As the school year wraps up and summer is almost upon us, it presents a perfect time to cherish the invaluable work that teachers do all year round during National Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, in 2025, with National Teacher’s Day on May 6. Thousands of teachers across America will be showered with affection and freebies.
A nation that values its teachers
Teachers were called to be there for their students, sometimes for long hours, under mounting pressure. A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 73% of parents gave a rating of excellent or good to their children’s teachers in K-12, a number that rose a bit from 71% in 2018. However, an April 2024 Pew survey stated that 77% of teachers feel their job is stress-inducing frequently, and 68% claimed it was overwhelming.
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Yet, commitment is still there. Another study by Horace Mann Educators Corporation revealed that more than 30 percent do not feel appreciated, but most are still dedicated to their students. To lift their spirits, the corporation is promoting an entire month filled with various online events with weekly prizes, including two Liberty Travel gift cards worth $2,500 to a lucky few winners!
Tradition with heart
First held in 1953, National Teacher Appreciation Week sought awareness for teachers who work diligently toward building the nation under the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “It is quite impossible to give teachers monetary compensation alone that will repay for their devotion. I think we could compensate a little more adequately for their efforts if we were conscious of their importance.”
Need to say thanks to an awesome teacher? Sources like National PTA, NEA, and We Are Teachers can offer ideas and printable projects.
Free food and discounts just for educators
Teachers can enjoy an array of restaurant specials, gift cards, and retail discounts during the week. Here’s a roundup of what’s available:
Chipotle
Through May 13, teachers (and healthcare workers) can enter to win one of 100,000 free burritos. Winners will verify eligibility via ID.me.
Hilton Hotels
Select Florida properties are offering teacher-exclusive rates using special booking codes, including locations in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.
Smoothie King
From May 6–8, educators get 20% off in-store orders with a valid ID.
Sonic Drive-In
Members of the Teachers’ Circle rewards program can unlock:
- Free snack or side with purchase
- Buy one, get one Sonic Blast
- $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
Staples
From May 4–10, educators get 20% off in-store purchases and a free 12-pack of pens with a valid ID.
More deals worth checking out
- McAlister’s Deli: Free Big Tea all week and a chance to win a catered lunch for 30.
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza: 15% off pizzas May 6–9 with code APPRECIATE25.
- The Greene Turtle: Free dine-in meal on May 6 with valid teacher ID.
- la Madeleine: Buy one, get one free bakery item on May 6.
- Shipley Do-Nuts: Free half dozen donuts May 4–6, no purchase required.
- Stitch Fix: 25% off first styling order May 5–9.
From pizza to pens, from burritos to burgers, and even from hotels, Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 deserves a well-earned time of recognition. It’s more than just a week; it’s a country-wide thank-you. Are you going to appreciate a teacher this year?
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