American Education Week is a period of time where all Americans can celebrate public schools and the educators that help students gain access to quality education. This year, American Education Week is as important as ever as teachers work tirelessly to adapt to the pandemic and e-Learning. American Education spans the entire week, from November 15 – 19 with each day having a certain theme. Monday, November 15 is “Kick-Off Day,” Tuesday, November 16 is “Invite Parents to School Day,” Wednesday is “Education Support Professionals Day,” Thursday is “Educator for a Day Day,” and Friday is “Substitute Educators Day.”
History
American Education Week was first celebrated in 1921 by the National Education Association. Because of illiteracy rates in World War I draftees, representatives of the NEA and the American Legion met in 1919 to try and increase public support for education. To try and raise support, the NEA proposed “An educational week … observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”
The first observance of American Education Week occurred on December 4-10, 1921 with NEA and American Legion as cosponsors. Today, cosponsors include the U.S. Department of Education and national organizations including the National PTA, the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Association of School Administrators, the National School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American School Counselor Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National School Public Relations Association, the National Association of State Boards of Education, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
In conclusion, American Education Week is a way to honor our educators and all of the work they do to ensure that their students have a quality education. So don’t forget to give your thanks to your teacher today!