As National Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 rolls around on Tuesday, May 6, the nation is tipping its hats to our hardworking teachers with heartfelt tributes and tasty treats. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated from May 5 to May 9, a time when schools, students, and major brands come together to honor educators who shape the future.
Restaurants and retailers across the U.S. are rolling out exclusive offers, discounts, and freebies as a small thank-you for their big contributions. McDonald's, for instance, is expected to show love to teachers with exclusive deals through their app. In previous years, educators received free breakfast items or BOGO meal offers, and 2025 is expected to follow suit. Teachers can check their local McDonald's app for region-specific promotions available during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Chipotle has also been a consistent favorite for teachers every year. For 2025, they're expected to bring back BOGO burrito offers for educators, redeemable in-store with a valid school ID. Additionally, Chipotle is inviting teachers to enter for a chance to win a free entrée e-card by visiting teacherthanks.chipotle.com. At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me. Teachers who successfully verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free entrée e-card, with winners notified starting the week of May 13.
Whataburger is celebrating teachers with fun perks like free breakfast items, branded merchandise giveaways, and special social shout-outs. From May 5 to May 9, educators can enjoy a free breakfast entrée from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. with a valid school ID. Options include a Taquito with cheese, Breakfast on a Bun, or a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, available only for in-restaurant orders.
Other restaurants are joining in the celebration as well. Sonic Drive-In is offering half-price drinks and slushes for teachers, along with special deals for members of the Sonic Teacher Rewards Circle. Members can redeem a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, buy one Sonic Blast and get one free, and a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger.
Buffalo Wild Wings is taking 20% off the bill for teachers and school staff from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, with a school ID. Insomnia Cookies is also giving out free classic cookies for teachers and nurses from Tuesday, May 6 to Tuesday, May 13, with proof of employment.
In addition to these, other notable offers include:
- Sonic Drive-In: Special deals for members of the Sonic Teacher Rewards Circle, including a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase.
- Staples: Exclusive coupons with teacher ID, along with a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens.
- Office Depot: Up to 25% off with educator rewards.
- Barnes & Noble: Ongoing educator discounts and promotions.
- Chick-fil-A: Individual locations will decide what deals to offer, with some giving away free food items each day of appreciation week.
- Shake Shack: Free milkshake with a valid teacher ID.
- McAlister’s Deli: Offering teachers a free big tea from May 5 through 12, 2025, with their badge or ID.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers get a free mini sundae with a valid school ID.
- Golden Corral: 20% off one adult buffet purchase from Monday to Friday.
- Applebee’s: Free appetizer with any entrée purchase during Teacher Appreciation Week with a teacher ID (up to a $12 value).
- Atomic Wings: Free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries on May 6.
This week is a reminder to recognize teachers' dedication, especially after years of adapting to online and hybrid education models. Brands stepping up with discounts show how deeply communities value their educators. To access these offers, teachers should always bring a valid teacher ID or school badge, download relevant brand apps, and follow their favorite brands on social media for promo updates. Some offers may vary by location, so checking with the nearest store is advisable.
As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s remember the significant impact teachers have on our lives and communities. Their hard work and dedication deserve recognition, not just this week but all year round.
