activities for american education week

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American Education Week – November 18-22, 2024

Every year, American Education Week is held a week before Thanksgiving. This year, it starts on November 18 and ends on November 22. Have you ever wondered how American education grew to be what it is now? American Education Week is celebrated to remind and reinspire us to make education in America even better, as we celebrate the pace-setting contributors to the educational system. This week involves the students, parents, educators, scholarships , and the community as they all come together to observe a week dedicated to education.

History of American Education Week

American Education Week was first celebrated on December 4–10, 1921, after the alarming rate of illiteracy was recognized and a meeting was held in 1919 by the American Legion and representatives of the National Education Association (NEA). The aim of this special week was to create awareness about the need for education and garner support to fund schooling systems. In the years that followed, American Education Week gained sponsors that impacted the American education system.

American Education Week continues annually in every U.S. community to present the achievements and needs of the local public schools and secure support for meeting these needs. It is celebrated with a different theme each year and follows a structure set up by NEA, with an activity created specially for each day.

Monday is the Kick-off Day, celebrating the start of the week by familiarizing students with the theme, activities, and purpose of the event. Tuesday is Family Day, where parents will be invited to actively experience how a school day goes for their children. This has been shown to improve student performance in school. Wednesday is Education Support Professionals Day, a day to celebrate a school’s support staff. Thursday is Educator For A Day. On this day, community leaders will be invited to work as an employee in the school, performing all the duties of a teacher for a full day. Friday is Substitute Educators Day. This day celebrates people who are always available to replace regular teachers when there is a sudden emergency or temporary leave.

American Education Week timeline

Harvard, the first American academy is established.

The first public school is established in the U.S.

Every U.S. state has a public school in it.

American Education Week is first celebrated.

American Education Week FAQ s

Do students go to school during american education week.

Yes, they do. The week is celebrated on the school’s premises.

What does American Education Week celebrate?

It celebrates the achievements of public schools in America and honors the work of people making a difference in education.

What is the theme for American Education Week 2021?

It has not been announced. Nevertheless, the purpose of the week does not change, so get ready for it.

How to Observe American Education Week

Follow the nea structure.

There is a timetable set for each day of the week. Celebrate each in your own way, as fun and creative as possible.

Keep everyone involved

Ensure everyone has a specific and fun role to play throughout the week. Let it be engaging for the parents, students, and educators as well.

Give awards and gifts

As we celebrate people who contribute to education, we can also motivate them by giving them gifts and awards for their excellent work.

5 Amazing Facts About Education

The most populated school.

The City Montessori School in India has more than 32,000 students.

Too much homework?

If you think school is hard, it is nothing compared to what students in China experience. They do 14 hours of homework, the highest number of hours in the world.

Long summer breaks

Chile gives students a three-month break, starting in December and ending in March.

World’s oldest school

The King's School, founded in 597 A.D., is in Canterbury, England, and is over 1,400 years old.

Rap in Maths

Rap helps children to learn mathematical concepts easily.

Why American Education Week is Important

We value education.

American Education Week helps us recognize that we are privileged to access education easily. It makes us appreciate our education even more.

We appreciate educators

This is a time to thank educators for their efforts in imparting education in schools. They are world changers and we're glad to have them.

We connect with our kids

Through this week, we are able to follow up on the academic activities of our kids. This helps us understand them better and build a better relationship with them.

American Education Week dates

American education week related holidays.

Education and Sharing Day

International Literacy Day

National Education Day

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A merican Education Week: history and purpose

American Education Week has been celebrated since 1921 and this year it is going to be the 95 th anniversary of this holiday. The purpose of its creation was to raise the awareness of public of how important education is. All the Americans have a great opportunity to celebrate public education on these days as well as honor all the individuals, who contribute to the high quality of the educational process. Usually, there is a week-long list of the numerous events for each day of the week dedicated to all the members to takes or used to take part in the teaching and learning processes. Here you can see the examples of the activities to be performed during this week.

