American Education Week Focuses on Commitment to Students and Educators
All around the United States, communities are joining Education International's two affiliates, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), this week to celebrate American Education Week. The annual observance, now in its 90th year, honors students’ hard work to learn, recognizes the professionalism and dedication of teachers, support staff and other educators, and rededicates the community at large to quality public education for every student.
Together with teacher union leaders, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan kicked off the week-long celebration today, stressing the importance of education to be successful in the 21st century economy.
“America’s students need all of us - educators, parents, students, elected officials and community leaders - working together and investing in their schools,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “The path to the American dream still runs through America’s public schools. American Education Week is a time to commit ourselves to providing great public schools so all students can pursue the American Dream.”
Each day during AEW will spotlight a different aspect of school life. For example, "School bus Wednesday" is a day of recognition of education support professionals who are integral members of the education team. Education Support Professionals Day focuses on the importance of these school employees, who make up 40 percent of the school staff and take care of students every day, making sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school.
“American Education Week serves as a tribute to the team of people who work with our students, everyone from the classroom teacher and the bus driver to the cafeteria worker and the administration staff - plus countless others,” said Dennis Van Roekel. “We honour and thank them for the work they do every day to make sure that our students are safe and able to learn.”
On Thursday, "Educator for a Day" events allow individuals from the community to serve as an educator to get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school employee. The visiting educator performs the duties of the regular educator in a normal day - teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, among other responsibilities. The program demonstrates to public officials and other decision-makers the successes and challenges educators face and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.
Substitute Educators Day, to be held on Friday, focuses on professional educators who perform a vital function in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. Substitute educators are the educational bridges when regular classroom educators are absent. They are called early in the morning, take over lessons with short notice, and ensure that quality education is maintained in our classrooms. The professional substitute ensures that time is productive and furthers the student’s learning.
Celebrated the week prior to Thanksgiving, American Education Week was first celebrated in 1921. The week-long celebration grew out of national concern about illiteracy. The original goal of American Education Week - to generate public awareness and support for education - continues today.
