It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Here's where Arizona educators can score big deals

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, many businesses are stepping up to show gratitude for educators with deals on food and more.

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated every year during the first week of May. This year, it begins on Monday, May 6, and ends on Friday, May 10.

Although Teacher Appreciation Day officially falls on May 7, the five-day event is observed across the U.S. to acknowledge teachers' dedication to their students and communities.

If you want to show appreciation to educators in your life, this week might be a good time to treat them to a gift, thoughtful letter or kind words. You could also just let them know about these sales happening during the week.

Here's a roundup of the deals available throughout the Valley for educators during Teacher Appreciation Week 2024.
• 18 Degrees: Teachers with a valid ID can get 20% off their check from May 6-10.
• Four Peaks: Teachers can get $3 pints at the Four Peaks Pub in Tempe every Tuesday from May 6 through July 30. They must present a valid ID to obtain the deal.
• Golden Corral: Get 20% off one adult buffet purchase during Teacher Appreciation Week with identification or proof of employment at participating locations. The restaurant is also offering a "grads eat free" promotion May 6-10.
• Hash Kitchen: From May 6-10, teachers with a valid ID can get a stack of three pancakes for free at any of their Valley locations.
• Los Sombreros: Teachers can enjoy a free sweet treat from May 6-10. Los Sombreros has one location in Scottsdale and recently opened a new one in Mesa. Teachers must present a valid teacher's ID.
• Macayo's Mexican Food: From May 6-10, teachers and school faculty can enjoy 20% off of their meals.
• McAlister's Deli: Teachers can get a free 32-ounce tea from May 6-12 with a valid ID.
• Mike D’s Famous Funnel Cakes: Teachers can get 20% off their purchase during their visit.
• Mountain Mike's Pizza: On Tuesday, guests can enjoy 15% off all pizzas ordered through the Mountain Rewards app using the code 'TEACHER24' from May 9-12. The pizza place also has upcoming deals on heart-shaped pizzas for Mother’s Day.
• Museum of Illusions: Teachers can get free admission to the Scottsdale museum with a valid teacher's ID.
• Over Easy: Educators can get a free cup of premium press coffee at all Valley locations. Teachers must have valid institution IDs.
• Peter Piper Pizza: This pizza restaurant is offering teachers and nurses a free personal pizza deal every day from May 6 - 10. Redemption is limited to once per day and a valid ID must be shown
• Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Rides: During Teacher Appreciation, educators can enjoy a hot air balloon ride with a special discount of $165 per person. They can use the discount code “teach” and present a valid ID. Flights must be redeemed by July 31.
• Staples: Get 20% off your in-store purchase when you show your teacher ID at checkout from May 5-11. Free teacher supply kits will also be available while supplies last with a valid ID.
• The Wigwam: Educators can get 20% off at this Valley resort.

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According to Teachers of Tomorrow, the best Teacher Appreciation Week deals from 2023 could be available again this year. While it's not guaranteed they will return, it's smart to watch for updates from various companies.

These were the best deals in 2023:
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offered six boneless wings for $1 with the purchase of any burger.
• Burger King: Free fries with any purchase. Teachers and all other customers were eligible during 2023 Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Ford: Teachers who took a virtual test drive through May 7 received a $50 e-gift card to be used towards teacher requests on DonorsChoose.