Every year, in the week before Thanksgiving, we celebrate American Education Week. The week is a chance to celebrate those who make public education possible. It creates awareness of the importance of education and provides ways to support public schools.
What is American Education Week?
People celebrate American Education Week across America to honor the many educators and education support professionals who make quality education happen every day.
When is American Education Week?
American Education Week takes place during the third week in November each year. This fixed date helps give schools and communities a fixed time to plan for this exciting and important event.
In 2024, American Education Week will take place from November 18 to November 22.
How did American Education Week start?
The history of American Education Week is fascinating. Let’s examine this annual event’s history.
1919
Almost twenty-five percent of the 2.8 million men drafted to Europe in World War I couldn’t read or write. In 1919, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion discussed ways to boost education nationwide.
1921
At the 1921 NEA Representative Assembly, people asked for one week each year to focus on education. The week would celebrate schools’ achievements and call for communities’ support to help meet their ongoing needs.
The first American Education Week occurred that year from December 4-10.
1922
Following the success of the first American Education Weeks, the U.S. Office of Education joined as a co-sponsor.
1938
As American Education Week grew, the Parent Teacher Association joined in. Many other organizations followed, helping to make it the grand celebration it is today.
Theme days for American Education Week
Each day of American Education Week has a unique theme, helping to highlight the different areas of education. These are:
Kickoff Day
The first day of American Education Week is the ‘Kickoff Day.’ It aims to introduce the week and encourage students to participate in different activities.
Family Day
Family Day is the day when parents are invited into schools to see a day in the life of their child’s education. It can help parents take a more active role in their children’s education and understand what their child is learning at school.
Education Support Professionals Day
Education Support Professionals Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of all school support staff.
Educator for a Day
Educator for a Day aims to help build closer connections between educators and community leaders. Participants learn the importance of proper staffing, resources, and facilities to help students thrive.
Substitute Educators Day
Substitute Educators Day highlights the vital role substitute teachers play in providing education. This day helps increase awareness of the need for fair wages, benefits, and development opportunities.
How can you take part in American Education Week?
Say ‘Thank You’
Whether a student or a parent, education will impact some stage of your life. Why not take the time to thank teachers, school staff, and others who have had a positive impact? These expressions of gratitude can mean a lot to someone who has dedicated their lives to educating others.
Pay a visit to your local school
A visit to your local school is a great way to see the hard work that takes place to deliver education to children. You can also learn how to get involved to help build better links between the school and your local community.
Volunteer for school activities
Could you volunteer to help your local school with different activities? You can support school clubs, teams, and events in many ways.
Attend your child’s Parent-Teacher conference
Attending your child’s Parent-Teacher conference is essential to showing your support for their education. It is an opportunity to work with your children’s teachers to ensure the best education for your child.
Help fundraise for your school
Schools often require fundraising help for various activities, including field trips and sports uniforms. Why not organize a fundraiser or participate in your local school’s fundraising events?
Ideas to celebrate each day of American Education Week
Kickoff Day
- Get the school excited about American Education Week, and explain what will happen throughout the week.
- Assign students a task related to their school. They could write about what they would do if they were a teacher for a day or share their favorite teacher.
- Share information about American Education Week on social media.
Family Day
- Invite parents to join the classroom, either in person or online.
- Get involved in school activities for the day, including after-school clubs.
Education Support Professionals Day
- Show how much you value your education and support professionals with an event or celebration of their work.
- Arrange gifts for your education support professionals.
- Shoutout to your education support professionals on social media or your school’s media channels.
Educator for a Day
- Invite people from the community to teach a class or discuss their careers. This can be a great way to show students about life after high school and inspire them for their future.
- Encourage students to think about their futures and what they hope to be one day.
Substitute Educators Day
- Celebrate substitute teachers by thanking them for everything they do.
- Welcome and respect substitute teachers to show your support.
Celebrating American education throughout the year
American Education Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work of America’s educators and support staff.
At Learn Bright, we provide comprehensive lesson plans that support learning in an engaging and enjoyable way. Join us in celebrating American Education Week November 18-22, 2024, by downloading a free lesson plan!
