesses across the United States offer freebies, discounts, and special offers to honor educators. For consumers in Columbus, Ohio—and those willing to travel within the metropolitan area—these offers can range from free food and beverages to retail and education software discounts, often contingent on a valid teacher or school staff ID. This guide consolidates national offers with teacher-specific benefits and highlights local opportunities in the Triangle region (Raleigh, Morrisville, and Cary, North Carolina) to illustrate what consumers might find in their own communities. Because participation can vary by location, and some offers are available only through specific apps or verification portals, it is advisable to confirm details with your local branch or retailer before redeeming any offer.

What to Expect: Timing, Identity Verification, and Participation

Teacher Appreciation Week is always the first full week of May. In 2025, that means May 5–9, with May 6 as the focal day for many “Teacher Appreciation Day” events. Offers typically require a valid teacher, educator, or school staff ID; some may be limited to dine-in only or be single-use. Several deals are accessible only through apps (such as la Madeleine’s Bonjour Rewards) or verification services (such as ID.me). Consumers should plan to verify eligibility in advance—creating a free ID.me account can streamline access to a range of educator-only discounts during the week.

A critical note for Columbus consumers: many of the offers are national or regional chains; verifying participation at your specific location (within Columbus or the surrounding metropolitan area) is essential. This is particularly important for dine-in-only offers and for deals that are limited to certain regions or time windows. Always confirm availability, ask whether tax and tip are included, and note any expiration dates.

How Offers Are Structured: Categories and Redemption Rules

Teacher Appreciation offers are typically clustered in three broad categories:

1. Restaurant and food service: Free or discounted menu items, appetizers, and beverages, usually for dine-in only, with a teacher or school staff ID.
2. Retail and education software: Year-round educator discounts and week-only promotions for classroom supplies, crafts, and technology.
3. Verification and app-based offers: Special week-long deals accessible via ID.me verification or mobile apps (e.g., la Madeleine’s BOGO through Bonjour Rewards).

Common redemption patterns include:

• In-store only, dine-in only, or app-only restrictions.
• A minimum purchase requirement.
• One offer per order, per visit, or per guest.
• Employee/ID verification at the point of sale.
• A limited window within the week or a single-day offer.

Because policies vary by brand and location, consumers should read the fine print and contact the store to confirm local participation.

Restaurant and Food Freebies and Discounts (National and Regional)

Restaurants frequently anchor Teacher Appreciation Week with free or reduced menu items. Several national chains and regional brands are offering educator-specific benefits during May 5–9, 2025. Below is a detailed list of the offers that are clearly defined in the source material.

• Applebee’s: Free appetizer up to $12 value for teachers and nurses, available April 28–May 10. Valid with an adult entrée purchase. Dine-in only. One coupon per order, per visit. Offer cannot be combined with other offers. Availability is limited to all Flynn Applebee’s locations. Consumers should verify participation at their local Applebee’s and bring a school/work badge when ordering. This offer is valid across a two-week window that includes Teacher Appreciation Week, providing flexibility for redemption.[1]

• Abuelo’s: On Tuesday, May 6, educators receive 20% off their entire check at all Abuelo’s locations. Dine-in only. A valid teaching or school staff ID is required. This is a single-day discount aligned with Teacher Appreciation Day.[1]

• Burger King: A free Whopper Jr. with a $1+ purchase. While the source does not provide a detailed confirmation page, this is a prominent, widely advertised teacher-specific offer. Consumers should verify availability and redemption instructions at their local Burger King.[1]

• Jack in the Box: Teacher Appreciation Week rewards (May 5–9) include 10 Reward Credits, contingent on verification through ID.me. Valid once during the promo period. This is an app-based or loyalty program benefit, and teachers should confirm their local participation and the exact redemption steps.[1]

• Joella’s Hot Chicken: Teachers and nurses can enjoy a complimentary meal from May 5–9 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET at all nine Joella’s locations. The free meal includes two Jumbo Tenders (any heat level), one dippin’ sauce, one Southern side, and a drink. In-store only, with a valid employment ID. Limit one complimentary meal per guest. This offer is in-store only and explicitly restricted to specific hours and locations.[1]

• Krispy Kreme: On May 7, 2025, a free original glazed doughnut is available with no ID or purchase necessary. Consumers can redeem in-shop or through the drive-thru. This is a single-day national offer that does not require educator verification, but the brand has not confirmed national distribution; consumers should check with their local shop.[1]

• la Madeleine: A BOGO bakery item is available only on May 6 through the Bonjour Rewards app. No ID is required, but access is app-gated. Consumers must download the app, join Bonjour Rewards, and follow the redemption instructions for the single-day BOGO.[1]

• McAlister’s Deli: During Teacher Appreciation Week, the brand is giving away two catered lunches—one for a nurse and one for a teacher. Consumers can enter by May 4. This is a sweepstakes-style offer, not a universal freebie, and may be limited to select locations or times. Eligibility and prize details are outlined in the source.[1]

• Aroma Joe’s: A free 24-ounce drink with a valid teacher ID on May 6. Consumers should confirm local participation and redemption mechanics at their nearby Aroma Joe’s.[2]

• Atomic Wings: Teacher-specific offers are available, but details were cut off in the source. Consumers should verify availability, terms, and redemption requirements directly with their local Atomic Wings.[2]

While these offers provide a strong base for savings, Columbus consumers should be aware that some brands or locations may not participate. Because dine-in restrictions and single-use coupons are common, planning a route and confirming policies in advance will improve redemption success.

