Celebrating teachers during 2021 American Education Week, Nov. 15-19
The National Education Association’s American Education Week is an annual celebration of the public education system and the individuals that help educate and inspire the future of the United States.
American Education Week is held the week before Thanksgiving, with each day having a unique theme. The 2021 celebration runs November 15-19 and includes daily festivities honoring those who work in our nation’s public schools, from bus drivers who ensures that students make it to class safely, to the teachers that educate and care for students daily, and everyone in between.
This year’s event includes:
Monday, November 15: Kickoff Day
Schools all over America will be hosting their own kickoff festivities to celebrate and honor the excellence seen in the public school system.
Tuesday, November 16: Family Day
On this day, families are invited to join students in their classroom to experience a day in the life of a student.
Wednesday, November 17: Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day
ESP Day has been celebrated annually since 1987. ESPs help support students educationally, emotionally, and physically throughout their days in the classroom. ESPs go above and beyond for students every day, but they have worked especially hard to meet the needs of their students and the community during the pandemic.
Thursday, November 18: Educator for a Day
Community leaders will be invited to step into the shoes of an educator virtually and help them lead a lesson with students. Educator for a Day fosters an understanding between community leaders and educators to demonstrate the successes and challenges our educators face and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.
Friday, November 19: Substitute Educators Day
Substitute educators hold a vital role within schools. Substitute educators provide quality, continuing education during the absence of regular classroom educators, ensuring that the students are in good hands while the teacher is gone.
The National Education Association currently has three million members from all 50 states. Educators from every level bring their unique experiences and viewpoints to foster an environment that allows students to be their best.
Learn more: American Education Week: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/american-education-week-november-15-19-2021
National Education Association: https://www.nea.org/
Writer: Katie Cockerill, kcockeri@purdue.edu