Celebrating Teachers Today and Everyday: Happy Teacher Appreciation Week May 5th-9th, 2025
Teacher Appreciation Week is here! Eleanor Roosevelt first championed the idea of having a National Teacher Day to Congress in 1953, "I have always felt that we did not give an honorable enough place in our communities to the teachers. Next to parents, they are the most important people in our communities". It finally came to fruition in 1984 when the National Parent Teacher Association designated a week in May to honor teachers
From May 5 to May 9, 2025, educators across the country are being celebrated for their dedication and hard work. May 6th is the official “Teacher Appreciation Day”. To honor teachers, numerous businesses and organizations are offering special deals and discounts. Here's a roundup of some of the best offers available this week:
🍽️ Food & Beverage Deals
- Whataburger: Teachers and school staff can enjoy a free breakfast entrée from May 5 to May 9, 2025, between 5 to 9 a.m. with a valid school ID.
- McAlister's Deli: Get a free iced tea (sweet, unsweet, or half lemonade) from May 6 to May 12, 2025, with educator ID. (Passionate Penny Pincher)
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Enjoy 20% off dine-in or to-go orders with a valid school ID. (Passionate Penny Pincher)
- Sonic Drive-In: Sign up for the Teachers’ Circle rewards program by May 6 to receive exclusive deals, including a buy one entrée, get one free offer through May 20.
Chipotle Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway
Through May 13, teachers – and healthcare workers (it's also National Nurse Appreciation Week) – can sign up online to be among the 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers to be randomly selected to win a free burrito. Those selected will get an email to verify their employment status via ID.me; as long as they verify within 48 hours the get a free burrito e-card.
Chipotle, which says it has given $16 million in free Chipotle to educators and medical professionals since 2016, will also be using its Round-Up for Real Change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com to support the Kids In Need Foundation and American Nurses Foundation.
🛍️ Retail & Online Shopping Discounts
- Target: 10% Coupon this week for Verified Teachers with Target Circle
- Cole Haan: Receive 20% off online purchases with a valid school email address. (We Are Teachers)
- Costco: New teacher members can get a $20 gift card when signing up online with a school email address. (We Are Teachers)
- Eyemart Express: Teachers and school staff receive 20% off all purchases with a valid school ID. (We Are Teachers)
- Hanes: Get 10% off workout clothes and casual wear for teachers, including retirees. (We Are Teachers)
- Headspace: Offers free annual subscriptions to all K-12 teachers, school administrators, and supporting staff in eligible countries.
- Half Price Books: Sign up for the Educator’s Card to receive a 10% discount on purchases.
- Staples: Get a free teacher supply kit in-store with a valid educator ID from May 5 to May 11, 2025. (Passionate Penny Pincher)
- Ray-Ban: Receive 15% off Ray-Ban products after verifying your status through ID.me.
🖥️ Tech & Software Offers
- Adobe: Enjoy up to 60% off Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions for teachers.
- Microsoft Office 365: Eligible teachers can get Office 365 Education for free. (Teach Away)
- Canva for Education: Teachers and students at eligible schools can access Canva for free. (Teach Away)
- Samsung: Teachers can save up to $800 on selected tech products like the Samsung Interactive Display and ViewFinity monitors.
🏨 Travel & Entertainment Discounts
- Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 40% on reservations by using the promo code TEACHER during Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Disney: Teachers can benefit from exclusive accommodation rates and ticket prices. (The Human Capital Hub)
🧠 Wellness & Mindfulness Offers
- Peloton App: Get the Peloton app for only $10 a month.
Simple Ways Students and Families Can Show Appreciation
Meaningful ways to honor teachers:
- Write a Thank-You Note: A heartfelt message can brighten a teacher's day.
- Donate Supplies: Contribute classroom materials to support teachers' needs.
- Volunteer Time: Offer assistance in the classroom or during school events.
- Share on Social Media: Post a message of appreciation and tag @NEAToday using #ThankATeacher.(National Education Association | NEA)
Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on their students and communities. While the official week may be over, the appreciation for teachers continues year-round. Let's keep the spirit of gratitude alive by supporting and celebrating our educators every day.