Teachers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They take care of and educate our kids, work long hours often for little pay and have been known to reach into their own pockets to help a student or improve their classroom.
While educators should get accolades year-round, National Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week of May) and Teacher Appreciation Day (the first Tuesday in May) are the official times to offer words of thanks and gifts to our nation’s teaching staff. Local and national businesses join the teacher fan club by offering Teacher Appreciation Week deals and freebies every year.
Retailers, restaurants, even vacation providers all give teachers a little something extra during the first full week of May. Teachers, we hope you treat yourself to something nice. Parents and students, make sure your teachers know about all the discounts and free stuff available to them.
Plus, be sure to review our list of discounts for teachers available all year long.
The offers are only available at participating locations. Limit one per person, while supplies last.
Teachers must present a valid school ID for redemption. However, select deals are open to all customers.
Image: Flynn Applebee’s
Applebee’s
Cheers to teachers and nurses!
From May 4 to 8, 2026, Applebee’s is offering teachers and nurses a FREE appetize or dessert (up to $12) with the purchase of an entrée.
Qualifying customers must mention the offer upon ordering.
The deal is only available at Flynn Applebee’s locations in the following states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Plattsburg, NY.
Limit one offer per order, per visit.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Teachers can go wild with savings for the week!
Through June 10, 2026, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering its wildly popular Bottomless Appetizers for just $9.99. Best of all, that price is for up to four diners!
Choose from five fan-favorite appetizers — served two at a time.
Burger King
Hungry educators can feel appreciated for more than just one week by taking a bite of Burger King’s current special.
Teachers (and all customers) get FREE fries with a minimum $3 purchase through the end of the year. The offer is only available for Royal Perks members.
Cafe Rio
Spice up Teacher Appreciation Week with savings at Cafe Rio!
Cafe Rio is offering big savings with its $25 Double Meal Deal — includes two entrées, two drinks and chips & dip. The deal offers savings of nearly 40% off regular prices.
The deal runs through Sept. 7, 2026.
Cheap Caribbean
Teachers definitely deserve a vacation, and there’s no better place to relax than in a tropical locale.
Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and members of the military.
Teachers can enjoy $150 off their next vacation package. Get more details here.
Daiso
The Japanese discount store Daiso already offers big savings. And, from May 4 to 10, 2026, teachers can enjoy even more savings with 10% off their entire purchase.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Hole-in-one!
On May 6, 2026, Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving teachers (and nurses!) a FREE Bagel & Shmear of their choice with any purchase.
Find locations nationwide by state here.
Eyemart Express
National optical retailer Eyemart Express is recognizing all teachers with 20% off in-store purchases, including 2,000 frames, lens upgrades and accessories.
The discount is available to anyone employed by an accredited public or private PK-12 school, college or university with a valid school ID badge.
Simply present a valid school ID badge to take advantage of the savings, all year long.
Firehouse Subs
Roll call for savings at Firehouse Subs!
On May 6, 2026, Firehouse Subs is giving away its new Steak & Cheese Melt for FREE to any customer, including teachers, with the first name Mike, Michael, Mikey, Miguel, Michelle, Michele or Michaela.
No purchase necessary — just present a valid photo ID at checkout.
First Watch
Teachers can watch out for for big cup of savings at First Watch!
From May 2 to 8, 2026, First Watch is offering a FREE hot or iced coffee for every teacher that comes through their doors for the week.
Specialty iced coffees, including Cold Brew, Mint Mocha or Honey Caramel Crunch, can be purchased at a discounted price.
Gift Card Bonuses
Fortunately, Teachers Appreciation Week falls during springtime, which means teachers can take advantage of the many seasonal gift card bonuses available from late April to mid-June.
Review our gift card bonus round-up here.
KFC
KFC has savings all boxed for hungry teachers!
For a limited time, KFC is offering a new Value Feast line-up with the introduction of three KFC Box Feasts — priced at $7, $9 and $11.
Each box includes fries and a medium drink.
Lenovo
Computers are a necessary educational tool in every classroom, so any savings on them are helpful. Teachers of any grade level can save an extra 5% sitewide at Lenovo.
A discount is also available for students and parents.
Live Nation
Teachers can start planning for summer fun savings!
From April 29 to May 5, 2026, Live Nation is offering its “Summer of Live” sale with $30 tickets (including all fees) to more than 4,000 shows nationwide this summer.
National Education Association
If you’re one of the millions of members of the National Education Association, enjoy lots of ongoing deals and discounts exclusive to members.
The member benefits are wide- ranging, from discounted vacations to credit cards with lots of rewards. Look under “Benefits & Discounts.”
The Parking Spot
Teachers will soon be able to enjoy a much-deserved summer vacation, so the nation’s largest near-airport parking company is helping them travel affordably by offering discounted parking.
While teachers enjoy a 10% discount every day, The Parking Spot is increasing the discount to 25% for any reservation made in May for travel through the end of 2026.
The Parking Spot operates more than 75 parking lots at 45+ major airports.
To get the discount, teachers need to register here.
P.F. Chang’s
Not all heroes wear capes!
On May 4 and 5, 2026, P.F. Chang’s is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE entrée to all customers for pick-up. Use promo code HEROPICKUP26 at checkout online via the restaurant’s site or app.
The offer is also available in-restaurant. Be sure to clarify participation before ordering. Get more details here.
Potbelly
Take a break from grading papers at Potbelly!
From May 4 to 12, 2026, the popular sub shop is offering a FREE cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée for teachers and nurses.
Red Lobster
Teachers who love shrimp should head to Red Lobster for jumbo savings!
For a limited time, the popular seafood restaurant is offering its popular Endless Shrimp special — price and participation varies by location.
Choose from Marry Me Shrimp, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp.
Samsung
Teachers and administrators can get plugged into big savings through Samsung’s Education Offers Program.
Join Samsung’s Education Offers Program and unlock extra savings by signing up with an eligible email ID and completing the ID.me verification process. Save up to 30% on many popular products.
Shake Shack
Fortunately, Teachers Appreciation Week falls during National Burger Month!
From May 1 to 31, 2026, Shake Shack is celebrating the juicy month a FREE burger with a minimum purchase of $10 every week in May.
Find out what’s currently available here.
Starbird
Teachers will definitely have something to chirp about at Starbird!
On May 5, 2026, Starbird is giving teachers a FREE salad, sandwich or tender box (up to $15) — including all teachers, administrator and leadership.
Starbird has locations in California and Colorado.
Subway
Teachers (and everyone else) can take advantage of big savings at Subway.
Subway just introduced its first-ever Fresh Value Menu with 15 popular entrées priced at under $5 — including a Sub of the Day for $4.99.
A family of four could feast for under $20!
Target
Right on target for savings for teachers!
From May 3 to 9, 2026, verified teachers* (who are also members of the store’s FREE Target Circle loyalty program) receive 10% off one storewide purchase — in-store or online.
Target also offers ongoing support for educators throughout the year. Verified teachers enjoy $50 off an annual Target Circle 360 membership, which includes FREE shipping, same-day delivery, monthly freebies and early access to select sales and collaborations. (Teachers pay only $49 for the annual membership — regularly $99.)
*Get started here to qualify for the discount.
For more articles about teachers and year-round deals and discounts:
Photo: Taco Bell
