WASHINGTON — It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and businesses are offering freebies and discounts to teachers, school staff members and other educators as a thank you.
The recognition efforts were led by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as she urged Congress to designate a day to thank teachers in 1953. The day was originally celebrated on March 7, but was moved to May in 1984.
Since 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association has dedicated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.
Here are some of the offerings various businesses are giving to educators to thank them for their work. Keep in mind, most of these require a valid ID, like a school ID badge, to claim. Be sure to double check availability at your location.
Teachers and school staff with valid IDs can get 20% off their orders from Monday, May 5 to Sunday, May 11. Offer applies to dine-in, call-in and carry-out orders.
Through May 13, teachers and healthcare workers can sign up online for a chance to win a free burrito from Chipotle. The company says 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected and must verify their employment via ID.me within 48 hours to receive a free burrito e-card.
Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering 20% off gift card purchases online so that people can honor their favorite teacher.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers can enjoy 20% off a buffet purchase at participating locations from May 5–9 by showing a valid school ID at checkout.
Insomnia Cookies is offering teachers buy one, get one free Classic cookie deal in-stores only from May 5–11. Teachers must show a valid work ID or badge at checkout to get one free Classic cookie with the purchase of another (excludes limited-time flavors).
Teachers that show a valid ID at Logan’s Roadhouse can save 20% off an entrée between May 5 and May 12.
Smoothie King is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9, with special discounted rates on orders honoring educators. Teachers are encouraged to contact their local store for specific details.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, Sonic Drive-In is treating educators with three exclusive deals for Teachers’ Circle rewards members from May 5–9. Teachers who sign up for the free program in the SONIC App by May 5 can enjoy perks like a free snack or side with purchase, BOGO SONIC Blasts, and a $1.99 Double Cheeseburger.
Online personal styling service Stitch Fix is offering all U.S. educators 25% off their first Fix to discover new items to refresh their wardrobe. Teachers can get their complimentary credit by heading to http://stitchfix.com/community/teachers, where they will take their Style Quiz and get verified by ID.me when placing their order. The offer will be available May 5-9, expiring 90 days after receiving.
On May 6, teachers who dine in at The Greene Turtle and show a valid ID can enjoy a free meal valued up to $15.
From May 5 through May 9, educators with a valid ID can get a free breakfast menu item at Whataburger between 5–9 a.m. This offer is valid in-store, at the drive-thru, and for takeout, but not through the app.