All the Americans have a great opportunity to celebrate public education on these days as well as honor all the individuals, who contribute to the high quality of educational process.

Wonderful Media Activities

• Advertisement or quiz on the history of education on radio or TV

Not all parents and children remember about AEW in the flow of everyday life. That is why a short but spectacular ad on the local channel can remind of the importance of education as well as the time of its celebration. Any quizzes or topics for compositions and essays connected with this week will expand pupils’ and teachers’ knowledge about its history as well as result in more extraordinary and creative ways of its celebration.

• A posted “Letter to the editor” written by the authority representative

Local newspapers and magazines never lose their popularity among adults and a letter of congratulations can be a good variant to attract public attention to the event. Students can do the same thing posting a letter in the school or college newspaper.

• Reading of motivational quotes on radio, TV or popular Internet websites

There is an abundance of interesting and funny quotes connected with education and many of them can be rather inspiring though unknown to masses so it might be interesting for everyone to hear, see or read them.

• Students photos and essays posted in the local edition

What can be more exciting than to see your kid’s or grandchild’s photos from school in the newspaper as well as read his own piece of writing there? Most of the parent will not only be moved but also proud of their children. At the same time, it will also shed light on the modern educational process and students’ leisure activities.

• An interview of short phrases about the best liked at school

Only imagine smiling faces of all the members of the educational process, who remember the best moments from their studying or teaching experience . Moreover, some of such pleasant situations can be repeated by other students as well as inspire to work harder and more productive.

School celebration

• Launching a contest for students

It is always a good initiative to encourage students to show off their skills and talents. Moreover, a sense of competition only adds courage and desire to win the prize. That is why an annual contest can be a perfect way to draw students’ attention to AEW and participate. The ideas can be various: essays, photos, designs of covers, rhymes, a show of talents or a contest between students and teachers etc.

• A school fair

Many people adore different fairs because of an opportunity to get rid of unnecessary things and purchase something useful for a minimal price. School can be a perfect place to do that. It can be a pastry fair or book one, a kind of flea-market or even a charity fair, where received money will be donated to the needy children.

• Retired teachers, students or parents are invited to conduct their lesson

It would be a great experience for students to receive a new teacher for a while – only imagine how funny it is to see a familiar person in front of you. It is a good way to honor retired educators as well as attract parents to the school life of their children. Some of such lessons will prove to kids that only professional teachers are able to make lessons interesting and provide knowledge.

• One day back in time – photos from the childhood

There is hardly anything more moving and funny than photos from the childhood of people, who you see on a daily basis. It would be twice more exciting to suppose (write below or according to the number of photos), who it is and praise winners, who were the first to guess. It is also a good reminder how education has already changed each of us and what awaits us in future .

• An unusual party for students

Students are an indispensable part of the educational process and they also should have an opportunity to let their hair down. Of course, it is impossible to organize one celebration for different ages, so each group should have its own holiday. It can be a concert with after-party or a play, a masquerade or a theme party – an interesting activity to allow students to rest.

Ways to salute the staff

• Post cards and saluting bulletins

There is nothing more customary than congratulations written on paper, though they still are the most popular and appreciated kind of a present. Each teacher can be moved with a hand-made example as well as get happy to see the pleasant words and rhymes concerning his or her activity.

Each person likes to be treated with something delicious and school and college staff is not an exception. Either it is a bus driver or a teacher, a nurse or assistants – each of them will be glad to receive a free lunch or a coupon, be treated with cookies and pastry, fruits and candies. Each similar way to honor the staff is the utmost pleasure for them.

• Congratulations from local associations

Not only students must salute teachers during AEW, there is always a local association responsible for this fact too. It can organize a variety of events to honor teachers as well as praise their labor providing them with small gifts.

• Nominations and awards

Only imagine how pleasant it is to be awarded for the work you do on a daily basis. Students and parents can organize the annual “Oscar” for teachers and determine winners in each nomination. Non-winners can be given small prizes too. The holiday will be even more spectacular if you use the sense of humor and show talents to them.

