Thanks, Teachers: 10 Freebies and Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers, you guys have really, really hard jobs.
You have to explain what colors and shapes are, and the sounds that letters make. (Non-teachers: Go ahead, try this on a friend. It’s not that easy.)
You have to learn, like, 60 new names every single semester.
And perhaps most horrifyingly, many of you have to grade final papers — a task I found so onerous when I was a teacher that I quit after just one year. Sorry, not sorry.
But much like how Pretzel Day brings a joyful reprieve to the hard life of Stanley Hudson from “The Office,” Teacher Appreciation Week has the potential to make all that tough work worth it.
Because during this one week, people finally recognize that a pop quiz means more work for you, too. Because they recognize that summers off only barely begin to make up for your job of trying to talk sense into hormone-fueled, not-yet fully developed brains all day.
Because you deserve it.
… and mostly because free food.
Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Deals
Teachers touch everyone’s lives, so lots of vendors are showing their appreciation with freebies and discounts.
Many deals take place on National Teacher Appreciation Day — Tuesday, May 8 — while others last throughout the whole first full week of May, which is Teacher Appreciation Week.
So once the final bell rings, get your hardworking butt out of the classroom, and take advantage of some of these 10 rewards! Heaven knows, you’ve earned them.
1. A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts
Need craft supplies? A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts will give you 20% off your entire purchase — and you don’t even have to shop during Teacher Appreciation Week, because you can enjoy 15% off every time you shop at A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts.
2. Chipotle
You don’t have to practice what you teach if you visit Chipotle on Tuesday, May 8, because one plus one turns into two for the price of one with this BOGO Chipotle deal in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re a preschool teacher, home-school teacher, college professor, or faculty or staff member, this BOGO deal is for all educators — just be sure to bring a valid ID and visit your local Chipotle after 3 p.m.
3. Chick-fil-A
Because each Chick-fil-A location is privately owned, there’s not an overarching deal — but we’ve seen lots of branches offer free or discounted food in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.
Check with your favorite location to see what it’s up to! And if you don’t get free food… Well, you know where you keep that ruler.
4. Cicis Pizza
Get your buffet on at Cicis for Teacher Appreciation Day on May 8. Bring this coupon and a valid school ID to your local Cicis to enjoy a free adult buffet.
5. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Whether you’re a teacher looking to spoil your fellow teachers or a parent, family member or friend in search of a deal to show your appreciation, you can kick off Teacher Appreciation Week with this catering deal from Einstein Bros. Bagels.
When you order pickup or delivery between May 7 and May 11, you can take 20% off your order with promo code 9053.
6. EVOS
Here’s one our local readers in the Tampa Bay, Florida, area will love.
Grab a friend and head to EVOS between May 7-11. When they buy one meal, salad or bowl, you’ll get yours for free in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.
7. The Greene Turtle
Live near a Greene Turtle sports bar?
This Tuesday, May 8, enjoy a free meal of up to $12 in value, or $12 off a more expensive menu item with a beverage purchase.
8. Major League Baseball
Hey teachers! Who wants to take me out to the ball game?
Many Major League Baseball teams are honoring teachers with ticket discounts, deals and freebies. Teacher appreciation nights include the Philadelphia Phillies on May 11, the L.A. Dodgers on May 8, and the Oakland A’s on May 22. Check your local team’s website for details.
9. PDQ
Sick of the cafeteria food?
Get 50% off your bill at PDQ all day on Tuesday, May 8 with a valid teacher ID.
10. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Here’s another Teacher Appreciation Day freebie: Get a free box combo at Raising Cane’s from 6-9 p.m. May 8 when you present your school ID.
Want More Awesome Teacher Discounts?
These 21 discounts are in effect all year long.
And hey — seriously — thank you, teachers. For all you do.
Jamie Cattanach (@jamiecattanach) is a writer was not at all tough enough to make it as a teacher. Her creative writing has been featured in DMQ Review, Sweet: A Literary Confection and elsewhere.
Junior writer Jen Smith (@savingwithspunk) and editorial assistant Jessica Gray contributed to this post.
