Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the impactful educators in one’s life, is underway. The weeklong event began Monday, May 5, as parents and students are encouraged to share kind words, thoughtful letters or a gift.

While teachers do not expect anything from students and parents during the week, they will cherish a small surprise on Teacher Appreciation Day, or throughout the week. Here’s what we know about the annual week and day set aside to celebrate educators:

What is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated across the country to acknowledge the dedication of teachers to their students and communities. According to Teachers of Tomorrow, the annual occurrence is also a time for students, parents, administrators and others to express gratitude for the hard work and invaluable service educators provide.

Teacher Appreciation Week has been around in the U.S. since 1986, but started as a single day in the 1950s.

“In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize teachers. Back then, it was just a single day of recognition,” according to Teachers of Tomorrow. Due to the overwhelming support to honor teachers, the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied to turn it into a full week in 1986.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is held during the first full week of May, with Teacher Appreciation Day celebrated within that week – on the Tuesday of the week.

This year, Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday, May 5 and ends on Friday, May 9. Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 6. Both celebrate the long-lasting impacts of educators in one’s life.

Is Teacher Appreciation Week the same every year?

Teacher Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Day are always held during the first full week of May, which means the calendar date changes every year. Teacher Appreciation Day is always celebrated on the Tuesday of that week, in 2025 lands on Tuesday, May 6.

Teacher freebies, discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week

This year there are more than 30 businesses offering deals for teachers on a variety of items – ranging from food, to office supplies, shoes and discounts on vacation packages. Many businesses offer discounts for teachers all year long.

Here are some discounts offered:

Here’s a list of some deals and promotions for Teacher Appreciation Week, from an Aprillist published by Teachers of Tomorrow:

• Office Depot and OfficeMax: 30% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying in-store purchase. Teachers can stock up on classroom essentials.
• Ford: Teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 will receive a $50 e-gift card that can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose. 
• Burger King: Free fries with any purchase.
• Buffalo Wild Wings:Six boneless wings for $1 with the purchase of any BBW Burger. 
• Caribbean Vacations for Teachers: Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and members of the military. This program offers a $150 discount on all-inclusive getaways of 5 nights or more. For more information about the Hero Discount offered by Cheap Caribbean, visit their website.
• Cole Haan Shoes: By simply having a valid school email address, educators and learners alike get a 20% discount on online purchases from Cole Haan.
• Lenovo: Teachers and students get an extra 5% off. This discount covers laptops, tablets, desktops, accessories and more. Visit the Lenovo website and explore the available products. During the checkout process, verify your status as a teacher or student to automatically apply the extra 5% discount to the purchase.
• National Education Association: Members get access to ongoing deals and discounts tailored for educators. Examples include discounted vacations, offers on products and services and rewards programs.
• Samsung’s Education Offers Program: Discounts on Samsung products ranging from smartphones and tablets to appliances and accessories. Complete the ID.me verification process to confirm your identity as a teacher and get access to the exclusive discounts and savings available through the program.
• Crayola: Crayola is offering a 20% discount on all products listed on the “Teacher Gift Ideas” category page. Teachers should use the code “EDUCATORS” during checkout.
• J. Crew: The clothier offers 15% off in-store and online purchases. Teachers and students can access this discount by registering on the J. Crew website.
• Michael’s Teacher Discount: A 15% discount on all purchases, including sale items.

Some other popular spots also offer discounts deals to educators this week, including:

• Applebees: Free appetizer with purchase of entree with a valid school ID.
• Chick-Fil-A: All locations decide how to honor teacher on their own, so your go-to restaurant check for the discount.
• Chipolte: Teachers who verify their educator status at teacherthanks.chipotle.com by May 12 will be entered for a chance to win a gift card.
• Firehouse Subs: With proof of employment, teachers may utilized a “buy one get one free” subs through the Firehouse Subs app.
• Insomnia Cookies: Free classic cookie when you purchase a cookie, with proof of employment.
• Shake Shack: Free milkshake with a valid teacher ID.
• Staples: 20% off an in-store purchase with proof of employment, and a free package of pens.

Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas

There are plenty of good gifts out there for teachers, so steer clear of the coffee mugs and consider these:

• Plants or flowers – Low-maintenance plant options include Peperomia and Monstera. A variety of planted herbs like rosemary, sage and basil are also a good choice and daises, orchids, dahlias, carnations, chrysanthemums and peonies are recommended flowers.
• School supplies – Teachers often spend hundreds on school supplies each year – among the most needed items included pencils, dry-erase markers, coloring supplies, loose-leaf paper and tissue boxes.
• Handwritten letter or card – include details on how the teacher impacted a student, a favorite classroom memory or lesson
• Gift cards – Amazon, Target, Starbucks and Barnes & Noble often top the wish list.

Includes reporting by the USA Today Network