• Shoot a short film for each teacher

Every person’s work requires appreciation and students do not need to make many efforts to show their love for teachers. Small interviews of pupils mentioning their favorite teacher can be transformed into a short video. It can be shown at the local representative assembly or given to each teacher personally.

Community celebration

• A dinner with retired teachers

It is important to remember those ones, who might be unjustly forgotten on these lovely days – retired teachers. Their contribution is not always appreciated by right, but these are people, who taught our relatives and parents, who consequently raise a modern generation. A tea party with pastries from the local association can be a good way to listen to the reminiscent career of theirs.

• Downtown windows are decorated with children’s drawings and artworks

Children’s drawings are always interesting to gaze at as their vision of the world greatly differs from the adult one. And if they were offered to create a picture on some serious topic, the results would be more than just amazing. To celebrate an AEW children can be suggested drawing on the topic “The role of teacher or school in my life” and many visitors of the downtown will remember how important a teacher was or still is in their lives. At the same time, these pictures will remind of the education week in general too.

• Organized exhibitions and career fairs are held

The AEW can boast numerous exhibitions to enlighten people. These are presentations of newly released books, educational software, artworks, private collections as well as mass visits of museums and galleries. These places play not less important role in educating the population, so this holiday concerns them as well.

• Awarding of the best teachers and educational community workers

It is always pleasant if your efforts are appreciated but not only taken for granted. Each educator or community worker connected with this process should be awarded for his or her achievements and AEW is a perfect time to do that.

• Local libraries invite people for interesting activities

Another important educational establishment is a library and despite the technological development they still should do their best to attract new readers. Interesting tasks, performances, meetings with famous writers will contribute to the overall celebration of this holiday week.

These are only some of the activities that can be held during the American Education Week, but each of them will be appreciated both by students and educational workers. AEW has proved its importance for so many years of its existence, so it is a necessity to find as many creative ideas for its celebration as possible.

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With dedicated teachers, administrators, and other school staff, public schools are there every day for every student, preparing tomorrow’s leaders. That’s why, during November, we celebrate public schools during American Education Week. Take part in this national event with a few celebration ideas below, and share online using the hashtag #PublicSchoolsForAll.

Kick off this year’s American Education Week by celebrating excellence within your school community. Have students present their school projects to other classes, host a student work gallery walk, or film a video of students and teachers sharing accomplishments or what they’re most proud of in your school—then play the video in a morning assembly to share the awesome and get everyone cheering for each other.

Celebrate and share American Education Week with parents by inviting families to visit school. Have a Parents Breakfast, invite parents to visit school classes, or host a Family Fun Night! Family Paint Nights or Potluck Dinners are great ways for parents, teachers, and students to enjoy time together. Or, host a Gallery Night, where parents can walk through the school and see the fantastic projects students have completed so far this year.

School nurses, paraeducators, bus drivers, food service workers, maintenance professionals… Education takes a village! Celebrate that village by recognizing the education support professionals that help make your school community amazing . Consider hosting a breakfast for them or having students write thank you notes to all those who keep them safe, healthy, and at the top of their academic game.

According to the National Education Association, “It’s been many years since most members of the public have been in a classroom. Given that no more than 20 percent of a community’s adult population has school-age children, most people don’t have an accurate understanding of what our schools are all about today.” That said, today is Educator For a Day. Bring the outside world in by welcoming community members and leaders to participate in events at your school. Invite an elected official to be an “ educator for a day ,” or bring in local business owners to present in classes. If you have time to throw together a whole career day, even better.

Schools could not run without those who step in at the last minute. Celebrate your substitute teachers by making a special thank you poster or give them a special gift like a customized T-shirt or mug, or a Substitute Teacher kit (think: a portable kit with various classroom supplies to make their expected and unexpected days in the classroom that much easier).

