Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: How to get deals, freebies at Chipotle, Burger King, more

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is May 5-9.

The origins of Teacher Appreciation week started in the early 1940s, when Mattye Whyte Woodridge, a teacher from Arkansas, lobbied political and educational leaders to advocate for a day that honored teachers, according to the nonprofit TCEA.

Eventually, the idea reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and she pushed Congress to create a National Teacher Day in 1953.

READ MORE: Stanley just revealed a secret 40% discount for Teacher Appreciation Week: Here’s how to get it

However, there was no consistent national observance of the day until the 1980s, when the National Education Association lobbied Congress to recognize National Teacher Day as a yearly event.

In 1984, another group called the National Parent Teacher Association decided to extend the celebration, and it was designated to honor teachers in the first week of May ever since.

Fast forward to the present, and you’ll find that many businesses use the celebration to honor teachers for their hard work by offering freebies and deals.

Here is what you need to know about the restaurants and shops offering freebies and deals all week.

The dates of the exact deals and freebies can vary by location. Most places usually require teachers to show a school ID to participate, so it is best to check with your local store on promotions.

Teacher Appreciation Week Deals & Freebies 2025

Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers get 20% off orders during Teacher Appreciation Week. This deal is available for dine-in and takeout orders when teachers show their school ID.

Burger King: Teachers who show their ID can get free fries with any purchase.

Chipotle: Chipotle is giving away $1 million in free Chipotle entrees to teachers. All teachers have to do is enter their name and email for the chance at a free Chipotle e-Card that will have a promo code to redeem for a free entree.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard: Teachers can get a free mini sundae when they show a valid school ID.

Insomnia Cookies: Teachers can get a free Classic cookie from May 5-9 when they shop in-store. No purchase is necessary for this deal, but teachers must show valid ID.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, teachers can get a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they buy an entrée. Must show ID to redeem the free cookie or drink.

Shake Shack: Show your work ID badge and enjoy a hand-spun shake when you order during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Sonic: Teachers enrolled in Sonic’s Teachers’ Circle Rewards program will get access to rewards on food from May 5-9 when they order online or from the Sonic App. Teachers and faculty must get verified before May 5 to receive the deals.

Tim Horton’s: If you’re a Tim Horton’s rewards member, you can buy one donut and get one free or buy 12 donuts and get six free.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.