Teacher Appreciation Week, 135+ Teacher Day Freebies, Deals

National Teachers Day is Tuesday, May 2, 2023. And, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8 – 12. Teacher Day marks the beginning of Teachers Appreciation Week. This year Teacher day doesn’t fall during teacher week, so that’s confusing. You may wonder, “Does my favorite restaurant give teacher appreciation discounts?” We hit the streets to find the answer for you. As a result, we have a whole list of freebies and deals and teacher appreciation gifts to mark the occasion.

Because Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies are a terrific way for educators to get the recognition they deserve on Teacher Appreciation Day and all year long.

So, from free food to free admission, and the chance to win stuff for your classroom, our big list is a great way to educational tool to show how truly special they are. If you don’t see something listed here that we’ve missed, please let us know! And, if your favorite restaurant’s not offering something for this week, you can always sign up for their eclub and get freebies now and birthday freebies that way.

Then, if you’re looking for Teacher Appreciation Deals, then you’re at the right place! Because many companies show appreciation to educators all year long with discounts on items for the classroom. Educators should check with local businesses and retail chains for their specific offers. Consequently, we’ve listed a few favorites available on Teacher Appreciation Day. In addition, don’t miss the National Education Association (NEA) membership which can save you a bundle all year!

Don’t miss National Nurse Appreciation Week Freebies, which is happening at the same time as teachers!

Check out our other roundups:

500+Free Gifts for Your Birthday
National Nurses Week: Nurse Appreciation Week FREEBIES & Deals
Cinco de Mayo Freebies & Deals
Mother’s Day Freebies & Deals
250+ Freebies and Deals for Gardeners

After that, those with kids in school or anyone who knows a teacher should be thinking about teacher appreciation gift ideas, to recognize the great work these humble heroes do for our children every day! You can snag a free Teacher Thank You card in this list, and then share this list with them so they can enjoy!

Lastly, please share this list with teacher friends and educators!

Top 20 Free Kids Summer Reading Program Rewards

Teachers Day FREE STUFF: Restaurants

Most importantly, this list is still being updated for 2023. Of course, in the past few years everyone’s focus was on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Coronavirus has forced many stores and restaurants to close or change the way they’re open. So, the best bet it to check with these places which have offered teacher freebies and deals in the past. Stay tuned as we update this list for 2023.

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Abuelo’s is offering teachers and school staff members 20% off their entire check on Tuesday, May 2. They have 29 locations, in Texas and Oklahoma.
Applebee’s Grill & Bar – typically locations offer 10% off with a valid school ID or a free main course on Teacher Appreciaion Day. However, only select locations participate. So, call ahead.

“Is Applebees offering Teacher Day Freebies this year?” Hi Wendy! Good question, our promotions and specials vary by location, so the best place to check is by contacting your local restaurant.

Arby’s – Check with your local restaurant for any special for Teachers Appreciation Week.
Amazon sells gift cards for a number of restaurants! Did you know you can print an Amazon gift card at home?

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.Bruegger’s Bagels offers specials on “class party” and “Breakroom treats” plus 20% off gift cards.
.Buca di Beppo – offers a family meal for takeout. They also have a 2 for Tuesday, bogo free special to check out!
Buffalo Wild Wings will take 20% off teachers’ orders at participating locations during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Valid for dine-in or takeout.

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Cicis– stay tuned to your local Cici’s Pizza for possible freebies. Nothing nationwide has been announced yet!
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Family Bundles available for take-out. Stay tuned for more! Plus, sign up for their eclub and get free chips and salsa now, and again on your birthday.
Chik-fil-a – last year, in honor of amazing teachers, guests who purchased a $10 gift card for their teachers this week, May 4th through May 8th, received a free bottle of sweet tea! Thank you to our wonderful teachers for being tea-riffic with all that you do! #TeacherAppreciationWeek
Chipotle Teacher’s Week Freebies – In past years, Teachers get a free meal with purchase at Chipotle Mexican Grill to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday. This chain Mexican restaurant is nationwide, with only 3 states that don’t have one: AK, HI and RI.

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Duck Donuts – In past years, they’ve offered discounts such as 20% off for teachers and nurses.

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Einstein Bro’s Bagels – offers 20% off e-gift cards May 2 through May 6. They also have specials on “class party” and “Breakroom treats”.

