Every spring, schools, communities, businesses, and families come together to celebrate the everyday heroes shaping our future: teachers. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is a nationwide celebration of educators’ hard work and dedication, packed with gratitude, recognition—and plenty of perks.

Here’s everything you need to know: important dates, the history of the event, why it matters, and a comprehensive roundup of the best freebies, discounts, and deals being offered this year.

Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week

When Is Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day 2025?

  • Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9

  • National Teacher Day 2025: Tuesday, May 6

These annual observances are always held in the first full week of May, with National Teacher Day falling on the Tuesday of that week.

History of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day

The idea of recognizing teachers on a national scale began in 1944, thanks to the efforts of Mattye Whyte Woodridge, an Arkansas teacher who believed educators deserved a dedicated day of honor. She lobbied political leaders, eventually gaining the support of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who successfully advocated for a national observance.

  • 1953: The first official National Teacher Day was celebrated.

  • 1980: The National Education Association (NEA) began recognizing it on the first Tuesday of March.

  • 1984: The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) moved the event to May, establishing Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May and placing National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of that week.

Best Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week
Best Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week

Why Teacher Appreciation Week Matters

Teachers shape the future—one student, one lesson, one classroom at a time. They often go above and beyond their job descriptions, working long hours, buying supplies with their own money, and investing emotionally in their students’ lives.

Teacher Appreciation Week is more than just a calendar event—it's a public acknowledgment of their impact. It’s a chance to:

  • Recognize their hard work and sacrifice

  • Celebrate their positive influence on generations of learners

  • Encourage greater support for educators at all levels of government and community

Best Teacher Appreciation Week Deals, Discounts & Freebies in 2025

Dozens of national brands and restaurants are stepping up to honor teachers with exclusive promotions, valid ID required in most cases. Here’s a detailed breakdown by category:

Food & Beverage Offers

Brand Offer Valid Dates
Whataburger Free breakfast entrée (5–9 a.m.) May 5–9
McAlister’s Deli Free Big Tea with ID May 5–12
Smoothie King 20% off in-store orders May 6–8
Shipley Do-Nuts Free ½ dozen doughnuts, no purchase required May 4–6
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 15% off with ID May 5–9
La Madeleine BOGO bakery item for rewards members May 6
Einstein Bros. Bagels 20% off online gift card purchases Ongoing

Meal Discounts and Restaurant Freebies

Restaurant Offer Valid Dates
Buffalo Wild Wings 20% off dine-in/call-in/walk-in May 5–11
Hat Creek Burger Co. Free Little Hat Burger with ID May 6
The Greene Turtle Free meal (up to $15 value) May 6
Tijuana Flats 20% off with code NURTEA25 May 7
Happy Joe’s 20% off meals with ID May 5–9
Logan’s Roadhouse 20% off entrées May 5–12

Dessert Deals

Brand Offer Valid Dates
Eddie Merlot’s & Sullivan’s Steakhouse Free dessert with entrée May 5–9
Insomnia Cookies BOGO Classic Cookies (in-store) May 5–11
Tim Hortons BOGO doughnut & BOGO 6-pack (with dozen) May 5–11

Student & School-Focused Offers

Brand Offer
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Teachers can reward students with a free Snickers Pizookie via the Awesome Achievement Program
Box Tops for Education $5 bonus to schools when new users scan a receipt using code “TEACHER” by May 31
Sonic Drive-In App-only rewards for Teacher’s Circle members: free snacks, burger and dessert discounts (May 5–9)
Tiff’s Treats 15% off online cookie orders with code 15TIFFS (May 5–9)
Original ChopShop 10% off dine-in and takeout orders with teacher ID (May 5–9)

Retail, Tech & Office Supply Discounts

Retailer Offer Notes
Staples 20% off + free 12-pack pens May 4–10
Office Depot / OfficeMax 30% back in Bonus Rewards Requires Teacher Coupon
Samsung Up to $800 off select products Includes monitors, interactive displays
Lenovo Extra 5% off sitewide Teachers & students only
Adobe 60% off Creative Cloud plan Verified educators only

How to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Whether you're a student, parent, school leader, or community member, here are some meaningful ways to show appreciation:

  • Write a Thank-You Note: A simple, heartfelt message can go a long way.

  • Give a Practical Gift: Supplies, gift cards, or books for the classroom are always appreciated.

  • Organize a Group Surprise: Coordinate with parents or students to decorate a teacher’s room or host a special lunch.

  • Support Education Causes: Donate to teacher grants, education funds, or nonprofit classroom projects.

  • Post on Social Media: Use hashtags like #ThankATeacher, #TeacherAppreciationWeek, or #NationalTeacherDay to spread awareness.

Final Thoughts

Teachers are the backbone of education and the architects of our future. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is a time to show them the gratitude they so deeply deserve. From free breakfasts and dessert deals to deep tech discounts and community recognition, this is the perfect week to say “Thank you”.

So whether you're a teacher yourself or want to honor the ones who’ve made a difference in your life—don’t miss out on these incredible offers and heartfelt opportunities to show appreciation.