Local Triangle Area Deals (Raleigh, Morrisville, Cary) to Illustrate Local Offerings

To help Columbus consumers understand how local businesses structure teacher appreciation programs, the following offers in the Triangle region of North Carolina illustrate common patterns: short windows (often May 5–9), modest percentage discounts (around 10%), and explicit ID requirements.

• Toyar’s BBQ Hotpot (Morrisville, NC): Teachers receive 10% off May 5–9 at 4075 Davis Drive. ID required.[3]

• Bengong’s Tea (Morrisville, NC): Teachers receive 10% off all drinks with a school ID May 5–9 at 4141 Davis Drive.[3]

• SoHot HotPot (Raleigh and Cary, NC): Teachers receive 10% off May 5–9, ID required. Locations include 4509 Creedmoor Road (Raleigh) and 1937 High House Road (Cary).[3]

• MeetFresh (Raleigh, NC): Teachers receive 10% off all drinks and desserts May 5–9 with a valid school ID at 4509 Creedmoor Road.[3]

These local examples demonstrate a typical discount structure and timing. Columbus consumers should look for similar programs in their area—often promoted via social media, store signage, or local news—by calling ahead to verify availability.

ID.me Limited-Time Deals (Verification-Based Access)

ID.me is a third-party verification service that many brands use to confirm educator status. During Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, several national brands are offering time-limited discounts through ID.me, including:

• Adidas: 25% off full-price items and sales.
• ContactsDirect: 20% off plus free shipping.
• Crocs: 15% off.
• GE Appliances Store: Up to 43% off MSRP and free delivery over $399.
• Glasses.com: 50% off lenses plus free shipping.
• Kendra Scott: 15% off.
• Stanley: 30% off.
• TaylorMade: 15% off.

Educators can visit ID.me to create a free account and verify their status, then access brand-specific discount pages. These offers are time-limited and may have additional eligibility or redemption conditions set by each brand. Columbus consumers who plan to make purchases during the week should verify educator status in advance to streamline access.[2]

Retail, Supplies, and Education Software Discounts (Year-Round and Week-Specific)

Beyond food and beverage, several retailers and software companies extend educator discounts. Some are year-round, while others are enhanced during Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Office Depot / OfficeMax: The Teacher Exclusive Coupon offers 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases. This is a strong offer for classroom essentials and can be used during Teacher Appreciation Week; consumers should check the coupon’s terms and redemption window.[6]

• Staples: Teachers can save 20% off in-store purchases by showing a teacher ID and using a coupon, with potential rewards via the Staples Classroom Rewards Program. The brand’s educator discount is a cornerstone of classroom budgeting.[6]

• Michael’s: Teachers receive 15% off purchases, useful for craft supplies commonly used in classrooms and extracurricular programs.[5]

• Half Price Books: Year-round, educators can save 10% with the HPB Educator’s Discount Card, supporting book-based learning and reading programs.[5]

• Costco: New members who are teachers can receive a Costco Shop Card of up to $40, which can offset membership costs and supply purchases.[5]

• Apple: Special savings and pricing on Apple Music, Macs, and iPads, plus select accessories for teachers.[5]

• Microsoft Education: Affordable Windows 10 devices built for education, plus access to offers and discounts on software and tools designed for students and teachers.[5]

• Avid: Educational pricing on Media Composer Ultimate, Pro Tools Ultimate, and Sibelius Ultimate, which are commonly used in media and music education programs.[5]

• USA TODAY: Listed among brands providing educator deals; consumers should check the outlet’s direct pages for specific offers and eligibility.[5]

These discounts are especially useful for educators planning to purchase technology, classroom supplies, or books in the spring. Columbus teachers should confirm whether local stores honor these discounts during the week and whether specific coupons are required at checkout.

