A Moment to Thank Classroom Heroes
Express gratitude this May with warm actions and thrilling discounts throughout Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, commemorated May 5–9.
Teacher Appreciation Week is returning, and it’s time to acknowledge the amazing difference teachers make each day. From thoughtful notes to charitable discounts, the week provides students, parents, and communities with an opportunity to say “thank you” to the educators who are molding the future. The celebration culminates on Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 6, so it’s a unique time to recognize the passion and care of teachers nationwide.
What Is Teacher Appreciation Week and Why It Matters?
Teacher Appreciation Week is a national celebration acknowledging the important work teachers do to influence the lives of students and the character of our communities. While now celebrated as a week-long event, its beginnings lie in one day in 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress to designate a day to appreciate teachers.
Due to lobbying from the National Education Association (NEA), the holiday was extended to a full week in 1986, recognizing that one day was just not enough to celebrate the hard work of teachers. Now, it is an opportunity to remember that teaching is a calling, not a job, and that it is a lifelong responsibility to learn, teach, and grow.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Key Dates and Details
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week takes place from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, and Teacher Appreciation Day is observed on Tuesday, May 6. Although the calendar dates change each year, the celebration is always during the first full week in May.
It’s at this moment that schools, students, and families are reminded to show their appreciation in simple ways—a heartfelt note, a gift, or even a kind word. Though most teachers never anticipate anything in return, a small gesture of appreciation can have a lasting impact.
Exclusive Deals and Discounts for Teachers in 2025
Educators provide so much—now they deserve to receive. This year, more than 30 brands are providing exclusive offers to thank teachers. From classroom supplies to food, apparel, and even vacation packages, here are a few of the best:
Retail and Tech Savings
- Office Depot & OfficeMax: 30% reimbursement in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases made in their stores.
- Lenovo: Additional 5% discount on devices and accessories for verified teachers.
- Samsung Education Offers Program: Discounted prices on electronics and appliances through ID.me verification.
Food & Beverage Perks
- Burger King: Fries with any purchase for free.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Six boneless wings for $1 with the purchase of a burger.
- Insomnia Cookies: Free cookie with purchase of a cookie, with current teacher ID.
- Shake Shack: Free milkshake with school ID.
- Applebee’s: Free appetizer with entrée and school ID.
Fashion and Lifestyle
- Cole Haan: 20% off with current school email.
- J. Crew: 15% off in-store and online for registered educators.
- Crayola: 20% discount on “Teacher Gift Ideas” with code EDUCATORS.
Travel and Experiences
- Cheap Caribbean: $150 Hero Discount on select all-inclusive escapes.
- Ford: Virtual test drive earns a $50 e-gift card for classroom contributions on DonorsChoose.
These discounts aren’t limited to Teacher Appreciation Week—there are year-round discounts from many companies that are available to teachers who confirm their status. It’s the perfect time to indulge in the praise and treat yourself or a well-deserving teacher.
Creative and Meaningful Teacher Gift Ideas
Struggling to decide what to get your go-to teacher? Ditch the cliché coffee mugs and opt for something practical and meaningful. Here are some best picks:
Thoughtful Touches
- Handwritten cards or letters that identify memorable moments in the classroom or in life.
- Gift cards to popular hangouts such as Amazon, Target, Starbucks, or Barnes & Noble.
Classroom Staples
- Pencils, dry-erase markers, tissues, and paper can be a huge timesaver for a teacher’s everyday.
Nature-Inspired Present
Plants or flowers like Peperomia, Monstera, or daisies and orchids bring a soothing, cheerful feel to any classroom.
The aim is to provide something that is appreciative as well as practical or sentimental—a token that indicates you actually notice the teacher’s work.
Celebrate Educators Beyond the Week
Although Teacher Appreciation Week is a specific time to celebrate teachers, appreciation doesn’t require a calendar. Spending the time to acknowledge a teacher’s impact in your life—through a simple thank you, a shared experience, or a thoughtful gift—can be all the difference.
This May, let’s stand together and say: Thank you, teachers. You count, your work counts, and your legacy continues on in every student you’ve touched.
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