There's no better way to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 than with free food, retail discounts, and heartfelt thanks to teachers in the U.S. from May 6 to May 10.
There will be a week of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 to May 10) filled with deals, free meals, restaurant offers, and visitor service perks. There are a number of powerful brands with offers to honor teachers, along with logos like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and others.
A reminder that you need a valid school ID to receive your reward!
Honoring Teachers: National Teacher Day 2025
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, it will be National Teacher Day when we begin a full week to honor teachers from May 6 to 10, 2025.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is a great way to recognize the hard work of educators who help shape the future.
Across the U.S., there will be heartfelt tributes from places sending useful dollar deals to companies, merchants, and restaurants offering free deals, discounts, and unique perks for teachers.
What Is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week was first initiated in 1984 by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
It’s a dedicated time to recognize teachers’ contributions inside and outside the classroom. The National Education Association (NEA) supports this event, which began thanks to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who lobbied Congress in 1953 for a day to honor teachers.
It’s a national celebration, full of thanks and appreciation.
🗓️ Significant Dates
- Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6 – 10, 2025
- National Teacher Day: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Deals & Freebies at Restaurants for Teachers
Many of our favorite restaurants are offering Teachers Deals. Here’s where teachers can score some well-deserved rewards:
- Chick-fil-A: Free meal with valid school ID
- McDonald’s: Free breakfast or coffee at select franchises
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Special discounts for teachers dining in
- Chipotle: Entry to a free burrito giveaway through May 13, 2025
Since 2016, Chipotle has given away over $16 million in food to teachers and healthcare heroes.
Discounts for Educators from Retailers
It’s not only restaurants celebrating — retailers are offering significant savings to let teachers relax and feel appreciated:
- Samsung: Special education pricing on electronics
- Stitch Fix: Exclusive clothing discounts
- Museum of Illusions: Reduced admission rates for teachers
Remember: Most deals require a valid school ID, and offers may vary by location.
Why Teacher Appreciation Matters
A Horace Mann survey found that over 30% of teachers don’t feel appreciated, even though most remain committed to students.
Educators do more than teach. As Principal Andy Hare of Sullivan East High School says:
“You’re not just preparing someone to do great work professionally; you’re helping them emotionally, mentally, and physically to become better than they ever thought possible.”
A Gallup poll found 73% of parents rate their child’s teacher as excellent or good — proof of growing public appreciation.
Ways to Celebrate Your Teacher
Whether you are parent, student, or someone lucky enough to have an education, there are different ideas to consider to recognize a teacher:
- Gift cards to their fav stores or coffee shops
- A handwritten note to say thank you
- Classroom help, or just volunteering
- Social media shout-out
- Contributions to education-based charitable organizations in their name
Time to Recognize the Teacher
Even though teacher appreciation week is all about free food and fun prizes, this is one week during the school year when you can appreciate the importance of someone who is helping to shape minds and futures.
So whether you’re getting free education, decorating a burrito, or saying thank you, you should recognize the teachers who are making the world smarter and kinder.