Free food, discounts, gifts for National Teacher Appreciation Week in MS

Mississippi teachers are being recognized this week — and not just with thank-you notes. From free meals to discounts and giveaways, National Teacher Appreciation Week comes with real perks.

National Teacher Apprecation Day falls on Tuesday, May 5. It arose out of then-first lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s lobbying of Congress in 1953, according to the website of the National Education Association.

The NEA went on to create National Teacher Appreciation Week in 1985. During this week, many restaurants and businesses have deals and specials for teachers, as well as specials on educator gifts. 

Earlier this year, Mississippi First published a report on the challenges educators face and suggested ways to reduce turnover.

A lack of regular raises and salaries having decreased buying power were the main concerns. This year, the Mississippi Legislature approved a permanent $2,000 raise that will start in the 2026-27 school year. That’ll bring the average teacher’s salary up to $55,704.

Mississippi First also highlighted “unsustainable” workloads for teachers across the nation. They suggested providing time, staff and resources to make the burden lighter.

Student behavior is another challenge for educators across the U.S. Mississippi First suggested strong student behavior supports that empower teachers to manage classrooms.

The group also said schools should work to develop and keep strong leadership. Good management from administrators contributes to teacher happiness and retention.

Chipotle free meal deal for teachers

Teachers and educators have a chance to win one of 100,000 free meals as part of Chipotle Mexican Grill’s Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway. Through May 12, teachers can go to Chipotle’s Teacher Thanks website and enter their name and email for the chance to win an e-gift card.

Starting May 13, randomly selected winners will be notified and asked to confirm their employment as an educator via ID.me within 48 hours. Those who don’t verify their employment will be removed from the list of winners, and another name will be drawn.

Chipotle launched the program to reward teachers and a similar promotion for National Nurses Week, which runs May 6-12 in 2016. Since then, the company has given away a combined $16 million in free food to teachers and healthcare workers.

“Recognizing teachers and healthcare workers through this program is one way we can give back meaningfully,” said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s senior vice president of brand marketing, in a statement.

Whataburger offering free breakfast during National Teacher Appreciation Week

The San Antonio-headquartered burger chain is giving free breakfast nationwide to teachers and school staff on Thursday, May 7, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time. Check with your local Whataburger for exact timing, as promotion hours may vary by location. The offer is good for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru orders, limited to one per person. The eligible recipient must be present to redeem.

You can also treat your teacher to Whatateacher merchandise in the restaurant chain’s online Whatastore, where you can find gifts including Whatateacher T-shirts and tote bags.

As part of Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success initiative, the company will award $1,000 classroom grants to 60 teachers across its 17-state footprint.

More: Study ranks Mississippi among worst states for working mothers

National Teacher Appreciation Week deals in Mississippi

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers and school staff get 20% off their dine-in order May 4-10 with a valid school ID. Also, every Tuesday, when members of the Buffalo Wild Wings Rewards loyalty program buy one 6-, 10- or 15-count order of traditional wings, they get a second order of equal value free (dine-in only). Then, on Thursdays, with any quantity of boneless wings you buy, you get the same quantity free.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Teachers can get a free Bagel & Shmear of their choice with the purchase of any item on Wednesday, May 6, when they show a valid work ID. Offer is good for in-bakery orders only at participating locations.
• First Watch: The restaurant chain is giving teachers free coffee all day during the week, through May 8. Offer is good for hot and iced coffee with complimentary refills on hot coffee for dine-in guests. Just show a valid school ID at the register.
• FlutterHabit: The online lash shop is giving teachers 30% off their order (excluding bundles and kits) during National Teacher Appreciation Week through ID.me.
• Happy Joe’s: On Wednesday, May 6, teachers can get a free small order of Cheese Stix with the purchase of a large pizza at participating locations.
• Horace Mann Educators Corp.: The financial services company has several programs timed to National Teacher Appreciation Week, running through May 22, that include more than $17,000 in giveaways with prizes of daily $150 gift cards and weekly $500 gift cards, plus the chance to nominate educators for recognition and $1,000 for a project of their choice.
• Jason’s Deli: Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with warm breakfast sandwich bundles (priced at $40 and serving 12) and catering packages starting at $6.59 per person.

• Krystal: Teachers get 50% off all breakfast combos from May 4–8. The offer is available in-store with a valid ID.
• Logan’s Roadhouse: The steakhouse chain has a deal on gift cards, should you want to use them as a gift for teachers – get $50 in gift cards for $40 – through May 8.
• McAlister’s Deli: Teachers get one free Sweet or Unsweet Tea May 4-8, no purchase necessary.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes: During the week, members of the Bundtastic Rewards loyalty program can earn 100, 200 or 300 bonus points when purchasing a Single, Double or Triple Bundtlet Tower – maybe as a teacher appreciation gift. Limited to one transaction during the offer period. Must be logged in to your valid Bundtastic Rewards account before making your purchase. Bonus points will be loaded on or about May 29, 2026.
• The Parking Spot: Teachers get a 10% discount every day from the company, but they can get 25% off any reservation made in May for travel through the end of 2026.
• Potbelly: Teachers get a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée from Monday, May 4, to Tuesday, May 12. Eligible entrées include any sandwich, wrap, whole salad or bowl of soup. The offer is good in-shop only; just show a valid school ID at checkout to redeem. Also, school faculty and groups can get 10% off catering orders of more than $200 through Sunday, May 10 (using the code SAVE10).

Need ideas on how to show your gratitude to your favorite teacher? The National PTA and NEA, and We Are Teachers have gift suggestions and projects listed online.

Contributing: Drew Pittock/ USA TODAYMike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads mikegsnider, Bluesky @mikegsnider.bsky.social, X @mikesnider or email him at msnider@usatoday.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.