Comprehensive Guide To Freebies And Discounts For Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from May 5 to May 9, with National Teacher Day on May 6. During this period, numerous brands and retailers across the United States offer special deals, free products, and discounts to honor educators. These promotions span categories including food and beverage, retail, technology, and educational supplies. The following article details the verified freebies and discounts available to teachers and school staff, based on information from official announcements and retailer communications. It focuses on offers that require no purchase, provide a direct free item, or present a significant discount on products and services. All information is derived exclusively from the provided source materials.

Food and Beverage Freebies and Discounts

A wide array of restaurants and food service providers offer free meals, discounted items, and special promotions for educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Many of these deals are valid on National Teacher Day, May 6, though some extend throughout the week or longer. Verification with a valid teacher or school staff ID is typically required.

Free Meals and Entrees

Several establishments are providing complimentary food items to educators. These offers often require a valid school ID and are for dine-in only unless otherwise specified.

• Atomic Wings: On May 6, teachers can receive a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries. This offer is available for dine-in only.
• The Greene Turtle: On May 6, teachers can get a free dine-in meal valued up to $15 by showing a valid teacher ID.
• Hat Creek Burger Company: All school staff can receive a free Little Hat Burger on May 6.
• Insomnia Cookies: From May 6 through 12, teachers can receive one free classic cookie with proof of employment, and no purchase is necessary.
• Applebee's: Teachers presenting a valid ID can receive a free appetizer (up to $12) with the purchase of an entree through Saturday, May 10.

Discounted Meals and Purchases

Many restaurants offer percentage-based discounts on meals or specific items for teachers.

• Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Teachers and school staff get a 20% discount off their entire check at all locations on May 6.
• Bad Daddy’s: While not a direct free item, the chain offers Bad Ass Margaritas at $5 on Monday, May 5, and $8 for the rest of the month. Additionally, half-price appetizers are available during the two hours before closing time.
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers can sign up for the Awesome Achievement Program to receive up to 90 certificates per school year for “Awesome Achiever” students. When students show the certificate, they get a free Snickers Pizookie. The teacher is also given an Awesome Achiever silicone bracelet when the student dines in.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Educators with valid school IDs can enjoy 20% off dine-in and call-ahead orders through Tuesday, May 6.
• Eddie Merlot’s: All week, teachers get a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée (must have a valid teacher’s ID). This offer is not valid with any other discount and does not include items from the Dessert for Two menu.
• Grimaldi's: Teachers can get 15% off orders from May 5-9 at all participating locations by showing a valid school ID.
• Happy Joe’s: Teachers get 20% off their order at participating locations during the week with a valid school ID.
• Logan’s Roadhouse: Teachers receive 20% off when they order an entrée from May 5-12 with a valid ID.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes: On May 7, teachers can get a buy-one-get-one burger deal by showing their ID at participating locations.
• Mountain Mike's Pizza: Teachers get 15% off all pizzas from May 6-9 with the code APPRECIATE25.

Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) and Other Promotions

Some promotions offer a second item free or bonus value on gift cards.

• la Madeleine: On May 6, teachers can get a buy-one-get-one bakery item free. This deal is available through the Bonjour Rewards app and does not require an ID.
• Old Chicago: With every $50 spent on gift cards, customers receive a $10 bonus card. Through May 5, purchasing a $50 gift card online yields two bonus cards.

Snacks and Sides

In addition to full meals, some brands offer free snacks or sides.

• Sonic Drive-In: Members of the Sonic Teachers' Circle rewards program can access exclusive offers, including a free snack or side with purchase from May 5 through 9. To join the program, download the Sonic app, create an account, go to Settings, tap the Profile icon, tap Account, and select "I'm a Teacher."
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Offers 20% off all gift card purchases made online, a deal valid through June 24.

Beverage Deals

Coffee and frozen yogurt are also part of the appreciation offerings.

• Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt: Teachers (past or present) can bring in an ID and get $2 off at the Buckeye, AZ location.
• Verena Street Coffee: Offers up to 25% off all coffee sitewide to teachers.

Retail and Product Discounts

Beyond food, retailers provide discounts on a variety of products, from office supplies and craft materials to clothing and technology. Many require enrollment in a rewards program or verification of educator status.

Office and Educational Supplies

• Staples: During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-10), teachers can get 20% off their in-store purchase with a valid teacher ID. They can also get a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies last) by finding coupons in the Staples app. This offer is extended through May 11 according to another source.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax: Teachers can earn 30% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases with the Teacher Exclusive Coupon.
• Box Tops for Education: During May, which is also Teacher Appreciation Month, schools can get a $5 bonus when a user downloads the Box Tops app and scans their first receipt, using the code TEACHER.
• Doodleface: For Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), teachers can get 20% off sustainable, smudge-free crayon boards online and on Amazon using the code 20LOVETEACH.

Craft and Fabric Stores

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

Apparel and Footwear

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

Technology

• Apple: Educators can access exclusive discounts on Mac and iPad products through the Apple Education Store.

Specialized Services and Attractions

Some deals are specific to educational services, local attractions, or unique programs for teachers and their students.

• McAlister’s Deli: Teachers get a free big tea from May 5-12 in-store at participating locations with their badge or ID. Teachers can also enter to win a catered lunch for up to 30 people by completing an online entry form.
• Chipotle: Chipotle is planning to give away $1 million in free entrees. Educators can enter for a chance to win a free entree e-card now through May 12 by registering at TeacherThanks.chipotle.com.
• Museum of Illusions: Educators get free admission to the 29 locations across the U.S. with a teacher ID shown in person. During Teacher Appreciation Week, they can register with their work email for a chance to win one of three raffle prizes for Museum of Illusions goodie bags.
• Arizona Science Center: Teachers can get a free Educator Membership, courtesy of APS, and a $30 discount on membership upgrades.
• Arizona Grand Resort and Spa: Offers a 20% educator discount.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona and SEA LIFE Arizona: Give educators free admission during the entire month of July, along with 30% off admission for up to six family members or friends.
• Angry Crab Shack: Offers 10% off for teachers at all locations with a valid ID.
• The Bouldering Project: On the first Wednesday of the month, educators can climb for free on their first visit, and then for $10 on future Teacher Night visits.
• The Wigwam: Educators can get 20% off the best available rates at the Valley resort.

Key Takeaways for Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents a significant opportunity for educators to access free products, discounted meals, and special offers. The most valuable deals often require a valid school ID or enrollment in a brand-specific rewards program. While many offers are concentrated on National Teacher Day, May 6, several extend throughout the week or even longer. Educators should verify participation at specific locations, as some deals are only valid at participating restaurants or stores. For program-based rewards like Sonic's Teachers' Circle, early enrollment is recommended to take advantage of the offers. The variety of deals, from free cookies and appetizers to substantial discounts on technology and apparel, reflects a broad-based effort to show appreciation for the teaching community.

Conclusion

The provided source material details numerous freebies and discounts available to teachers and school staff during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. The offers span a diverse range of categories, including food and beverage, retail products, technology, and local attractions. The most common requirements for accessing these deals are a valid teacher or school staff ID and, in some cases, enrollment in a retailer's rewards program. While the information is specific to the 2025 appreciation period, it illustrates a consistent pattern of annual promotions from national brands and local businesses aimed at honoring educators. For U.S. consumers, particularly teachers and school staff, these verified deals represent tangible benefits and acknowledgments of their service.

Sources

1. USA Today - Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 deals
2. ABC15 - List of 2025 freebies, discounts, and supply drives for teachers
3. Good Morning America - Teacher Appreciation Week 2025