Best 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week Deals and Freebies
It’s that time of year again—when we all come together to say a big “thank you” to the amazing teachers shaping young minds every single day.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday, May 6. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or just someone who remembers a teacher who changed your life, now is the perfect time to show some love.
And the good news? Plenty of restaurants and retailers are offering free food, deals, and discounts to make teachers feel valued and celebrated.
What is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week was officially established in 1984 by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to recognize the important work educators do. But its roots go even further back—to 1953, when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt pushed for a national day to honor teachers.
Roosevelt said it best:
“It is quite impossible to give teachers monetary compensation alone that will repay for their devotion to the job.”
In short, it’s a week to pause and appreciate the people who inspire, encourage, and educate—often under challenging circumstances.
Are Teachers Feeling the Appreciation?
Not always. According to a recent Pew survey from April 2024,
- 77% of teachers say their job feels frequently stressful.
- 68% describe it as “overwhelming.”
- And a Horace Mann Educators Corporation survey found over 30% of educators don’t feel appreciated.
Yet despite the pressure, the vast majority remain committed to their students. That’s why these gestures—big or small—really matter.
Deals & Discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025
Looking to show a teacher some love—or are you a teacher wondering where you can get treated this week? Here’s your ultimate roundup of offers:
Chipotle: Free Burritos for Teachers
- Through May 13, teachers can sign up to be among 100,000 winners of a free burrito.
- Healthcare workers are included, too (it’s also Nurse Appreciation Week).
- Winners will verify their ID through ID.me to receive a free burrito e-card.
Chipotle has donated over $16 million in meals to educators and medical pros since 2016.
Hilton & Embassy Suites
- Teachers can score discounted stays at six Florida hotels.
- Use these booking codes to unlock deals:
- Miami (PK5),
- Miami Beach (P1),
- Deerfield Beach & Fort Lauderdale (PL5),
- Tampa (TEAP and TEP).
Smoothie King
- From May 6–8, teachers get 20% off in-store orders with a valid school ID.
Sonic Drive-In
- Join the Sonic Teachers’ Circle (via the Sonic app) to unlock exclusive deals:
- Free snack or side with a purchase
- Buy one Sonic Blast, get one free
- $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
How Else Can You Show Appreciation?
Besides taking advantage of these deals, here are a few simple (but powerful) ways to celebrate teachers:
- Write a thank-you card (yes, handwritten still matters!)
- Send a small gift card for coffee, books, or lunch
- Share a social media post honoring your favorite teacher
- Check out resources from the NEA, PTA, or We Are Teachers for fun appreciation projects and classroom-friendly ideas
Final Thoughts
Teachers give so much of themselves—time, energy, and heart. This week, let’s all make a point to give something back. Whether it’s a free smoothie, a discounted vacation, or a heartfelt “thank you,” it all adds up.
Quick Summary (for Featured Snippet):
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 runs May 5–9, with National Teacher Day on May 6. Restaurants like Chipotle, Sonic, and Smoothie King are offering freebies and discounts for educators. Hilton hotels in Florida also have special offers.
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