More Ways to Celebrate

• Get social and share your school’s American Education Week celebrations on social media.
• Contact your local newspaper or news outlet to publish a profile on someone who deserves the recognition in your school community.
• Provide gift certificates for coffee to your school’s staff or all-stars. Or raffle off a larger gift certificate to a local spa or restaurant.
• Take over the duties of your support professionals! For example, relieve your cafeteria workers for the day and serve them , or have students serve lunch to your school aides.
• Provide coffee and breakfast for your colleagues and give out thank you notes from school leadership and/or students and parents.
• Have students create and sign a thank you poster for the staff lounge.
• Create a contest that asks students to write essays or create posters saluting educators in their community.
• Solicit local businesses to offer incentives for educators during American Education Week. Discounts or thank you signs in their window make a beautiful statement. (Perhaps local businesses could also display student artwork during the week to celebrate the accomplishments of the area’s learners!)
• Order buttons and give them to staff members as a celebration of their contributions. Possible slogan: “Very Important Educator: Our School Runs Because of You!”
• Order coffee cups or mugs (or other personalized swag) that give a warm thank you to your school staff.
• Host an assembly and give out awards to teachers and support staff . Let students present or create the awards.
• Elementary:   8×11    18×24
• Secondary:   8X11    18X24

For more information, check out the National Education Association’s American Education Week page .

Jennifer L.M. Gunn spent 10 years in newspaper and magazine publishing before moving to public education. She is a curriculum designer, teaching coach, and high school educator in New York City. She is also cofounder of the annual EDxEDNYC Education Conference for teacher-led innovation, and regularly presents at conferences on the topics of adolescent literacy, leadership, and education innovation.

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American Education Week 2022

What is american education week.

American Education Week is the longest-running national education celebration in the country. It’s a time to celebrate the public school system and all those who participate in it, from teachers, to students, to administrators and beyond. 

This year, American Education Week takes place November 13 – 19. 

Throughout the week, the National Education Association (NEA) is focusing on different areas of our nation’s public education support system:

• Monday is Kick-Off Day
• Tuesday is Family Day
• Wednesday is Education Supports Professionals Day
• Thursday is Educator for a Day
• Friday is Substitute Educators Day

Recognizing the many faces of public education make it clear: education culture is being shaped everywhere that students gather, learn, and socialize: in hallways, playgrounds, libraries, cafeterias, after-school programs, and more. With the theme of this year’s celebration centered on ensuring equity in education, we’re asking ourselves:

What does inclusion in public schools really look like in 2022?

What Does An Inclusive School Look Like?

According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics , the high school graduation rate for those with disabilities rose to 68.2% for the 2018–2019 school year. That’s up from 67.1% the year prior. This statistic is holding relatively steady as of 2021.

While there are disparities state by state, the last decade of data shows an increasing number of American students with disabilities gaining access to the resources that will allow them to graduate high school. Even in the post-pandemic public school landscape – where overall enrollment dropped by 3% – enrollment in special education services did not proportionately decrease. It did fall by a mere 1%, but that was also the first decrease in enrollment in the last 10 years.

But academic achievement is only one piece of the puzzle.

To ensure an inclusive public school education looks beyond academic achievement, teachers, staff, and administrators need to:

• Provide an environment that is flexible enough to meet the needs of all children.
• Understand the signs of learning disabilities and how to empower students academically.
• Provide a curriculum that is rich in diversity and opportunity.
• Encourage children to understand and develop positive attitudes towards each other.
• Include and support the network of people contributing to a child’s enrichment.
• Prioritize inclusion when planning lessons and activities.
• Cultivate a safe, caring environment that fosters collaboration and honesty among students, administrators, and educators.
• Proactively seek and apply feedback from students with disabilities and their care networks.

6 Practical Examples of How You Can Practice Inclusion In Your School

Achieving your inclusion goals starts with the simplest, most actionable steps. 

