Teacher Appreciation Week: Deals, How To Thank Nation's Educators

ACROSS AMERICA — There’s no better time than national Teacher Appreciation Week, observed this year from May 1-7, to let the people who show up for your kids every day know how much you value them. Teacher Appreciation Day itself is Tuesday, May 3.

The nation's teachers are closing out one of the toughest school years many of them can remember amid teacher and staff shortages, student behavior problems and increasing polarization surrounding what should be taught.

At the same time, teachers often dig into their own bank accounts to pay for classroom supplies. An Economic Policy Institute analysis three years ago found the average teacher spent $459 a year on classroom supplies. The highest inflation in 40 years hasn’t helped.

There are several ways to show your appreciation. One we like is DonorsChoose, established in 2000 by a teacher in the Bronx to connect teachers and donors. Currently, there are thousands of teacher requests you can support with whatever donation works for your budget. DonorsChoose ships the supplies directly to the teacher.

In the 22-year history of the program:

• 721,535 teachers have been funded;
• 2,268,851 classroom projects have been funded;
• 5,248,525 people have donated.

Here’s another incentive to support DonorsChoose. On Tuesday, Teacher Appreciation Day, Sonic Drive-In will match up to $1.5 million in donations made to the national nonprofit. Sonic is also offering teachers a free cheeseburger with everyone who is enrolled in its Teachers’ Circle rewards program available through its app. Locations.

Several national chains, including restaurants and retail companies, are offering deals. We’ve rounded up a few of them (be sure to check availability where applicable at your local stores):

Ann Taylor Loft: Through its Loft Loves Teachers program, educators with a valid school identification get 15 percent off full-price items. Locations.

Cole Haan: 20 percent discount on men’s and women’s footwear and accessories to teachers and students who use their school email address. Locations.

Crayola: Website visitors can get 20 percent off gifts for teachers through May 8 with the code EDUCATORS. The company also created the Self Care Art Supply Gift Set, an internet exclusive that includes eight products to help teachers indulge in self-care and restoration.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Teachers who present a valid identification get a free mini sundae Monday through May 6. Locations.

Laffy Taffy: The first 100 teachers each day from Monday, May 2, to Friday, May 6, who register on the website by sharing their favorite joke will receive a care package, plus be entered in a drawing for $5,000 to be used for a vacation to a tropical destination. Students, parents and others can nominate their teachers.

Staples: Customers who sign up for the Classroom Rewards program through the chain's app can earn 5 percent back when they shop for local teachers. Locations.

Texas de Brazil: Teachers who show a valid school identification get 15 percent off dinner for four at participating U.S. locations year-round, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Locations.