Where to find Teacher Appreciation Week deals in Nashville

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 2023 as Teacher Appreciation Month, celebrating the dedicated educators serving students across the Volunteer State.

Lee said it's especially important to celebrate from May 8-12, which many celebrate as Teacher Appreciation Week.

"Teaching is more than a career — it's a calling," the governor said in a news release. "I’m proud to proclaim it ‘Teacher Appreciation Month’ to recognize the hard work and dedication of Tennessee teachers to prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond."

Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn, who is set to depart June 1, also added her praises for Tennessee teachers.

“Teachers are the backbone of our schools and play a vital role in mentoring and leading students to success in and outside of the classroom,” Schwinn said.“Thank you to each and every one of our educators for your dedication and passion each day. The time and work that you devote to your students is truly shaping the future of Tennessee.”

Here's a look at deals and discounts available to teachers in the days and weeks to come.

Need a massage? Here's your chance

Squeeze, a national massage spa chain that has a location in Brentwood, is offering teachers a chance to enter a sweepstakes for a chance at a year of free massages.

The sweepstakes kicked off May 8 and will run through 1:59 a.m. on May 13. Three winners will receive a 50-minute free massage per month for a year, which totals up to a nearly $1,100 value, according to a news release from Squeeze. Winners will be selected and notified on May 15.

Know an educator in the Scottsdale, Arizona, or Los Angeles area that could use a little pampering and relaxation? The sweepstakes is also open for them.

Nominations can be submitted at sweeps.squeezemassage.com. More information about Squeeze can be found at squeezemassage.com.

Whataburger Teacher Appreciation Week breakfast deal

If you're coming from Nashville, you'll have to hoof it to one of Whataburger's locations across Middle Tennessee to take advantage of this deal.

Educators can get free breakfast entrées from May 8 to May 12. During the week from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., teachers get a free breakfast entrée plus a taquito with cheese, breakfast on a bun or honey butter chicken biscuit. They also get a 25% discount on all items in the Whatastore with code WHATATEACHER23.

More than 55 teachers who were nominated by their peers and community members will be awarded a $1,000 grant for their schools, totaling more than $70,000 to support teachers within Whataburger's 14-state footprint.

Coming soon: Whataburger looks to add Hendersonville to area lineup as restaurant approved with conditions

Office Depot and OfficeMax teacher appreciation deals

Now through July 1, teachers with a free Office Depot and OfficeMax Rewards membership can get 30% back in bonus rewards on qualifying in-store purchases. Just present the appropriate coupon available online at officedepot.com/rewardsoffers, a valid teacher ID and your Office Depot or OfficeMax Rewards member number at checkout.

Staples Teacher Appreciation Week deals 2023

Teachers get $30 back in Staples Rewards when they spend $100 or more in stores from May 7 to May 13. Teachers can also get $15 off signs, banners and posters when they spend $75 or more, and $10 off document printing when spending $40 or more. Both deals expires May 27.

Want to help your local school and teachers? Join Staples Classroom Rewards Program to earn 5% back on in-store purchases to give to a local teacher or school, as well as 5% back in Staples Rewards.

Crocs, Michaels, Xfinity, Sleep Number deals for teachers with SheerID

Third-party verification service SheerID, which collects information that assists in verifying eligibility, has a slew of exclusive teacher deals with partners including Asics, Crocs, Dockers, L.L. Bean, Michaels, Peloton, Vineyard Vines and Sleep Number. Find teacher deals at sheerid.com/shoppers/teacherdeals.

Teacher deals from Samsung, Verizon, DirecTV with ID.me

Another verification service, ID.me, has partnered with brands including Adidas, DirecTV, Hotels.com, Ray-Ban, Samsung, Sam's Club, Saucony, Under Armour and Verizon Wireless to confirm eligibility for teacher discounts. See the list of businesses at shop.id.me/teacher.

'The Teachers' book available at a bargain price

You can get critically acclaimed new book The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession, a USA Today "Hottest New Book Release" and New York Times Spring Nonfiction pick, will be available for just $1.99 as an e-book (down from the $15.99 retail price) from May 8 to May 13.

Firehouse Subs free sandwich deal for teachers

Firehouse Subs will give teachers nationwide a free medium sub with the purchase of any medium or large sub, chips and drink from May 8-May 12. Any medium sub is eligible, including the limited-time Smokin’ Triple Stack sub.

McAlister's Deli

Teachers can get a free 32-ounce tea through May 10 by showing valid educator ID at participating at McAlister's Deli locations. No purchase is necessary, but the deal is limited to one per person. The offer is not valid on flavored shots or other beverages. You'll need to order in person for either dine-in or takeout to get the deal.

Potbelly Sandwich deals for National Teacher Appreciation Week

Potbelly will give teachers a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they purchase an entrée May 6 through May 12. Just show your work ID or badge when ordering any entrée — that includes a sandwich, salad, soup, or pick your pair. The deal applies to in-shop orders only.

Sonic Teacher Appreciation Week free cheeseburger deal, DonorsChoose donation match

Sonic is giving all those enrolled in its Teachers’ Circle Rewards program a free cheeseburger with any purchase from May 9 to May 16 made online or in the Sonic App. Any teacher, faculty or staff at a K-12 school or degree-granting university can use the app to sign up for Teachers’ Circle and get exclusive rewards. You'll need to get verified before May 9 for the free cheeseburger deal.

Also on May 9, the Sonic Foundation will match 50% of public donations — up to $1.5 million — to education non-profit group DonorsChoose. A portion of proceeds for every drink, slush and shake sold goes to the Sonic Foundation.

Those who want to donate can text GIVE to 31869 and receive a direct link to a teacher’s classroom in their local community.

USA Today contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Where to find Teacher Appreciation Week deals in Nashville