We’ve gathered six ideas to spark inspiration and show you how you can start building inclusive strategies in your own schools – and how you can strengthen the existing inclusion strategies you already have in place:

• Step back and look into your hiring processes, policies and programs. Have you made an intentional effort to ensure you are hiring teachers and staff from diverse backgrounds? Are your policies, environments, and strategies designed to support everyone’s learning and developmental needs ? Are you encouraging your teachers to use inclusive teaching methods? More importantly – do the educators in your school know how to use inclusive teaching methods in the first place? These are important questions to ask and take action upon if you want to build a culture of inclusion in your school.
• Provide quiet areas for youth who may need them. Every student needs a place where they can focus without distraction. Other than providing individual desks or tables where students can work, consider finding a seldom-used room in your school that can be turned into a quiet, sensory room where students can freely go if they need to calm down.
• Add ramps and elevators where needed. If you don’t have ramps or elevators in your buildings already, consider installing them as soon as possible. Ramps and elevators ensure access equity for all students in your school. Consider outdoor play spaces as well – take a walk around your playground and evaluate the access options available to your students. These improvements can be costly and you may need to seek approval, financial assistance, or government advocacy to enact them. However, they are undeniably worth the work for the generations of students who will benefit from more accessible environments. 
• Make sure there are enough adaptive devices for every student who needs one. A seat lift allows a student in a wheelchair to easily be moved if needed; adaptive computer keyboards allow students with motor skill impairments to type out class assignments; and scribes can take lecture notes for students who are visually impaired. If you don’t have adaptive devices on hand already, it’s time to look into purchasing some. Is your district feeling a budget pinch? Be sure to seek assistance from nonprofits or to ask the suppliers themselves to sponsor devices. As budgets are tightening, know that there are organizations that support these purchases.
• Tone down your school or classroom interior color scheme. Colorful backdrops and bright lights can be distracting for students with ADHD, or those with anxiety or depression who may be sensitive to such stimuli. Instead, opt for calming tones, like blues and greens, that won’t distract from learning activities.
• Rethink your school materials and textbooks. Textbooks and other traditional school materials can be heavy and cumbersome for children who have physical disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. Consider providing digital versions of your textbooks that are easily accessible on mobile devices, as well as computers or tablets so that your student won’t miss out on class materials due to physical limitations.

Here’s the bottom line:

Teachers who successfully implement inclusive policies may find these policies easier to put into practice than they thought! The more we think of inclusion as a goal that can be achieved – rather than a lofty aspiration that might never be met – the better off our students will be.

How Can KIT Equip Educators With Inclusion Tools & Training?

With over 20 years of experience and a fantastic team of Inclusionistas working behind the scenes and on the front lines of inclusion – KIT provides early childhood education professionals and caregivers inclusion training and practical strategies to increase inclusion. KIT’s goal is to foster a culture of inclusion in classrooms, playgrounds, schools, and childcare centers nationwide.

We have engaged over 100,000 child & youth development professionals on the topic of creating more inclusive environments. By introducing inclusive policy changes and best practices, we help drive the national conversation around disability inclusion in childcare and education programs. 

Our services and resources are designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to build inclusive spaces where all children feel safe, valued, and included. 

To start your organization’s journey towards inclusion, we recommend our 30-minute course, Including Children & Youth with Significant Developmental Disabilities where you can learn basic strategies to encourage children with a variety of abilities to find their place in your program.

The course uncovers easy-to-implement strategies that support children and youth with disabilities. By completing this course, participants can earn continuing education unit credits and will be given a KIT Certificate of Achievement

If you are looking for something more specific, explore our other inclusion solutions and resources below.

KIT Academy

KIT Academy features our best-in-class inclusion training and behavior support resources with eModules, how-to videos, monthly webinars, hundreds of archived on-demand training sessions, and printable resources. 

Training & Support Packages

From comprehensive onsite professional training to ongoing support, including on-demand online courses and webinars, KIT is your onsite, online, and ongoing resource for inclusive practices and solutions. 

Our services are available individually, however, most organizations find the most benefit comes from customized, complete training packages. 

