National Education Association’s Annual Celebration spotlights importance of great public schools for all children

Washington--The National Education Association’s American Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate public education, honor people who are making a difference and remind the nation that great public schools are a basic right and everybody’s responsibility.

This year’s celebration is taking place November 12-18, and will deliver an important message: "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility."

NEA created American Education Week 85 years ago to recognize the different people who are critical in building great public schools for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students.

NEA is encouraging everyone to take part in activities by participating in a local event, getting involved in a school activity, or organizing an event of their own.

School staff, parents and community members can visit www.nea.org/aew/to-olkit.html to download NEA’s online toolkit for activity ideas, templates, resources and promotional materials.

American Education Week’s celebration days include:

o Sunday, November 12: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers will convene in Denver, Colorado, to participate in a kick-off event with NEA President Reg Weaver.

o Monday, November 13: National Kick-Off Celebration. From national to local events, Americans will celebrate public education across the country.

o Tuesday, November 14: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into classrooms for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.

o Wednesday, November 15: Education Support Professionals Day. From the bus driver to the custodian, the people who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their dedication.

o Thursday, November 16: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited into schools to experience the rewards and challenges of educators and the needs of students.

o Friday, November 17: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who step in at a moment’s notice to continue education in the classroom when regularly employed teachers are out.

For more information about American Education Week, visit www.nea.org/aew.