All the Perks and Freebies You Can Get for Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers are among that handful of professions in which people simply don't get enough love. They don't get enough compensation. They don't get enough credit for the important work they perform. They don't get enough credit for putting up...

teacher appreciation week deals 2019
Courtesy of CheapCaribbean.com
Courtesy of CheapCaribbean.com

Teachers are among that handful of professions in which people simply don't get enough love. They don't get enough compensation. They don't get enough credit for the important work they perform. They don't get enough credit for putting up with all the crap you probably did to them when you were a kid. (Yes, Ted, gluing Mr. McAvoy's drawers shut was funny, but it also drove him to stop at the liquor store on the way home from school.)

So, Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from May 6-10, is a damn good thing. It's a week where you can show appreciation to teachers in your life, and businesses across the country offer freebies and discounts to teachers and other school staff members. These are some hard-earned perks for teachers who care a lot and even go so far as to buy supplies for their own classrooms. 

Take a look below at some of the perks available for teachers, and go out of your way to thank a teacher this week. They've probably earned that and a little more. 

Travel Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week

RaceTrac
The deal: The convenience store chain is offering free gas to teachers in Atlanta, the company's headquarters. Any teacher in the Cobb County school district can stop by one of two locations (3103 Roswell Rd and 1625 Old Hwy 41) to get a free $20 gift card.
When: May 7, 4-6pm

CheapCaribbean.com
The deal: From May 6-10, Cheap Caribbean will be handing out 50 free round-trip flights to Mexico. This is only available for teachers. Get the details on how to enter here
When: Enter from May 6-10

Hilton Orlando
The deal: Teachers can get 20% off the best available rate at Hilton Orlando plus a daily $50 credit, complimentary transportation on Orlando's I-Ride Trolly, and other discounts. 
When: Through May 10

Alamo
The deal: If you're a member of the American Federation of Teachers you can get $25 off a car rental. 
When: Ongoing

Aston Hotels & Resorts
The deal: Teachers are getting set up with 10% off as well as complimentary benefits like free room upgrades and WiFi. 
When: Ongoing

Rosetta Stone
The deal: The language-learning software is offering teachers a free three-month subscription. If you want the goods, send an email to expandyourworld@rosettastone.com with the subject line "National Teacher Appreciation Week." You'll get a code for your free subscription. 
When: Through May 10

Sandals Resorts
The deal: Every day in May, Sandals is giving away a free trip to one of its resorts. You'll get a six-night, seven-day trip. This isn't just open to teachers. The offer is open to mothers, nurses, teachers, or members of the military. Get all the details here
When: May 1-31

Southwest
The deal:
 This offer isn't limited to teachers, but teachers could certainly benefit from the offer. Southwest is running a three-day flash sale with one-way tickets for as little as $49. Find more details here
When: Buy by May 9

Balmoral Resort
The deal: Throughout the month, teachers and educators who book at Balmoral Resort in Central Florida will get 35% off nightly rates. 
When: Through May 31

Retail Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week

Barnes & Noble
The deal: Get a 25% discount on in-store purchases and 10% off cafe purchases. 
When: Ongoing

Bonobos
The deal: Teachers who verify their credentials through SheerID can get a 20% discount.
When: May 6-10

Brooklyn Bedding
The deal: Teachers with a valid ID can get 30% off purchases sitewide for Teacher Appreciation Week. 
When: May 6-14

Crayola
The deal: Teachers can take 15% off everything at Crayola.com with the promo code "THANKYOU."
When: May 6, 10am - May 13, 10am

DiscountContactLenses.com
The deal:
 Grab 15% off your contact lens order with the discount code "HEARTTEACHERS."
When: May 6-10

DiscountGlasses.com
The deal: 
Use the code "HEARTTEACHERS" to get 30% off your order. 
When: May 6-10

Half Price Books
The deal: Sign up for the Educator Discount Card for a 10% discount all year round. 
When: Ongoing

Zappos 
The deal: Teachers and college students can get 10% off everything on the Zappos site. 
When: Ongoing

P.volve Fitness
The deal: Teachers can get $20 off monthly streaming services and 20% off equipment purchases.
When: Through May 31

Northern Brewer
The deal: This one isn't exclusive to teachers, but the homebrew supply shop is offering 10% off with the code "BREWTOOLS."
When: Limited time

STM Goods
The deal: The shop with cases and bags for your electronics is offering 40% off all purchases for any educator with an EDU email address and the code "TEACH40."
When: May 6-11

teacher appreciation week deals 2019
Courtesy of Metro Diner

Food Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week

Chipotle
The deal:
The burrito purveyor is celebrating educators again this year with its annual Teacher Appreciation Day buy-one-get-one free deal. Teachers of all levels -- from preschool to university -- with a valid school ID who buy a burrito, burrito bowl, order of tacos, or salad will get another one for free once school is out for the day. 
When: May 7 from 3pm to close

