Celebrate those who support education
The week of Nov. 17-21, thousands of communities across the country will celebrate the wide range of education professionals who help students succeed—from support and clerical team members to bus drivers, technical specialists, and student service workers—during American Education Week.
According to the National Education Association, every one of these individuals plays a vital role in supporting students and families while keeping schools running and thriving.
The first observance of American Education Week took place on Dec. 4-10, 1921, under the sponsorship of the NEA and the American Legion. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a co-sponsor, and the National PTA followed in 1938.
After the kickoff on Nov. 17, NEA has designated days to highlight the different team members whose support is crucial to student success:
Nov. 19: Education Support Professionals Day
Education Support Professionals Day was first celebrated in 1987 to honor the contributions of all school support staff.
Nov. 21: Substitute Educators Day
Substitute Educators Day is celebrated to show an increased appreciation of school substitute employees who provide a critical link in the education by stepping into teacher roles to maintain continuity of learning in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.
