While we can—and should—thank educators year-round, Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time dedicated to honoring them. Each May, schools, restaurants, and retailers offer deals and freebies specifically for teachers and school staff. Below is a curated, SEO-friendly list of offers available during Teacher Appreciation Week this year, May 4–8, 2026. Availability varies by location and some offers require valid school ID or registration.
Freebies & Deals Teachers Can Get During Teacher Appreciation Week
Applebee’s
May 4–8: At participating locations, teachers dining in can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. Valid school ID is required. Participating locations may vary, so check locally.
Aroma Joe’s
May 4–10: Teachers with valid ID can get a free 20 oz hot or iced coffee or energy drink. On May 5, select locations are offering a free 24 oz iced drink with no purchase necessary.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
May 5: Teachers can enjoy $4 margaritas and Happy Hour specials (3–6 PM) with discounted food and beverages during Teacher Appreciation Week.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Teachers can enroll in the Awesome Achievement program to access rewards and resources that support classroom incentives throughout the school year.
Buffalo Wild Wings
May 4–10: Teachers and school staff receive 20% off dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders with valid ID (participating locations). The chain also runs ongoing promotions through its rewards program, such as buy-one-get-one wing offers on specified days.
Chick-fil-A
Select locations offer teachers a complimentary menu item—such as a sandwich, fries, or drink—during Teacher Appreciation Week. Offer details and redemption vary by location.
Chipotle
Through May 12: Teachers can register online for a chance to be among 100,000 educators randomly selected to receive a free burrito e-card. Selected teachers must verify employment (via ID.me) within a specified timeframe to claim the reward.
Crocs
Teachers who verify their status using ID.me can receive 15% off Crocs purchases on the official website. Availability and redemption require verification through the retailer’s partner service.
Dearfoams
Buy any pair of Dearfoams and receive a free pair to gift to a teacher. The free pair is provided via promo code sent by email after purchase; terms and availability may apply.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Through May 8: Teachers with valid ID can claim a free scoop of strawberry ice cream at participating locations.
Dog Haus
May 4–8: Teachers showing valid ID can get 20% off dine-in orders. Many locations also offer a free dessert with an entrée purchase during the same period—ID required.
Firehouse Subs
Starting May 4: Firehouse Rewards members and app users may access special Teacher Appreciation Week offers, including BOGO subs and app-based promotions. Register in the app and verify ID to see available deals.
The Greene Turtle
May 6: Teachers who dine in and show valid ID at participating Greene Turtle locations can receive a free meal (up to $15).
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
May 4–9: Participating Happy Joe’s locations offer teachers a 20% discount Monday through Friday during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Hash Kitchen
May 4–12: Teachers with valid ID can save 20% on dine-in and takeout orders at participating Hash Kitchen locations.
Insomnia Cookies
In-store: Teachers and school staff who show valid ID can get buy-one-get-one-free Classic Cookies. Online: Use promo code EARNEDIT26 for 20% off large cookie orders (terms apply).
McAlister’s Deli
May 4–8: Teachers and educators can receive a free Big Tea with no purchase required at participating locations. Valid ID may be necessary.
Noodles & Company
Through May 5: Save 10% on catering orders over $150 using code APPRECIATION2026. This code applies to qualifying catering purchases placed during the promotion window.
Peter Piper Pizza
May 5–9: Teachers and nurses with valid ID can receive a free personal pizza each day, Monday through Friday, at participating locations.
Peet’s Coffee
May 5: Teachers can claim a free small coffee, tea, or cold brew with valid ID at participating Peet’s Coffee shops.
Potbelly
Teachers can get a free cookie or drink with the purchase of an entrée. Potbelly is also offering 10% off catering orders with code SAVE10 during the promotional period.
Scholastic
May 5–9: Scholastic Teacher Store discounts include tiered savings—for example, $5 off $50, $20 off $100, $35 off $150, and $50 off orders of $200 or more. Scholastic Book Clubs are offering 10x Club points on orders of $25+ and additional site discounts during this week.
Shake Shack
Select locations: Teachers can receive a free burger with a minimum purchase of $10 at participating Shake Shack restaurants. Check local Shack promotions for exact redemption details.
Sonic Drive-In
May 5–9: Educators who join the Sonic Teachers’ Circle via the app before May 5 can unlock a range of offers during Teacher Appreciation Week, including BOGO Sonic Blasts, free large drinks or slushies, free small sides with entrée purchases, and other exclusive rewards available through the app.
Smoothie King
May 6–8: Teachers showing valid working ID can receive 20% off in-store orders at participating Smoothie King locations.
Texas Roadhouse
Teachers presenting a valid school ID can get 10% off their total bill at participating Texas Roadhouse restaurants during the promotion.
Via 313
May 4–8: Teachers with valid ID can save 15% on purchases at participating Via 313 locations.
Whataburger
May 7 (5–9 AM): Teachers can get a free breakfast entrée with no purchase necessary at participating Whataburger locations during the designated morning hours.
Note: Offers, dates, and participation vary by location and are subject to change. Many promotions require a valid teacher or school ID, prior registration, or membership in a brand’s rewards program. For the most accurate details, confirm directly with the participating location or the brand’s official app before visiting.