If you know a teacher or have a loved one who’s a teacher, the perfect time to show them you appreciate all they do is right around the corner. Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, which always falls in May, starts on Monday, May 4.
And if you’re a teacher who wants to enjoy more than just a pile of gift cards, mugs and candles cluttering your desk, there are some freebies to be had.
Here’s how Teacher Appreciation Week started, when it is and some deals and discounts for teachers.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 will begin on Monday, May 4, and end on Friday, May 8.
When did Teacher Appreciation Week become a thing?
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.
“However, due to the overwhelming support for honoring teachers, the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied to turn it into a full week in 1986.”
Now, Teacher Appreciation Week always falls on the first full week of May, with Teacher Appreciation Day celebrated within that week.
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday, May 4 and ends on Friday, May 8.
Is Teacher Appreciation Week the same every year?
Teacher Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Day always fall on 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, which is May 5 this year.
What is Chick-fil-A giving for teacher appreciation? What we know about Teacher Appreciation Week deals
Every year, many businesses offer deals for teachers on just about anything you can think of, from food to office supplies, shoes and discounts on vacation packages. Some businesses even run deals for teachers all year.
And yes, Chick-Fil-A usually celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day. But it’s up to each location’s owner to participate in appreciation day deals, so check to see how the location closest to you will be celebrating before you go. Some locations give free entrees or meals, discounted items or run breakfast-specific promotions.
Deals and discounts are usually not announced until a few days before Teacher Appreciation Week starts, but here’s a list of some deals from 2025 and some year-round deals:
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 is soon. Here’s when, what to know
Reporting by Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
