Pre-kindergarten teacher Daniela Guzman lines up her students in the hallway before entering their classroom at Becker Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Austin. The school is scheduled to close at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Apples and pencils are nice gifts for teachers — but fast food companies are proving you can never wrong with free food.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s clear that gratitude for school staff extends beyond students and their families. Throughout the week, educators can enjoy freebies, discounts and perks as they’re celebrated by communities. Here’s a roundup of some of the ways teachers can feel this love, from the stomach to the heart.
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When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2026?
Annually held the first full week of May, Teacher Appreciation Week celebrates the dedication and hard work of educators in the U.S.
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2026? Dates for teachers, school nurses and principals
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When is Teacher Appreciation Day 2026?
Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. This year, it is May 5.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 food deals
Buffalo Wild Wings: 20% off
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Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a 20% discount to teachers and school staff, for dine in or takeout orders. The offer is only valid for customers with a proper ID from Monday, May 4 through Sunday, May 10.
Some Chick-fil-A locations are offering freebies like chicken sandwiches, nuggets or breakfast items to customers with valid teacher’s ID. Such offers are available at the local owner’s discretion, so it’s a good idea to check your Chick-fil-A ahead of time.
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Chipotle: E-gift card giveaway
The eatery is giving away $2 million in e-gift cards for teachers and healthcare workers. Through May 12, customers who verify their employment can sign up to receive an e-gift card valid for a free regular menu item. A total of 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare employees will be selected and must verify their employment to receive the prize.
To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 through May 8) and National Nurses Week (May 6 through May 12), up to 100,000 healthcare workers and 100,000 teachers, randomly selected and verified through ID.me, will receive free entrée e-gift cards, totaling as much as $2 million in free Chipotle
Hand-out/Chipotle Mexican Grill
“At Chipotle, we’re committed to showing up for the communities we serve, and that starts with the people who make a difference every day,” said Stephanie Perdue, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Chipotle. “Recognizing teachers and healthcare workers through this program is one way we can give back meaningfully.”
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Insomnia Cookies: BOGO Classic cookies
Teachers and nurses with valid work IDs or badges get a buy one, get one free deal on Classic cookies at Insomnia Cookies. The deal can only be redeemed in-store and excludes Limited Time Only flavors, on Tuesday, May 5 through Tuesday, May 12.
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Teachers who enroll in the Sonic Teachers’ Circle program can get a free drink or slush through the Sonic app.
Whataburger: Free breakfast
On Thursday, May 7, teachers and other school staff can enjoy a free breakfast at Whataburger. Customers with valid IDs can choose among Breakfast on a Bun, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Taquito. Promotion hours vary by location.
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Whataburger is celebrating school staff with free breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Courtesy/Whataburger
Whataburger is also awarding 60 teachers each $1,000 in classroom grants.