When it comes to the people who help teach our children reading, writing, arithmetic and so many other important life lessons, we can't thank them enough.
That's why a nationwide effort known as Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around every year to give us all a chance to give our endless thanks to educators.
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week runs from Monday, May 6, through Friday, May 10, and many major retailers, restaurants and brands are offering special discounts and freebies - some of which are actually available year-round.
From school supplies to coffee and everything in between, there are plenty of deals for teachers to take advantage of.
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For most offers, you'll need a school ID to verify you're a teacher or staffer.
Classroom Supplies
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Office Depot/Office Max
Both stores are offering teachers 30% back in bonus rewards on qualifying purchases from now until June 29. Valid in-store only with valid teacher ID. See the coupon near the bottom of the page here.
Scholastic
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Scholastic's Teacher Store will have the following deals:
- $5 off $50
- $20 off $100
- $35 off $150
- $50 off $200+
Scholastic's Book Clubs will also offer teachers 10x Clubs points with orders over $25.
Families looking to express their thanks in the form of a Scholastic gift card, will be automatically entered to win $550 for a teacher. From now until May 10, when you send a Scholastic eGift card you’ll be entered for the chance to win $550 of new books and resources for an educator of your choice.
Staples
Staples' U.S. stores are giving free supply kits to teachers when they come into a participating location and show their ID between May 4 - 11. The kits include:
- 2 Expo dry-erase markers
- 1 Sharpie permanent marker
- 2 Sharpie highlighters
- 2 Paper Mate ballpoint pens
- 8 Paper Mate woodcase pencils
- 2 Paper Mate erases
- 1 Elmer’s glue stick
- 1 Elmer’s liquid school glue
Teachers can also get a 20% discount on one in-store purchase between May 5 - 11 with a teacher ID. The offer can't be combined with our discounts and exclusions apply on items including, but not limited to computers, computer hardware/accessories, graphics cards, tablets, Chromebooks, streaming devices, Amazon products, Apple products, ASUS products and Bose products.
Food
Applebee's
Save room for dessert! Teachers (with valid ID) who dine-in at Applebee's during National Teacher Appreciation Week will get a free dessert with any purchase. They'll also get a voucher for a BOGO free entree for a future order, which can be redeemed from May 13 - June 9.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is giving teachers a 20% discount from May 6 - 12. Offer is valid for dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders only with valid teacher ID.
BurgerFi
Teachers can get a 20% discount on all orders, with a valid ID at participating BurgerFi restaurants from May 6 - 12.
Dunkin' Donuts
Teachers can get their caffeine fix once a day, every day during Teacher Appreciation Week. Dunkin’ Refreshers are only $3 through Dunkin’ Rewards.
Insomnia Cookies
If you give a teacher a cookie... Insomnia Cookies is giving teachers a free classic cookie from May 6 - 12 with valid ID. No purchase necessary.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free dozen donuts for the staff room when you join Krispy Kreme Rewards by May. 11. The deal is open to everyone, not just teachers.
Potbelly
Teachers can get a free cookie or fountain drink when they purchase an entrée in-store from May 6 - 12.
Smoothie King
Teachers can get $2 off their smoothies on May 6 and 7 with promo code THANKS2024.
Sonic
Sonic is offering educators five separate rewards that can be redeemed for various free Sonic menu items. To take advantage of the offers, teachers must sign up for the SONIC Teachers’ Circle program via the Sonic app by May 6.
The following deals can then be redeemed any time between May 6 and May 20 with any qualifying purchase:
- Buy one SONIC Blast®, Get One Free
- Buy One Entree, Get One Free
- Free SONIC® Cheeseburger with any Purchase
- Free Large Drink or Slush with any Purchase
- Free Small Side with Entrée Purchase
TGI Friday's
On Teacher Appreciation Day – Tuesday, May 7, TGI Friday's will be serving up free meals to teachers all day long. Teachers who dine-in can choose from the following entrees:
- Cheeseburger with Fries
- Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries & Coleslaw
- Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side
- Half portion of Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
Whataburger
Whataburger wants to give teachers the right fuel to start their day by gifting them a complimentary breakfast entrée. During National Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers who show their school ID from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. can get a free taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.
They will also be giving away WhataTeacher Table Tents (while supplies last) and 63 teachers will be selected to receive a $1,000 grant for their school.
Year-Round Discounts
Teach for America has organized a list of dozens of discounts and deals from Apple, Headspace, Party City and more. See the entire list here.
