Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Verified Freebies Discounts And Offers For Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, with National Teacher Day observed on Tuesday, May 6. During this period, various brands and retailers offer special deals, free items, and discounts to educators. These offers generally require verification of teacher status, often through a valid school ID, employee email, or third-party verification services such as ID.me.

The following guide outlines verified freebies and discounts available during this week, categorized by offer type and redemption method.

Restaurant and Food Freebies

Several restaurant chains offer free food items or discounts to teachers during the appreciation week. Most require the presentation of a valid school ID or employee badge at the time of purchase.

• Applebee’s: Teachers can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. The free appetizer is valid for items up to a $12 value.
• Burger King: Educators can enjoy free fries with any purchase by showing their badge.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: A 20% discount is available on the entire order when a valid school ID is presented.
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers receive a free mini sundae with a valid school ID.
• McAlister’s Deli: Teachers and nurses can receive a free tea (sweet, unsweet, half & half, or lemonade) or lemonade. 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 a regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée.
• Peter Piper Pizza: Educators can receive a free 7-inch, one-topping personal pizza from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. between May 5 and May 9. This offer is valid at Arizona and Albuquerque locations with a valid school ID.

Other restaurants have offered similar deals in previous years, though confirmation for 2025 varies:

• BurgerFi: Last year, the chain offered 20% off for teachers with a school ID. While not officially announced for 2025, a return of the offer is considered likely.
• Insomnia Cookies: In previous years, teachers with a valid ID could receive one free classic cookie in stores all week. The chain has not confirmed the deal for 2025.
• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Last year, educators received a free small ice or "jelati." Confirmation for 2025 is pending.

Additionally, Firehouse Subs is offering a deal on two medium subs for $14 or two large subs for $20 on select subs (Turkey & Provolone, Hook & Ladder, Italian, Meatball Subs).

Retail and Tech Discounts

Educators can access significant savings on technology, classroom supplies, and apparel through exclusive education discount programs.

Technology and Software

• Adobe: Teachers and students can save 60% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan by verifying eligibility on the Adobe website.
• Apple: Educators can access exclusive discounts on Mac and iPad products through the Apple Education Store.
• Bose: By verifying their status on the Bose Education Discount page, educators receive $30 off any purchase of $199 or more.
• Samsung: Educators can save up to 30% on tech products.
• Staples: Educators presenting a valid teacher ID receive 20% off in-store purchases and a free 12-pack of red pens through Sunday, May 11.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax: Teachers can earn 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases using the Teacher Exclusive Coupon.

Classroom and Craft Supplies

• Crayola: Teachers receive 20% off all products listed on the Teacher Gift Ideas category page by using the code "EDUCATORS" at checkout.
• Joann Fabrics: Educators save 15% on every purchase by registering for the Joann's Teacher Rewards Program.
• Michaels: Teachers receive 15% off their entire purchase, including sale items, by registering for the Michaels Rewards program.

Apparel and Accessories

• Adidas: Offers 30% off at adidas.com and in-store, plus 15% off at factory outlet stores.
• Cole Haan: Educators enjoy a 20% discount on online purchases by verifying their status with a valid school email address.
• Crocs: Offers 15% off all full-priced items.

Specialized Offers and Beauty

Specific brands offer discounts on specialized products, including beauty and pet care items, often utilizing ID.me for verification.

• FlutterHabit: From May 5 through May 12, teachers can earn 30% off FlutterHabit’s lashes and other products when verifying their ID through ID.me.
• Petlibro: On May 6, teachers can get 20% off Petlibro devices (automatic feeders and drinking fountains) using the code TEACHERSPET.

General Retail and Service Discounts

• The Parking Spot: Teachers already receive a 10% discount, but in May they get 25% off any reservation made for travel through the end of 2025.
• Original ChopShop: Teachers get 10% off dine-in and carryout orders May 5–9 (show valid badge or ID).
• Salata Salad Kitchen: Educators get 20% off their meal when they show a valid ID in-restaurant through May 9.
• Old Chicago: Through May 5, teachers can get two bonus cards with a $50 gift card purchase made online.

Eligibility and Verification

Most offers require proof of employment as an educator. This is typically satisfied by: 1. Physical ID: A valid school ID badge or employee identification card. 2. Digital Verification: Using services like ID.me to verify teacher status online before purchasing (e.g., Adobe, FlutterHabit). 3. Email Verification: Some retailers, such as Cole Haan, require a valid school email address to unlock discounts.

Some offers extend eligibility to nurses (e.g., McAlister’s Deli, Potbelly), while others are strictly for educators. Homeschool teachers may qualify for many offers via ID.me or other official documentation, though specific policies vary by brand.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 provides a range of opportunities for educators to receive free food, discounted technology, and savings on retail purchases. While many offers are confirmed for the week of May 5–9, consumers should be aware that some deals are based on previous years' patterns and require verification via phone or social media before visiting locations. Always present a valid school ID or verification document to redeem these offers.

Sources

1. Scary Mommy
2. Wealth Waggle
3. USA Today
4. Good Morning America