Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off May 4th, 2026 and we’ve rounded up the best deals and teacher freebies to celebrate our amazing educators! From free food to exclusive discounts, there are tons of ways to say thank you this week!
Mark your calendars — Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 4th through May 8th, 2026. Want to grab a gift for your favorite teacher too? Check out our Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas!
2026 Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Deals
Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 4–8, 2026 and restaurants are already stacking up the freebies! We’ll keep updating this list as more deals are confirmed — bookmark it and check back!
✅ Confirmed 2026 Deals
Applebee’s — Free appetizer (up to $12) with any adult entrée purchase all week! Just show your school ID to your server. Dine-in only at participating Flynn Applebee’s locations.
Burger King — Score a FREE Whopper Jr. with any $1+ purchase on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5th!
Chipotle — Giving away 100,000 FREE burrito e-cards to teachers and school staff! Enter at teacherthanks.chipotle.com — winners notified after the week ends.
Krispy Kreme — Stop by on Teacher Appreciation Day for a FREE Original Glazed doughnut — no ID or purchase necessary! In-shop or drive-thru.
SONIC — Join the free Teachers’ Circle in the SONIC app before May 4th to unlock exclusive deals all week including a free snack or side with purchase, BOGO Blasts, and a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger!
Smoothie King — Teachers get 20% off their in-store order all week — just show your valid working ID!
Whataburger — Swing by Monday–Friday from 5–9am for a FREE breakfast entrée with a valid school ID! Available dine-in, drive-thru, or takeout at participating locations.
Abuelo’s — Teachers and school staff get 20% off their entire check on May 6th with a valid school or staff ID. Dine-in only.
Shipley Do-Nuts — Grab a FREE half-dozen donuts — no purchase necessary! Check your local location for exact dates.
🔄 Expected Back in 2026 — Check Back for Confirmation!
Joella’s Hot Chicken — In 2025 teachers and nurses got a complimentary meal including two Jumbo Tenders, a dipping sauce, a Southern side, and a drink. Watch for this one to return!
la Madeleine — BOGO bakery item on Teacher Appreciation Day through the Bonjour Rewards app. No ID required!
McAlister’s Deli — Free tea or half-and-half lemonade with any purchase for teachers and nurses with valid ID. Watch for their catering giveaway too!
McDonald’s — Free drinks or breakfast items at select locations with a valid school ID. Check your local McDonald’s for participation!
Jack in the Box — In 2025 teachers earned 10 Reward Credits by verifying with ID.Me. Watch for this to return!
Tacodeli — Free taco on Teacher Appreciation Day with a valid school ID or badge. In-restaurant only while supplies last.
Tim Hortons — Tims Rewards members can watch for BOGO donut deals all week through the app!
⭐ Bonus Year-Round Teacher Deals Worth Knowing:
👉 Michaels — 15% off year-round for educators enrolled in Michaels Rewards
👉 Staples — 20% off in-store purchases with a valid teacher ID during Teacher Appreciation Week
👉 Samsung — Up to 30% off eligible products for educators year-round
Know of a deal we missed? Contact us and we’ll add it! Check back often as we update this list all week! 👉 See all our Freebies