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Firehouse Subs – check with your local Firehouse Sub shop for possible specials for Teacher’s appreciation week. Everyone can get a free sub by signing up, and again on your birthday.
Freebirds – Last year, Freebirds offered family size meals for pickup and limited dine-in. Stay tuned for updates.

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Golden Corral – often offers Teacher discounts at their all-you-can-eat buffet.
Great American Cookies – May 2 through May 6, teachers and nurses score at Great American Cookies! Get a free Original Chocolate Chip Cookie with any purchase.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Buy $50 in Grimaldi’s Gift Cards and get a $20 #BonusCard. Runs from April 30 – May 3. *Not valid at Kitchen United locations.

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Häagen-Dazs – Häagen-Dazs’ Free Cone Day 2021 is changing to an all-week thing. In the past, it was on May 12. So, that coincides with Teacher Appreciation week and Nurse Appreciation week.

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IHOP– typically offers specials for National Teacher Appreciation week. Stay tuned!

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Johnny Rockets, the timeless, all-American burger brand, is offering a week-long “thank you” to hospital workers, nurses, and teachers during May’s Appreciation Weeks (Teacher Appreciation Week: May 2-6, Nurses Appreciation Week: May 6-12 and National Hospital Week: May 8-14). From May 4 through May 10, healthcare workers and teachers with a valid ID will receive a free Original or Deluxe Shake with any in-store purchase at participating Johnny Rockets locations.

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Krystal Burger– previously, the Southern Slider offered Teacher Week freebies and deals. However, we’re not sure if they will this year after filing bankruptcy in 2020.

McDonalds, Marble Slab and More…

Marble Slab – BOGO Free small ice cream with valid ID, and you must head into the store to get it.
McAlister’s Deli – stop by any time between May 3 through May 10, show your valid ID, and receive a free 32 oz tea. This is limited to one per person and excludes in-app or online orders.
McDonald’s – has been known to give freebies to nurses and teachers in appreciation. However, no national offer has been announced. For example, the McDonald’s in AZ said they were offering a free Medium Size Iced or Hot Coffee or Soft Drink to educators as a token of gratitude for all they do for their students and communities. Of course, you can sign up anytime with their App and get great discounts and coupons. Plus, check your receipts. Some areas have extra special offers. If you take the survey listed at the top of your receipt, then you can score free sandwiches with purchase.
MOD Pizza – no offer has been shared yet, so stay tuned.

Outback Teacher Appreciation & more

Organ Stop Pizza– no update for 2021 yet, so stay tuned!
Outback Steakhouse – free $10 gift card when you buy a $50 gift card. This is a time to be grateful for all teachers. Express your appreciation with an Outback gift card. You’ll receive a FREE $10 gift with every $50 gift card you purchase.

PDQ, Pizza Hut, Potbelly and more

Paragon Theaters – in past years, teachers were treated to free popcorn. However, no offer has been announced yet for 2021. Check with your theater, or stay tuned here, for updates.
PDQ – Teachers & Nurses have received great freebies and deals in the past. This year, on May 8, they’re offering a free meal of 3-piece tender, 8-piece nugget or any sandwich or salad, to moms with the purchase of any kids or adult meal. To get this freebie, use coupon code MOM.
Pieology is offering 20% off the week of May 1-6 with valid ID.
Pizza Hut – Teachers can sign up to receive up to 8 Free Pizza Hut Coupons per student in the Pizza Hut Book It program! Signups are open!
Potbelly Sandwich Shop – Free cookie or fountain drink with entree purchase and a valid ID.
Pollo Tropical – in the past, PT has offered BOGO free small TropiChops when you nominate your favorite teachers. Stay tuned for 2021’s exciting offer.

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Raising Cane’s– this one isn’t nationwide, so check with your location. But, in the past they’ve offered free food to Teachers and School Faculty on National Teacher Appreciation day!
Ruby Tuesday – previously treated teachers to free food to show their appreciation. Of course, if you become a member of the So Connected club, then you’ll get free things on your birthday and more freebies every week!