Coaching & Consulting

Connect with our experienced coaches for consultation services that offer fresh ideas about how you can include children of all abilities in the group settings in which you operate. Purchase our Consultation Services as a standalone business service or combine it with our other relevant services into a Training & Support Package.

Policies & Standards

KIT works to help develop systematic changes that will encourage inclusion with regard to policy & professional development, training & technical assistance, research & evaluation, and extensive community engagement.

Visit our services page to explore the inclusion services our expert team offers. From speaking engagements, to monthly webinars, to coaching & consultation, KIT teaches education professionals and caregivers how to create inclusive environments where no child is excluded.

Our multi-ship process has you covered with doorstep delivery for every one of your recipients!

10 Ideas for Celebrating American Education Week

• October 23, 2023

📚 Celebrate American Education Week with 10 Creative Ideas! 🎉

American Education Week is the perfect time to honor the incredible educators who shape the future of our students. To help you celebrate this special occasion, we’ve put together a free download featuring 10 fun and unique ideas to show your appreciation for teachers, administrators, and all those who make education possible.

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Happy American Education Week!

Public schools are the cornerstone of our communities. We welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities, and incomes. We each play a role in ensuring our schools are open to all.

During American Education Week, we celebrate public education and show our appreciation for the men and women who make a difference in students' lives every day.

This year, American Education Week is more important than ever, as educators and support professionals work tirelessly to keep student learning on track amid a pandemic.

Join the celebration. Snap a picture that represents your pride in public schools and post it to social media using #PublicSchoolsForAll .

Schedule of events

Monday, November 13 Kickoff Day 

Tuesday, November 14 Family Day 

Wednesday, November 15 Education Support Professionals Day

Thursday, November 16 Educator for a Day

Friday, November 17 Substitute Educators Day 

What is American Education Week?

American Education Week is a time for all Pennsylvanians and Americans to celebrate public education and honor the women and men who are making a difference in our schools every day.

Join the celebration

Join us as we show our support for PA public schools and send the message that our schools are here for each and every student.

Just snap a picture that represents your pride in public schools and post it to your social channels using  #PublicSchoolsForAll.

Find more resources

Find event ideas, suggested social media posts, videos and more at NEA's American Education Week web page.

Educator Spotlight

Students Immersed in Broadcast Journalism

Brandyn Miller, a business and computer science teacher in the Palmerton Area School District, teaches high school students on how to produce newscasts for the morning announcements as part of a Digital Media Productions class.

Students study the mechanics of the studio by rotating positions that mirror a standard newsroom setting such as an anchor, director, and editor. The class is supported by the Video Club which gathers additional footage of after-school events that is used in daily newscasts.

“Four of my digital media students participated in a Future Business Leaders of America broadcast journalism competition,” Miller said. “They were able to take the skills they learned from class and compete against their peers.”

“Watching them put stories together from start to finish is amazing,” Miller said. “I’m amazed to see how well they have done and what the class has learned together.”

Connecting the Dots

Andrea Bitner, an English language learner educator (EL) and Title 1 reading specialist in the Interboro School District, has built a strong community of EL students throughout her school, district, and community.

With help from a PSEA Innovative Teaching Grant and fellow EL teachers, Bitner transitioned her learning approach to the community with a pilot field trip where K-5 EL students practiced English. Her plan moving forward is to take groups of K-12 EL students to various local businesses to practice their language skills in a safe space among their peers.

“It’s been really well received, and we’re really proud of it,” Bitner said. “And I’m just proud of my students.”

PhysEd Duo Bring Positivity vibes to TikTok

Under the hashtag, #TeachersOfTikTok, are two physical education teachers from Altoona Area Junior High School who share education joy under the TikTok handle @jhelsel.

“We like to highlight things that are positive in education,” said Jill Lane, athletic director and physical education teacher. “We can easily do that together with TikTok.”

Using popular trends and dances suggested by students, the teachers create video content after school. And it didn’t take long for their good attitude to become “TikTok famous.”