Planning and Redemption Strategy for Columbus Consumers

Because availability can vary by location and many offers are time-limited, a strategic approach increases the likelihood of successful redemption. The following steps summarize best practices grounded in the source material:

1. Determine eligibility and prepare documentation. Ensure a valid teacher, educator, or school staff ID is on hand. For offers that do not require ID (e.g., Krispy Kreme’s free donut on May 7), note the redemption location and time.
2. Verify local participation. Contact the specific restaurant or store location in Columbus to confirm that the offer is available. For chains, participation can differ by franchise or region.
3. Plan a route. Dine-in-only offers cluster around May 6. Creating a plan that aligns with single-day and short-window offers reduces friction.
4. Use ID.me for verification. If you intend to use ID.me discounts, create a free account and verify educator status before shopping. This enables smooth redemption of brands like Adidas, Crocs, and Kendra Scott.
5. Leverage apps and loyalty programs. For la Madeleine’s May 6 BOGO, download the Bonjour Rewards app, join, and confirm redemption instructions. For Jack in the Box, confirm that your account is linked to ID.me and that your location honors the educator reward.
6. Confirm tax and tip. Free items typically exclude tax and tip. Factor this into budgeting.
7. Respect offer limits. Most deals are single-use per order/visit or per guest. Avoid attempting to combine offers unless explicitly allowed.
8. Consider timing for sweepstakes. For McAlister’s Deli, submit your entry by May 4 to be eligible for catered lunch giveaways.
9. Track expiration. Offers like Applebee’s free appetizer run April 28–May 10, providing a slightly longer window than Teacher Appreciation Week. Many ID.me deals are week-limited; check brand pages for precise end dates.

Summary of Key Offers

• Applebee’s: Free appetizer up to $12 with adult entrée purchase, dine-in only, April 28–May 10 at select locations.[1]
• Abuelo’s: 20% off entire check on May 6 with valid teaching/school staff ID; dine-in only.[1]
• Burger King: Free Whopper Jr. with $1+ purchase (verify at local store).[^1]
• Aroma Joe’s: Free 24-ounce drink on May 6 with valid teacher ID.[2]
• Atomic Wings: Teacher-specific offer (details not fully available; verify locally).[^2]
• Jack in the Box: 10 Reward Credits during May 5–9 with ID.me verification, valid once during promo.[1]
• Joella’s Hot Chicken: Free meal for teachers and nurses (specific items included) May 5–9, in-store only with valid ID; limited hours.[1]
• Krispy Kreme: Free original glazed donut on May 7; no ID or purchase necessary (check local participation).[^1]
• la Madeleine: BOGO bakery item on May 6 via Bonjour Rewards app; no ID required.[1]
• McAlister’s Deli: Enter by May 4 for a chance to win a catered lunch (teacher or nurse).[^1]
• ID.me educator discounts: Adidas (25%), ContactsDirect (20% + free shipping), Crocs (15%), GE Appliances Store (up to 43% + free delivery over $399), Glasses.com (50% off lenses + free shipping), Kendra Scott (15%), Stanley (30%), TaylorMade (15%).[^2]
• Office Depot/OfficeMax: 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases (Teacher Exclusive Coupon).[^6]
• Staples: 20% off in-store purchases with teacher ID and coupon; possible rewards via Classroom Rewards.[6]
• Michael’s: 15% off for teachers.[5]
• Half Price Books: 10% off year-round with Educator’s Discount Card.[5]
• Costco: Shop Card up to $40 for new teacher members.[5]
• Apple, Microsoft Education, Avid, USA TODAY: Educator pricing and special offers.[5]

Notes on Local Deals and Missing Information

The provided sources do not contain an exhaustive list of deals specific to Columbus, Ohio. While national chains like Applebee’s, Burger King, Krispy Kreme, and la Madeleine are likely accessible in the Columbus metropolitan area, participation can vary by location. Offers from the Triangle area (e.g., Toyar’s BBQ Hotpot, SoHot HotPot, Bengong’s Tea, and MeetFresh) are included to illustrate the common local structure of teacher appreciation programs and may serve as a model for similar businesses in Columbus. If Columbus-specific offers are announced later, consumers should verify through local news, store websites, or social media, and confirm policies by phone before attempting to redeem.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 provides a robust set of freebies and discounts for educators, from free appetizers and drinks to technology and classroom supplies. Columbus consumers can take advantage of national offers, app-based promotions, and ID.me verification to plan a rewarding week. Success hinges on verifying local participation, preparing proper ID, and following redemption rules closely. By combining food and retail offers, educators can meaningfully reduce costs while celebrating the important work of teaching.

Sources

1. The Freebie Guy – Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Deals (2025)
2. WeAreTeachers – Teacher Appreciation Deals (2025)
3. Triangle on the Cheap – Teacher Appreciation Day Freebies & Deals (Triangle Area)
4. The Columbus Dispatch – Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Deals & Gift Ideas
5. Industry Leaders Magazine – Teacher Appreciation Week: Importance, Brand Deals, Discounts & Freebies
6. Teachers of Tomorrow – Teacher Appreciation Week: Discounts & Deals (2025)