Teacher Appreciation Week Deals Every Illinois Educator Should Know

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway now through May 8, and there are several businesses offering special perks and freebies to hard-working educators in Illinois.

Respect for Teachers

Growing up with a mom who was a teacher, I learned a few things very quickly:

• You can't miss school unless you have a high fever or are throwing up.
• You better not ever misbehave enough that your teacher has to call home and talk to your mom.
• The final weeks of summer break will be spent following your mom around at stores while she buys all the supplies she needs for her classroom.
• Teachers give so much of their time, money, and heart to other people's kids.

I spent years witnessing how hard my mom worked as a teacher and how thankless the job can be, so I firmly believe every day should be Teacher Appreciation Day, but sadly, it is not.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week happens every year in early May (this year it runs May 4–8, with National Teacher Day landing on May 5) and recognizes educators for their selfless work teaching our kids everything from reading and math to how to function as tiny humans in society.

READ MORE: DOJ Launches Investigation Into 6 Northern IL Schools

We all may wish this week would be more about higher salaries and smaller class sizes, but that's not happening. Thankfully, many businesses in Northern Illinois have stepped up with freebies and discounts for educators, just to say thanks.

Here are a few of the Teacher Appreciation Week deals available in the Rockford area that are worth checking out:

Chick-fil-A – This week is Hometown Heroes Week at Rockford-area Chick-fil-A locations, here are the deals up for grabs this week:

Buffalo Wild Wings – Teachers get 20% off dine-in orders when they show a valid educator ID.

Chipotle - Teachers can enter for a chance to win one of 100,000 free entrée e-gift cards. Click this link to enter.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop – Free cookie or drink with entrée purchase and additional catering discounts.

MOD Pizza:

If you’re an educator in Northern Illinois, it’s worth grabbing your school ID and treating yourself this week. You’ve earned every free coffee, cookie, and sandwich coming your way.

From one Illinois mom to every teacher out there: thank you for doing the job most of us are wildly unqualified for. Our children would be lost without you.

Click here for more freebies and discounts available for Teacher Appreciation Week.