Teacher Appreciation Week: Deals & freebies for 2021

Teachers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They take care of and educate our kids, work long hours often for little pay, and have been known to reach into their own pockets to help a student or improve their classroom.

While educators should get accolades year-round, National Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week of May) and Teacher Appreciation Day (the first Tuesday in May) are the official times to offer words of thanks and gifts to our our teaching staff throughout Miami and beyond!

Retailers, restaurants, even vacation providers all give teachers a little something extra during the first full week of May. We did your homework for you and found these great deals and freebies. (Teachers: We hope you treat yourself to something nice! Parents and students: Make sure your teachers know about all the discounts and free stuff available to them this week!)

P.S. Click here for list of discounts for teachers that are available all year long.

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Teacher appreciation deals for 2021

We expect restaurants and retailers to announce 2021 Teacher Appreciation Day deals in late April. Check back to see how businesses are thanking teachers for working so hard during a difficult year. Or, 

Barnes & Noble: Get 20 percent off publisher’s list price on all purchases for classroom use at Barnes & Noble. Plus, enjoy discounts of up to 25 percent off the publisher’s list price during Educator Appreciation Days. Watch for more specials during Teacher’s Appreciation Week.

Burger King: Hungry educators can take a bite of Burger King’s current promo — buy-one-get-one for $1. Choose from five select menu items. 

Cheap Caribbean: Teachers definitely a deserve a vacation and there’s no better place to relax than in a tropical locale. Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and members of the military. Teachers can enjoy $150 off their next vacation package with a special promo code. (The discount is valid on package bookings of 5 or more nights.) 

Dollar Tree: Teachers can always find easy and affordable items for just $1 each at Dollar Tree, including classroom decorations, fun prizes, educational workbooks, flashcards and more. 

Cole Haan: Teachers (and students!) can take a study break with 20% off online at Cole Haan — just use a valid school e-mail address.

Insomnia Cookies: Teachers can take a study break with a sweet treat from Insomnia Cookies. Through May 10, teachers can enjoy a FREE Classic Cookie (no purchase necessary) — just show a school ID. Even better, teachers can pick up a FREE 6-pack of cookies with any purchase. Both offers are only available in-store. 

Lenovo: Both teachers and students save an extra 5% sitewide at Lenovo — excludes doorbusters and select
clearance products. 

Michaels: Enjoy a 15% Teacher Discount at Michaels — online and in-store. Teachers need to verify educator ID online through Michaels Rewards. 

Norwegian Cruise Line: The cruise line’s Norwegian’s Giving Joy contest opened for submissions on May 3. Nominate your favorite teacher, and the top 100 teachers will win FREE weeklong cruises, valid for departures through summer 2023. You have through June 4 to send in your nomination and vote for your favorite educator.

Sonic Drive-In: Celebrate teachers with an offer open to all customers at Sonic Drive-In. From May 2 to 9, use promo code TEACHERS at checkout online or in the Sonic app for a FREE large drink or Slush with any purchase. 

Sandals: Sandals is giving away a seven-day, six-night vacation for two in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – and for other heroes. You have to enter for a chance to win this “Maycation,” which is also for “nurses, moms, members of the military and frankly anyone that rocks,” according to the website. Check out the details here.

PAST teacher appreciation deals 

The following businesses have offered these teacher appreciation deals in the past. We will continue to update our roundup. But in the meantime, feel free to ask the venues whether these deals are being offered in 2021.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Educators, including teachers, faculty and staff, may purchase a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos and get a second entree (of equal or lesser value) for FREE. 

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Celebrate your favorite teacher and grab a box and go. Get a baker’s dozen for $8.