Teacher’s Appreciation Week 2025: What is the History, and Significance and Where Are Freebies Offered on this Day?

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is being celebrated from May 4 to May 10, and the National Teacher Day will be observed on Tuesday, May 6. This week-long celebration is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions and selflessness of educators and their important role that they play in shaping society.

What is the History and Significance of Teacher Appreciation Week?

The concept of dedicating a day that honours the teachers dates back to 1944 when Arkansas teacher Mattye White Woodridge advocated for a national day of recognition for educators. Her efforts, alongside support from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, led to the first National Teacher Day being celebrated in 1953. Initially this event was observed in the month of March however, it was changed by the National Education Association (NEA) to the first full week of May in 1985. This turned into Teacher Appreciation Week. 

This week is an opportunity for students, parents, and communities to express their gratitude and show their support to teachers. 

Special Offers for Educators

As the Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is celebrated in the United States, many businesses and organizations are offering special discounts, and freebies to educators. Here is the complete list.

• Staples: Teachers can receive a 20% discount on in-store purchases and free supply kits, including markers, pens, pencils, and glue, from May 5 to May 11.
• Michaels: The art supply store is offering a 15% discount on all purchases for the teachers who can verify their educator status through the Michaels Rewards program.  
• Target: Educators registered with Target Circle can get a 10% discount on select items till May 11.
• Barnes & Noble: Teachers who are enrolled in the Educator Program are eligible to receive 20% off on classroom books and supplies throughout the year. Moreover, additional discounts are offered during the Teacher Appreciation Week. 
• Whataburger: The food joint is offering free breakfast entrées, to teachers who can present a valid school ID from May 5 to May 9, between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.  
• Chipotle: Educators can sign up to win one of 200,000 free burrito e-cards through ID.me verification.  
• Insomnia Cookies: Providing a free classic cookie to teachers with valid ID from May 6 to May 12. 
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering a 20% discount on dine-in and call-ahead orders for school staff with valid ID through May 6.  
• McAlister’s Deli: Teachers can enjoy a free iced tea from May 6 to May 12 by presenting their educator ID.  
• Applebee’s: Providing a free appetizer (up to $12) with entrée purchase and work ID through May 10. 

Global Recognition

While Teacher Appreciation Week is usually celebrated in the United States, the importance of this event highlights the importance and the sacrifices made by teachers all over the world. For example, India celebrates Teachers' Day on September 5 which is dedicated to the birth of of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was an educator and philosopher. Similarly many other countries celebrate Teachers' Day on different dates.

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