American Education Week is celebrated each year during the week prior to Thanksgiving, and 2023 marks the 102nd year since its first official celebration. This year, American Education Week starts on November 13 and runs through November 17. The National Education Association (NEA) was one of the creators and original sponsors of American Education Week, and continues to support the celebration and raise awareness with themes for each day, ways to celebrate and show your appreciation, and more.
Monday, Kickoff Day! Schools across the country celebrate excellence in education by hosting kickoff events and activities.
Tuesday, Family Day: Research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores confidence among parents in their children’s education. On Family Day, many schools invite parents into the classroom to experience what the day is like for their child!
Wednesday, Education Support Professionals Day: Education Support Professionals (ESPs) go above and beyond as they work to meet the needs of students and school communities. ESPs include people such as paraprofessionals, office personnel, security, nurses, computer technicians, and other crucial staff members that keep schools running behind the scenes!
Thursday, Educator for a Day: Community leaders are invited and encouraged to experience the day as educators and experience the challenges of teaching and meeting students’ needs. Originally developed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the program helps demonstrate to public officials, community leaders, and other decision makers the successes and challenges educators face, and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.
Friday, Substitute Educators Day: Substitute educators play a vital role in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. These professionals serve as a bridge to provide quality education to children in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.
Although American Education week is coming to a close, we’d love to hear how you celebrate teachers, education support professionals, substitutes, and all the other people in your school communities who help create a fun and safe learning environment for students across the Commonwealth year round. Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! American Education Week may be wrapping up for this year, we can show our school staff and personnel love and appreciation all year long with simple gestures such as saying “thank you,” or giving them a well-deserved high five.
So, how will you show your appreciation and gratitude to all the educators in your school community this American Education Week, and every week?