Bruegger's Bagels
The deal: Teachers with a valid school ID can grab a free medium drip or iced coffee with any purchase. Additionally, you can grab $10 off a group order of at least $75 with the code "TENOFF75."
When: May 6-10

Ziggi's Coffee
The deal:
 Educators can pick up a free 16oz coffee as a thank you for everything you do. The offer is valid at all Ziggi's locations. 
When: May 8

Cicis Pizza
The deal:
 Teachers with a valid ID and this coupon get a free adult buffet. Thanks for putting up with us when we were crappy kids. 
When: May 7

Sonic
The deal: The fast-food chain is giving teachers and "everyone who appreciates them" a free Route 44 Drink or Slush when you order ahead through the Sonic app with the code "TEACHERS."
When: May 7-31

McAlister's Deli
The deal: Teachers can flash their school ID to get hooked up with a free sweet tea throughout Teacher Appreciation Week.
When: May 6-10

Eatzi's Market & Bakery
The deal: 
For Teacher Appreciation Week, Eatzi's locations in Texas will offer local educators and school staff 20% off their entire purchase. Bring your ID.
When: May 6-10

Wendy's
The deal: Order through DoorDash's mobile app and you can get a free small Frosty with the purchase of any Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo. Just use the code "HOUSEWENDYS." (It's a Game of Thrones reference, kind of, because this deal is only available on Sundays.)
When: Sundays from April 14 through May 19

7-Eleven
The deal
: In a Pokémon-related promotion, 7-Eleven has $1 small coffees, medium cold brews, and medium Slurpees. 
When: Through May 21

Metro Diner
The deal: Teachers and school faculty members get 20% off their check all week long. That's especially good news if you're going to take your favorite teacher out for lunch since you can partake in the discount as well. 
When: May 6-10

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
The deal:
 For a whole week, teachers who flash a school ID will get 33% off the purchase of an entrée. The offer is only valid in-store. 
When: May 6-10

Grimaldi's Pizzeria
The deal: Teachers in all 42 markets with a restaurant get 15% off their order. 
When: May 6-10

Home Run Inn
The deal:
 Take 20% off your check for National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week. 
When: May 6-10

Buffalo Wild Wings
The deal: All teachers, faculty, and staff will get 20% off when you dine-in during Teacher Appreciation Week. 
When: May 6-10

Tijuana Flats
The deal: Show an ID and Tijuana Flats will show its appreciation for your work as a teacher by handing you a free entrée. The deal is only available in-store and excludes meals with steak or fish. 
When: May 8

Slater's 50/50
The deal:
 Honor mom with a $15 bottomless mimosa. 
When: May 12, 11am-3pm

Slim Chickens
The deal: All day on Teacher Appreciation Day, students and teachers with a valid school ID can get 20% off their order. Everyone who orders with a school ID will also get hooked up with a free cookie. The deal is only valid on dine-in and drive-thru orders at participating locations.
When: May 7

Luna Grill
The deal: Bring in proof of being a teacher to receive 20% off any order. 
When: May 6-11

Cotton Patch Cafe
The deal:
 Teachers with an ID will get 20% off their order. 
When: May 6-10

Nando's PERi-PERi Chicken
The deal:
 All US Nando's locations will be offering teachers a free order of PERi-PERi Chicken. It's the quarter chicken entrée and no other purchase is required to get a little comestible appreciation. 
When: May 7

Jack in the Box
The deal: 
For National Have a Coke Day (we're as surprised as you are), you can get a free Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger with the purchase of a large Coke. You have to sign up for the e-club, though. 
When: May 8-12

Giordano's
The deal: 
Take 20% off any dine-in or online orders in honor of teachers and nurses. 
When: May 6-9

Dairy Queen
The deal: 
Take $2 off any mobile app purchase of at least $10. This offer is not exclusive to teachers.
When: May 6-12

SAJJ Mediterranean
The deal:
 Buy an entrée and get one half-off. It applies to a signature sajj wrap, pita sandwich, turmeric rice or freekeh bowl.
When: May 6-12

Kolache Factory 
The deal:
 Buy a muffin, get one for free. The deal is only valid in-store and you'll have to print out a coupon from the shop's social media. 
When: Through May 19

Applebee's
The deal:
 Every day in May, Applebee's is offering $1 margaritas. It's not specifically for teachers, but teachers will certainly enjoy it.
When: Through May 31

Wendy's
The deal:
 For a limited time, Wendy's has dropped the price of a Frosty to just 50 cents. Get your fry dippin' fingers ready.
When: For a limited time

Instacart
The deal:
 You can pick between free grocery delivery or a $5 coupon when you purchase at least $20 worth of Annie's products through Instacart. 
When: Through May 26

Daphne's
The deal: 
Buy an entrée and get the second one half-off.
When: May 12, 11am-8pm

