Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to honor educators, and this year, a D.C. pre-k teacher received an unexpected and much-needed gift: a week of sponsored rides to and from work, thanks to Lyft. Eliany Puello’s heartfelt plea on social media resonated with many, ultimately leading to a generous gesture from the ride-sharing company.
A Viral Plea for Support
Puello, who teaches in Northeast D.C. and relies on rideshares daily, posted on Threads ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week. She directly appealed to Uber, asking if they would consider sponsoring her rides for the week, acknowledging that many teachers face financial constraints. “Is that too much to ask for? THRIENDS… help me make this happen!!!” she wrote, hoping her network would amplify her message.
While Uber remained silent, their competitor, Lyft, saw the post and responded directly in the comments: “We’re not Ub*r, but we love our teachers! Check your dms.” This quick response turned Puello’s post into an overnight sensation, bringing unexpected attention to her situation and the challenges many educators face.
The Impact of Community and Corporate Support
Puello, who identifies as Afro-Latina and has been teaching for six years in an underserved area, expressed her gratitude and surprise. “For Lyft to come through, like, message me directly… I was like, me out of all people? But it feels nice. It feels very nice that they chose me, and I’m able to show up to work easier because sometimes we are pinching pennies as teachers,” she told theGrio.
Her post has inspired other teachers to share their own stories and seek similar support. Puello emphasized that she doesn’t want to “gatekeep” these opportunities and actively reposts others’ requests, believing in the power of a supportive community. “We don’t gatekeep around here. I like to help other teachers out,” she stated.
The Importance of the ‘Village’
Puello hopes her experience highlights the crucial role of the “village” in supporting students, which includes ensuring educators can get to their classrooms. “I feel like when the parents and others feed into the children, it shows,” she explained. “It takes a village to really build up students. So just be there. Support kids as best as you can… you never know how you can impact a child.”
While Lyft has not announced a broader Teacher Appreciation Week promotion, other deals and discounts are available for educators. These include offers from Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Whataburger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Nuuly, Rothy’s, Stitch Fix, and Target. Year-round benefits like free Canva Premium for verified teachers and discounts from Tarte and Yeti are also available.
- Chick-fil-A: Local promotions may be available.
- Chipotle: Chance to win one of 100,000 free meals (sign up by May 12).
- Whataburger: Free breakfast for teachers and school staff on May 7.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 20% off dine-in orders through May 10.
- Nuuly: 29% off monthly subscription for verified teachers.
- Rothy’s: 20% off at checkout.
- Stitch Fix: $40 off first styling “fix” for teachers.
- Target: 10% or more off via Target Circle through May 9.
- Canva: Free Canva Premium for verified teachers (year-round).
- Peacock: 12 months of Premium for $6.99.
- Tarte: 40% discount for verified K-12 teachers (year-round).
- Yeti: 15% off Yeti products via id.me (year-round).
How are you celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week? Share any great deals you’ve found in the comments below!