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Salata– May is also National Salad Month, in addition to Teacher appreciation day and Nurse appreciation week. So, Salata Salads always has great deals.
Schlotzsky’s – This deal is just smart! From May 5 through May 8, spend $25 in Schlotzsky’s gift cards, then receive $10 eRewards.
Scooter’s Coffee – In past years, if you showed your teacher ID, then they would give you a great deal on your drink.
Sonic – Educators, entroll in the SONIC Teachers’ Circle and get a free cheeseburger with purchase. Sign up in the Sonic App (iOS, Android). By enrolling, teachers can fill out their request and SONIC will match up 50% of each donation (total of $1.5M) via DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers.
Starbucks has been known to offer 10% off for teachers (valid ID is required), so check with your local coffeehouse to see if they’re doing anything!
Subway – in past years, Subway sandwich locations have offered discounts and freebies for teachers. This is typically not a nationwide offer, but maybe this year will be different! Either way, stay tuned for more info and check with your local restaurant. For a limited time, they have BOGO 50% off on footlongs. And, of course, you can get a free Subway cookie on your birthday or any time you sign up with their rewards program.
Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee – Sugar Shack has offered teacher freebies in the past. However, with their recent legal troubles and rebranding some locations, we’re not sure if they will in 2021.

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Texas Steakhouse & Saloon– North Carolina and West Virginia educators may be able to get a great deal at Texas Steakhouse and Saloon. In the past, they’ve given great discounts. But, haven’t announced them yet for this year.
TGIFridays – On Teacher Appreciation day, May 2, teachers can receive a free meal from 6 pm until close at TGIF. Join their Rewards for a free appetizer anytime, and more freebies on your birthday.
Tri Coffee Wine Alehouse – In the past, Trio Coffee Wine Alehouse has offered free beverages for educators. They haven’t announced anything yet for 2021, so stay tuned.

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Whataburger is offering free breakfast to teachers, and 25% off retail items with code WHATATEACHER22, at its locations in 14 states. They’re also hosting the WhataTeacher awards, a philanthropic arm of the burger chain via Whataburger Feeding Students Success program which targets food insecurity and education.
World of Beer – if anyone deserves a beer it’s educators, first responders, doctors and nurses! But, we haven’t heard yet if WOB is offering a special or not. Finger’s crossed!

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Yogurtland is kicking off its #ShowYOHope campaign by having fans tag people and orgs who show hope. In May, they’ll be delivering surprise FroYo in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. Follow along on their Instagram or Facebook.

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Zaxby‘s is celebrating National Teachers and Nurses Appreciation Week with a special ‘Buy One, Get One’ Boneless Wings Meal offer valid all day long on May 3, while supplies last. Zaxby’s, a premium quick-service restaurant known for its Chicken Fingerz™, wings and signature sauces, has grown to more than 900 locations in 18 states
Zinburger – Teachers in Arizona will want to check out these zinfally delicious burgers! Of course, everyone should sign up for the eBites rewards program to get $10 off $20 on your first order.

Teacher Appreciation Week: FREE ENTERTAINMENT!

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AMC Theaters – Check with your local AMC theater for Teacher Appreciation Specials.

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The Boston Herald: Take advantage of our special low-price academic offer for The Boston Herald.
Bowling – check with your local bowling center through Kids Bowl Free School program and involve your school for free!
Burton Snowboards: To all teachers, we would like to extend a 20% off discount.

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Cinema Cafe – we haven’t gotten an update on whether they’re offering teacher specials this year, but we sure hope so!
Colgate – will send teachers a box full of free toothpaste and toothbrushes in the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures classroom program! This program is temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. But, stay tuned for when it returns!
Course Hero: Course Hero is offering higher education faculty a teaching grant of $2,000USD to fund their dream class project and support transformational learning experiences using technology. Apply by May 25, 2023.
Crayola Experience – Teachers get in free every day, and their families get a 25% discount on Saturdays!

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Graceland – If you bring a valid school ID or dated letter with school letterhead, then you’ll get free admission to tour Graceland!

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Hilton Hotels – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains, such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.
Hot Wheels – offers teachers the opportunity to request a ton of free toys for their classrooms in Mattel’s Hot Wheels Speedometry program! While everything is available online, the kits are not being shipped during the pandemic.
Hyatt Hotels – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.

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IHG Hotels – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains, such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.

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J.Crew: Teachers & students, get 15% off purchases at jcrew.com when you verify online.

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Kennedy Space Center – Educators, administrators and program coordinators get free admission with a valid school employee ID. To clarify, you can download and print a coupon for one free daily admission ticket. Be sure to check in first, because things are subject to change due to COVID.

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Legoland California – Free admission on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. Teachers can download free self-guided Sea Life tours as well.
Legoland Florida – Educators can get a Florida Teacher Pass to both Legoland and Legoland Water Park for free admission. To clarify, bring your most recent paystub, Florida photo ID, and teaching certificate to receive your pass.

