American Education Week—Nov. 16-20—presents an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference by ensuring that every child receives a great public education.
The National Education Association (NEA) was one of the creators and original sponsors of American Education Week. The first observance was held in 1921, with NEA and the American Legion as co-sponsors. A year later, the then-named U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a co-sponsor, and the PTA followed in 1938.
Visit nea.org and search “American Education Week” to learn more about American Education Week and to find resources that will assist in planning your local or county association’s celebration.
Ideas for Celebrating
- Familiarize students with American Education Week, including theme and celebration days, in the morning announcements on Monday and throughout the entire week, highlighting the observance of the day.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. You can thank public school educators for their service or thank the community for its support of public schools. You can also encourage the local paper to write an editorial about public schools and American Education Week.
- Have students write an essay, “What I Would Do if I Were the School Principal” and share the best ones.
- Hold a poetry reading on the topic, “What I Like Best About My School.”
- Have students make cards showing support for their educators.