Chick-fil-A
The deal: Some Chick-fil-A locations across the country are offering free food -- including free chicken sandwiches -- for teachers who can show a valid teacher/faculty ID card. The deals appear to vary from restaurant to restaurant, so you should do your homework (hehe) and call your local restaurant before showing up to ask for the free grub. 
When: May 7, hours may vary

Other Food Deals During Teacher Appreciation Week

Carl's Jr.
The deal:
 Sign up for the Carl's Jr. promo club, and you're going to get a free small order of fries and a small beverage.
When: Ongoing

PintPass
The deal:
This app asks you to answer a couple questions about brewery taprooms when you stop by for a beer. In exchange for your time, they're buying you a round. Get all the details on grabbing free beers through PintPass here.
When: Ongoing

Arby's
The deal: Sign up for Arby's email newsletter and start with a coupon for a free roast beef sandwich.
When: Ongoing

Baskin-Robbins
The deal: When you download the Baskin-Robbins app for the first time, you get a free regular-sized scoop as an in-app offer.
When: Ongoing

Bruegger's Bagels
The deal: You get how this goes now. Sign up for their Inner Circle club, and new members get a coupon for a free bagel with cream cheese.
When: Ongoing

Einstein Bros. Bagels
The deal: Find a similar deal here. Sign up for the Shmear Society and grab a free bagel.
When: Ongoing

Baja Fresh
The deal: 
Join the restaurant's Club Baja membership program, and you'll get an offer for a totally free taco, valid for one chicken, carnitas Baja, or Americano taco.
When: Ongoing

Quiznos
The deal: Sign up for the Toasty Points loyalty app and get rewarded with a free 4-inch sub with any purchase.
When: Ongoing

Del Taco
The deal:
 Sign up for Del Taco's Raving Fan eClub and get two free grilled chicken tacos or Del Tacos for signing up. If you download the Del App, you can also land another pair of free Del Tacos. 
When: Ongoing

Wingstop
The deal: Get a free order of fries when you sign up for "The Club."
When: Ongoing

Bojangles 
The deal: Sign up for the E-Club, and you'll get a coupon for a half-gallon of Legendary Iced Tea with any purchase. You'll also get a coupon for a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with any purchase on your birthday. 
When: Ongoing

MOOYAH
The deal: A free order of personal fries are headed your way if you sign up for MOOYAH Rewards.
When: Ongoing

Cold Stone Creamery
The deal: If you're new to My Cold Stone Club Rewards you'll get a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on Creations. 
When: Ongoing

Mimi's Cafe
The deal:
 Sign up for the e-club, and you get a free two-pack of croissants or muffins because breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
When: Ongoing

El Pollo Loco
The deal: If you sign up for Loco Rewards you'll bag a free pollo bowl.
When: Ongoing

Red Cow
The deal:
Join the Minneapolis-based chain's e-club and you'll get a coupon in your inbox for $10 your bill next time you dine-in. 
When: Ongoing

Rubio's Coastal Grill
The deal: Sign up for the Beach Club and you're getting a free taco to say cheers to your new friendship. 
When: Ongoing

Wetzel's Pretzels
The deal: Download the Wetzel's Pretzels app, and you'll be gifted a free pretzel item from the pretzel shop. You'll also get a freebie on your birthday. Happy early birthday!
When: Ongoing

BJ's Brewhouse
The deal: 
Join the Premier Rewards Plus program, and they'll hook you up with a free Pizookie. (That's a deep-dish-inspired cookie if it wasn't immediately clear from the weird portmanteau.) Bonus: You'll get another free Pizookie on your birthday. 
When: Ongoing

Black Angus Steakhouse
The deal: 
Join the restaurant's Prime Club, and you'll automatically get a free dessert. (You also get a free steak dinner on your first birthday after joining the club.)
When: Ongoing

Maggie Moo's and Marble Slab Creamery
The deal:
 Sign up for the rewards program -- Slab Happy Rewards -- and a free ice cream is headed straight for your mouth.
When: Ongoing

Corner Bakery
The deal: 
Get a free sweet when you sign up for Corner Bakery's e-club, which is basically just the email newsletter. 
When: Ongoing

Papa Murphy's
The deal: Sign up for the take-and-bake chain's email offers, and you'll get a code for 25% off your next online order of $20 or more. 
When: Ongoing

Bonefish Grill
The deal: Become a Bonefish Grill Insider (that's their rewards program), and you'll get 50% off your meal on every fourth visit. 
When: Ongoing

Ono's Hawaiian BBQ
The deal:
 Buy $30 or more in gift cards to get a bonus card worth $10 for free. The bonus card will be valid June 18 through August 21. 
When: Through June 17

More deals?

Did we miss a Teacher Appreciation Week deal? Send us a note at news@thrillist.com, and we'll add it here. 

Want more free food and food deals? Here's our running list of all the free food you can get right now. You're welcome.

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Dustin Nelson is a Senior Staff Writer on the news team at Thrillist. Follow him @dlukenelson.