Why we celebrate teachers and nurses this week
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America recognizes two of the most essential and trusted professions this week — teachers and nurses — with appreciation events across the country.
Why it matters: Both professions are battling ongoing labor shortages and high burnout rates.
- Nearly 76% of nurses said they experienced burnout in 2023, according to an IntelyCare survey of more than 5,000 health care workers.
- Teaching is considered one of the most draining jobs, and nearly a quarter of K-12 teachers experienced a gun-related school lockdown last year.
The big picture: National Nurses Day, Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teachers Day have been held in May since the early 1980s.
- National Nurses Week has been celebrated in May since early 1990s.
- Gifts and thank you notes are commonly given to teachers and nurses, who are also treated with free food and discounts from businesses.
Zoom in: Nurses have been the most trusted profession for the 22nd consecutive year, according to Gallup's annual ethics ratings.
- 78% of U.S. adults currently believe nurses have high honesty and ethical standards, Gallup shows.
Between the lines: The wage gap between teachers and other college graduates recently hit the widest level since 1960, a report from the Economic Policy Institute and the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows.
When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2024?
Teacher Appreciation Week is held every year during the first week of May.
- The 2024 dates are May 6-10.
Flashback: The National Parent Teacher Association started designating one week in May to recognize teachers in 1984.
When is National Teachers Day 2024?
Tuesday, May 7, is National Teachers Day, also known as Teachers Day or Teacher Appreciation Day.
When is Nurses Day 2024 and National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Day is Monday, May 6.
- The American Nurses Association expanded recognition of nurses to a weeklong celebration in the 1990s, which is May 6-12 annually.
- May 8 is National Student Nurses Day.
National Nurses Week ends each year on the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing.
Deals for teachers and nurses
Here are a few deals available for both professions:
- Buffalo Wild Wings is offering 20% off for nurses, teachers, and school staff with valid IDs from Monday through May 12. This offer is for dine-in, call-in and walk-in orders.
- McAlister's Deli locations are giving teachers and nurses free tea through May 12 with their badge or ID.
- Zaxby's is offering teachers and nurses a buy-one-get-one free Boneless Wings Meal May 7 at participating locations through its app or website.
- Some national chains, like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A, have regional and local offers for teachers and nurses in some parts of the country.
Dunkin' National Nurses Day freebie
Nurses get a free medium hot or iced coffee Monday, May 6 at participating Dunkin' locations nationwide.
The fine print: Dunkin' told Axios no purchase or ID is necessary to get the deal and there is a limit of one per guest.
- The offer excludes frozen coffee, cold brew and nitro cold brew.
Chipotle Nurses Week 2024
Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering health care workers, including nurses and doctors, a chance to win free burrito e-cards worth $1 million on its website now through May 10.
- The chain will randomly select 100,000 workers who enter the sweepstakes at the end of National Nurses Week.
- Those who are selected will receive an email to verify their employment status with ID.me.
Teacher appreciation deals at Sonic, TGI Fridays
Sonic Drive-In has two weeks of deals for educators enrolled in its Teachers' Circle Rewards program now through May 20.
TGI Fridays restaurants are giving teachers a free meal from a special menu Tuesday at participating locations.
Editor's note: This story was updated with deals and freebies for teachers and nurses.
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