Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 will run from the 5th to the 9th of May. This annual event, originating in the early 1940s, provides an opportunity for businesses and communities to recognise the work of educators. For teachers and school staff seeking to take advantage of promotional offers, numerous restaurants, retailers, and digital service providers typically participate with freebies and discounts. This article details the verified free offers and deals available during this period, based on information from official promotional sources and deal roundups.
Free Food and Drink Offers
A significant portion of the available freebies for Teacher Appreciation Week are focused on food and drink. These offers generally require proof of educator status, often in the form of a valid school identification card or staff badge. It is important to note that offers can vary by location, and many are subject to availability or specific terms and conditions.
Restaurant and Chain Offers
Several national restaurant chains have historically provided complimentary items to teachers during this week. Based on past patterns and announced offers for 2025, the following are likely to be available:
- Applebee’s: Many locations are offering either a free appetizer or dessert with an entrée purchase. Teachers should check with their local restaurant for specific available offers.
- Burger King: The chain is expected to offer free fries for educators with any purchase. App alerts are recommended to find details about local offers.
- Chick-fil-A: Numerous locations provided free breakfast or lunch to teachers in previous years. It is advisable to confirm this year’s promotion with the local store.
- Potbelly: Last year, a free cookie or fountain drink with an entrée purchase was offered. A repeat of this offer in 2025 is considered likely.
- RaceTrac: In 2024, educators could obtain a free medium coffee. Announcements for 2025 are anticipated soon.
- Shake Shack: Teachers with a valid school ID can receive a free milkshake.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: The previous year’s offer was a half-dozen glazed donuts free with any purchase for loyalty members.
- Sonic: Teachers enrolled in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle programme received app-exclusive freebies last year. Educators can join to access this year’s deals.
- Starbucks: In previous years, educators could receive a tall brewed coffee at many locations. Offers should be verified with the local store.
- TGI Fridays: Free entrées for teachers are anticipated on Teacher Appreciation Day.
- Whataburger: Free breakfast items are available for teachers before 9 a.m. with a valid school ID.
- Zaxby’s: In 2024, the chain offered a Buy One Get One (BOGO) Boneless Wings Meal for rewards members.
Other restaurants with confirmed or expected offers include: * Aroma Joe’s: A free 24-ounce drink with a valid teacher ID on May 6 (Teacher Appreciation Day). * Bravo Italian Kitchen & Brio Italian Kitchen: On May 6, teachers can earn a $20 bonus card with catering orders. * BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers can sign up for the "Awesome Achievement Program" to receive certificates for students. Students can redeem these for a free Snickers Pizookie and a silicone bracelet. * Buffalo Wild Wings: A 20% discount with a valid teacher ID. * Eddie Merlot’s: A free dessert with the purchase of an entrée and a valid teacher ID (May 5-9). * Einstein Bros. Bagels: Offers are expected during Teacher Appreciation Week. * McAlister’s Deli: Teachers get a free big tea 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. * MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes: A buy-one-get-one burgers offer on May 7 with ID (in-store at participating locations only). * Mountain Mike's Pizza: Teachers get 15% off all pizzas May 6-9 with the code APPRECIATE25. * Old Chicago: With every $50 spent on gift cards, get a $10 bonus card (through May 5, get two bonus cards with a $50 online purchase). * Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Teachers and school staff get a 20% discount off their entire check on May 6. * Atomic Wings: Teachers can enjoy a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6 (dine-in only). * Bad Daddy’s: Offers include Bad Ass Margaritas at a reduced price and half-price appetisers before closing time during the week. * la Madeleine: Buy one get one bakery item free on May 6 (via the Bonjour Rewards app; no ID required). * Logan’s Roadhouse: Teachers get 20% off when they order an entrée May 5-12 (show a valid ID).
Other Food and Drink Freebies
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit: In 2024, they offered a free Big Yellow Cup with a $10 purchase. Check for this year's offer.
- Firehouse Subs: Teachers using the Firehouse Rewards app get BOGO sub deals.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers get a free mini sundae with a valid school ID.
- Hat Creek Burger Co.: At this Texas chain, teachers got a free menu item for Teacher Appreciation Day last year.
- Huddle House: Free meals for teachers were offered in 2024.
- Insomnia Cookies: Last year, teachers with a valid ID received a free classic cookie all week.
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Free small Ice or Gelati on Teacher Appreciation Day.
- McDonald’s: At many locations, teachers who present their ID can get free coffee or breakfast products.
- Peter Piper Pizza: Teachers can get a free personal pizza in-store from 3-7 p.m.
Free Classroom and Supply Offers
For educators seeking practical resources, several retailers provide free supplies or kits during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Staples: In 2024, teachers received free supply kits with ID. Supplies run out quickly, so early arrival is recommended. Teachers can also get 20% off in-store purchases during the week (May 4-10). They can also get a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens (one per customer while supplies last; coupons are found in the Staples app).
Digital Freebies and Subscriptions
A variety of digital services offer free access or subscriptions to educators, typically requiring registration with a school email address.
- Canva for Education: Always free for teachers. Sign up to access classroom-ready design tools.
- Headspace: Offers a free annual subscription for educators. Registration with a school email is required.
- Loom for Education: A free video recording platform for teachers.
- Microsoft Office 365 Education: Free access is available with a school email.
- Museum of Illusions: Educators get free admission to the 29 locations across the U.S. During Teacher Appreciation Week, they can register with their work email for a raffle to win goodie bags.
Giveaways and Contests
Beyond immediate freebies, there are opportunities to win larger prizes.
- Edmentum’s Teacher Appreciation Giveaway: Edmentum is giving three winners a $500 gift card to their choice of Amazon or Target. Eligible educators can enter for a chance to win; the giveaway began on April 28.
Important Considerations for UK Educators
The majority of the offers detailed above are based on promotions in the United States. For educators in the United Kingdom, it is crucial to understand the following limitations:
- Geographic Eligibility: The restaurants, retailers, and digital service providers listed (e.g., Applebee’s, Burger King in the U.S., Staples U.S. stores) may not have a presence in the UK, or the offers may not be valid outside of the U.S. market. UK-based educators should not assume these freebies are available locally.
- Verification Requirements: Most offers require a valid U.S. school ID or staff badge. A standard UK teaching qualification or a badge from a UK school may not be accepted by U.S.-based businesses.
- Digital Services: Some digital offers, such as Canva for Education or Microsoft Office 365 Education, may have global availability. UK educators should check the specific terms for their region. For example, Microsoft Office 365 Education is available to verified UK educational institutions.
- UK-Specific Promotions: The provided source material does not contain information on free offers for Teacher Appreciation Week specifically within the United Kingdom. UK educators seeking local deals should monitor communications from UK teaching unions, educational suppliers (e.g., Ryman, WHSmith), and UK-based restaurant chains for any potential promotions.
Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 presents a wide array of potential freebies and discounts, predominantly from U.S.-based restaurant chains, retailers, and digital platforms. The offers range from complimentary food and drinks to free classroom supplies and digital tool subscriptions. However, the availability of these specific promotions is almost exclusively for educators within the United States, contingent upon presenting a valid U.S. school identification. UK-based educators should not expect these particular U.S. offers to be valid. For teachers in the United Kingdom, it is advisable to seek information on any local promotions directly from UK-based companies and educational organisations.