As the academic year winds to a close and students gear up for summer break, the first full week of May marks a moment of heartfelt gratitude across the United States: Teacher Appreciation Week. From May 5 to May 9, 2025—with National Teacher Day on May 6—educators are being recognized not only with words of thanks but also with discounts, giveaways, and gestures of kindness from businesses and communities nationwide.
A Profession of Passion and Perseverance
Despite the challenges educators face, including long hours, limited resources, and increasing emotional stress, they continue to show up each day with passion and resilience. According to a Pew Research Center survey from April 2024, 77% of teachers described their work as “frequently stressful,” and 68% called it “overwhelming.” Yet, a large majority remain committed to their students, often going above and beyond their formal duties.
The sentiment among the public echoes that dedication. Gallup’s 2023 polling found that 73% of parents rated their children’s teachers as either excellent or good—an improvement from 71% in 2018.
But appreciation is more than a percentage—it’s a shared understanding of the pivotal role educators play in shaping lives and communities.
From a Single Day to a National Movement
Teacher Appreciation Week traces its roots back to 1953, when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt urged Congress to establish a national day to honor. “It is quite impossible to give monetary compensation alone that will repay for their devotion,” Roosevelt wrote. Over the years, the observance grew, and in 1984, the National PTA formalized a full week of recognition each May.
Today, educators receive not just accolades but tangible tokens of thanks—thanks to a growing number of businesses and organizations stepping up to show their support.
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Free Food, Discounts, and More: A Week of Deals for Educators
From burritos to burgers, hotel stays to school supplies, brands across the U.S. are offering exclusive perks for educators this week. Here’s a snapshot of what teachers can enjoy:
- Chipotle: Teachers and healthcare workers can enter online for a chance to win one of 100,000 free burrito e-cards. Since 2016, Chipotle has gifted $16 million worth of meals to educators and medical professionals.
- Hilton & Embassy Suites by Hilton: Special summer deals are available at select Florida hotels for teachers using promo codes.
- Smoothie King: Flash your school ID in-store May 6–8 to get 20% off your order.
- Sonic Drive-In: Members of the Sonic Teachers’ Circle get access to exclusive app-only offers during the week, including buy-one-get-one deals and snack giveaways.
- Staples: Show your teacher ID and receive 20% off in-store purchases, plus a free pack of pens while supplies last.
Beyond these, a variety of restaurants and retailers have joined in:
- Abuelo’s offers 20% off meals on May 6.
- Atomic Wings is giving teachers a free 5-piece boneless wing order with fries.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers a 15% discount May 5–9 with a valid school ID.
- Eddie Merlot’s serves up a free dessert with entrée purchases all week.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse continues its Awesome Achievement Program, rewarding students and teachers alike.
- Box Tops for Education is running a campaign throughout May that lets users earn a $5 bonus for their school by scanning a receipt using their app.
Not Just a Week—A Movement of Recognition
Some initiatives are expanding beyond the confines of one week. Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a provider of financial services for teachers, has transformed Teacher Appreciation Week into a month-long celebration. Through virtual events, prize giveaways, and two grand Liberty Travel gift cards worth $2,500, the organization aims to give teachers something often missing from their profession: rest and recognition.
And it’s not just big companies getting involved. From local cafes to PTA-sponsored breakfasts and community art shows, schools and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to say thank you in meaningful ways.
Appreciating the Unseen Hours
While gift cards and discounts are welcome tokens, the heart of Teacher Appreciation Week lies in acknowledging the unseen hours teachers devote to lesson planning, emotional support, and shaping the future generation. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom walls, often impacting students for a lifetime.
So whether it’s through a handwritten note, a free burrito, or just a sincere thank you, take a moment this week to celebrate the educators in your life. After all, every great story begins with a teacher.