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Marriott Hotels – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.

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SeaWorld – Teachers can get free admission for a day at Sea World Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld San Antonio. In addition, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have been developing resources for educators for over 20 years. You can download entire teacher curriculum guides and individual activities, show the ShamuTV: Saving a Species series in your classroom, or learn more about how to prepare for careers in the zoological field on this site.
Starwood Hotels – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains, such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.

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Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort – Special room rate for teachers all year.
Wyndham Hotel – Show your school ID at check-in. As a result, you’ll receive the special rate. Educators are eligible for government rates at various hotel chains, such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham Hotel Group Hotels.

Teacher Day Gifts: Discounts and Deals

First, we showcased the hottest free things you can get above. Next, we’ll show you a huge list of discounts. Certainly, you’ll look extra smart with these awesome savings offers!

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A.C. Moore – Teachers get 15% off entire purchase any time of the year. Certainly, this could add up fast!
Adobe – Teachers can save up to 80% on Adobe products, all year long. On the other hand, Adobe products are very expensive so this can really add up!
Amazon Prime Student – Anyone with a .edu email account can enjoy Amazon Student (a version of Amazon Prime) for FREE for six months! You’ll get free 2-day shipping, textbook discounts for rentals and purchase, and much more! Amazon Prime is awesome, however, getting it free for 6 months can’t be beaten!
Ann Taylor Loft – Register to receive 15% off your full-price purchase in-store, every day! Sign up for their emails to get teacher-only deals!
Apple Store – Apple Store discounts are almost unheard of! In other words, Apple coupons are hard to come by. But, for teachers, offers include discounts of up to $200 on computers and accessories through the Apple Education Store. Plus, teachers can get a free learning session every day this week!
AT&T Teacher Appreciation Discount: To show our appreciation for teachers and their families, AT&T provides a 25% discount on eligible unlimited wireless plans. Get our best price on unlimited plans for less than $27/mo. per line when you get 4 lines*.
ASICS: ASICS is proud to offer teachers a 20% discount off all full-priced products in our online store.

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Banana Republic – 15% off of full-priced purchases every day. But, a valid student or teacher ID required.
Barnes & Noble – Every classroom needs books! And, teachers can receive 20% off publishers price on purchase for classroom use.
Books-A-Million – Teachers will get 20% off all items purchased in-store.

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Cheap Caribbean: Get $150 off your next beach vacay when you sign up for our Beach4Teach hero club.
The Container Store– Our Organized Teacher program offers educators special discounts throughout the year to help organize their classrooms!
Costco – Teachers in the United States get more than $60 in savings if they sign up for a new membership. And there’s a $20 Costco Shop Card available as well. Plus, Costco sells discounted gift cards to restaurants and entertainment attractions.
Crayola is offering 15% off the entire website at Crayola.com.
Crocs: Crocs is proud to offer 15% off all full-priced styles to teachers. Exclusions apply.

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Dell – If your school is affiliated with Dell, then there is special pricing on purchasing a computer or other products. Call Customer Service before paying to apply the discount
The Denver Post: Take advantage of our special low-price academic offer for The Denver Post.

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GelPro – offers teachers a 25% discount
Great Wolf Lodge – Educators and school staff can save up to 40% on reservations booked May 8-14 with the promo code TEACHER. This offer is valid for stays through 9/21/23, so you can book now and stay later. Great Wolf Lodge will also donate $10 from every reservation booked during Teacher Appreciation Week to a cause that helps provide classroom supplies to teachers across the nation. Conversely, Groupon also has great deals on Great Wolf packages for everyone, including teachers.

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Half-Price Books – Teachers receive 10% year round with Half Price Book’s Educator Discount Card.
Hanes – Hanes offers 10% discount on purchases all year long.
Headspace: Find some Headspace. K-12 Educators & staff can access the full Headspace library of more than 1,000 hours of premium mindfulness content for free.
Hewlett Packard – HP Academy offers a 20% discount to teachers. You can also get free shipping.
Hobby Lobby – Save 10% on crafts and school supplies galore at Hobby Lobby! To clarify, payment must be made with a check or bank card provided by the school.
Home Depot – Home Depot pays the tax on classroom purchases made at Home Depot. With Pro Tax Exempt, public school teachers can save a lot! But, you must apply for the exemption.

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Intuit: Teach students how to run a business and develop their accounting skills with Intuit QuickBooks. Educators and students can access QuickBooks Online, a variety of curricula, and other teaching resources for free! Sign up today and bring QuickBooks into your classroom.

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J.Crew – J.Crew Factory: Students and teachers receive an extra 15% off their entire purchase in stores & online at J. Crew Factory.
JoAnn Fabric – Get a 15% discount both in-store and online. Therefore, you could save on crafts, school supplies and more!

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K12 School Supplies – Don’t miss these hot deals to save 30-80% on closeout and clearance school supplies.
Karen Kane – 20% off purchases
Kayla Itsines – 20% off exercise memberships

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Lakeshore –Besides having a ton of awesome supplies, if you sign up for their Teachers Club, then you’ll save 15% on purchases.
Lenovo – Save up to 20% on laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.
Levi Strauss & Co.: At Levi’s®, we know that none of us would be who we are if not for the educators who’ve sacrificed to teach us, raise us and dare us to dream. That’s why we’re offering a 15% discount to all teachers.
L.L. Bean: Teachers and Students get 10% OFF their purchases at L.L. Bean! We’re proud to support you in leading a healthy, active lifestyle and making the most of your time spent outside.

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Madewell: Teachers can enjoy 15% off their entire purchase at Madewel
Mattress Firm: Teachers deserve some rest and can enjoy an extra 10-20% off their mattress and bedding purchase.
The Mercury News: Take advantage of our special low-price academic offer for The Mercury News
Michaels – Get a 15% discount on in-store purchases every day.
Microsoft Store – Educational software discounts are available, including a totally free version of Office 365! Plus, save 10% off Windows devices.

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National Parks Service – From taking a “virutal field trip”, to free classroom materials (some are available to borrow too), and much more!

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Office Depot/Office Max – save 10% on most classroom supplies.
The Orange County Register: Take advantage of our special low-price academic offer for The Orange County Register.
Overstock.com – Get a free Club O Gold membership. In other words, Club O Rewards customers earn an average of $55.00 in Club O Reward Dollars per year.

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Party City – save up to 20%
PBS – Get free access to digital curriculum-based resources. Certainly, that sounds fun, right?
Pencils.com – Get 10% off all orders.
Pioneer Press: Take advantage of our special low-price academic offer for The Saint Paul Pioneer Press
Purple Mattress: Educators can receive a 10% off discount code for use on any Purple order!

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Rothy’s: Between May 5th and 12th, members of Rothy’s SheerID program can enjoy 40% off one pair of shoes at Rothy’s.

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Skechers – offers 30% off all year via Skechers partnership with United Federation of Teachers. Last year they also partnered with AdoptAClassroom.org to benefit teachers and classrooms around the nation. Hopefully, they’ll be back!
Sleep Number: Sleep Number is happy to offer a 20% discount on all Sleep Number 360® smart beds and bases to thank our teachers and faculty.
Steve Madden: Teachers can enjoy 25% off their entire purchase.
Staples: Free Gift Box for Teachers

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Talbots – Get a 15% discount on regular-priced items.
Teaching Tolerance Magazine – Free subscription for teachers.

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Scholastic – Save up to 75%!
Schuler Books – K-12 educators in MI, save 20% on the Young Adult, Children’s and Education sections
Staples – First, sign up for a Regular Rewards Card, and then call 888-636-9555 to enroll in Staples Teachers Rewards. As a result, you’ll get additional discounts on items such as classroom supplies.

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Whirlpool: Teachers can take 10% off select appliances by creating a Whirlpool account and signing in.

National Teacher Appreciation Day CARDS

To sum it up, we’ve found a huge list of freebies and deals. But, don’t forget to say Thank You to your teacher with these awesome cards!

BlueMountain – To begin with, see these printable cards for Teachers Appreciation Week. After that, they have these cards.
123Greetings – Next, check out these beautiful free ecards for Teachers! Of course, there’s one you’ll love in the dozens available!
Greeting Island – Finally, these printable cards are for Teachers Appreciation Week. For example, you can even upload your teacher’s photo and customize your card!x`

FREE Resources for Teacher Appreciation Week

World101 provides comprehensive teaching resources for each of our modules. on.cfr.org/2WpNE7B
Scholastic – For instance, graphic organizers, school to home communications, reading and writing skill sheets, and more.

In conclusion, that’s it for now. Meanwhile, we will update the list when we find new items!