“One of our videos hit 1 million views and the account has grown tremendously ever since, partially because of our students,” said Jill Helsel, physical education teacher and owner of @jhelsel. “We never expected it to happen.”

Schoolwide Mobile Makerspace

Finding creative new ways to engage kids in learning is one of teaching’s toughest challenges. Making it work for multiple classrooms across an entire school is tougher still. But that’s just what Katie Waddell, a second-grade teacher in the General McLane School District, Erie County, has accomplished with her Schoolwide Mobile Makerspace program.

Virtual reality in the classroom

Picture this. You're standing on the surface of a rocky, alien landscape on the edge of an enormous crater. Deposits of what look like snow and ice dot the landscape. You turn to the left to see Jupiter looming massively over distant mountains, dominating an alien sky packed with brilliant stars. 

PSEA’s Great American Education Week Giveaway

During American Education Week, we want to show our appreciation for the hardworking educators, specialists, and support professionals who make a difference in students' lives every day.

This year, PSEA is giving away PSEAWear items to members in each of our 11 geographic regions, ESP Region, PSEA-Retired, and Student PSEA.

Submit your name to enter below.  The submission deadline is Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 at 5 p.m.

If you are a winner, you will hear from PSEA on Friday, Nov. 17. Good luck!

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American Education Week

About American Education Week

Related observances.

Substitute Educator's Day

National Educational Support Professionals Day

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Stem-a-thon event headlines american education week for nasa.

NASA hosts its 2021 STEM-a-Thon this week, a series of activities and engagements aimed at sparking interest in careers and broadening student participation in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The event highlights paths to careers at NASA and encourages students to pursue their interests in STEM. It offers live presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and more, headlined by an informal chat with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli .

The agency’s week of STEM engagements aligns with American Education Week, proclaimed by President Joe Biden to be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 20.

“It’s critically important that we reach tomorrow’s explorers where they are today – in classrooms,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson “NASA needs a vast talent pool in order to accomplish its missions, including returning humans to the Moon. We’re grateful to everyone in education who work tirelessly to keep kids inspired and help them to see their own potential, and we’re excited to offer these events and activities during American Education Week.”

Live activities will round out the week, including a chat session between NASA astronauts currently in orbit aboard the International Space Station and Dallas-area students. NASA will also host a virtual road tour to share strategies and opportunities with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and a STEM Stars en Español web chat exploring propulsion for missions to the Moon.

NASA’s STEM-a-Thon guide is listed below, and its NASA STEM Twitter and Facebook will provide updates throughout the week.

All times are provided in Eastern.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

Noon to 5 p.m. – NASA hosts its HBCU/MSI Technology Infusion Road Tour.

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) in collaboration with its Office of Procurement and Office of Small Business Programs, designed this virtual, two-day event is designed to help HBCU and MSI administrators and faculty make the most of opportunities to build research capacity at their institutions. The event will highlight research opportunities, grants, fellowships, contracts within each of NASA’s mission directorates, and more. Attendees can register for the event online.

Wednesday, Nov. 17

10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. – NASA hosts its 2021 BIG Idea Challenge Forum.

Seven university teams selected as finalists for the 2021 BIG Idea Challenge will present their original solutions to a pesky problem: lunar dust. Lunar dust’s highly abrasive particles pose dangers to astronaut health and can damage spacesuits, spacecraft, and habitats.

2 to 3:30 p.m. – Students can register to learn more about opportunities within NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement and Pathways internships in conjunction with the Technology Infusion Road Tour.

2 p.m. – STEM Stars en Español Highlights Propulsion Planning for Lunar Missions

In this live, webstreaming event presented in Spanish , “Inpulsando el cohete más poderoso del mundo” (“Fueling the most powerful rocket in the world”), Boeing technical lead engineer Eduardo A. López will explain his role in making sure the Space Launch System rocket is ready to send Artemis astronauts to the Moon. He’ll also share his STEM career journey, from his childhood in Mexico to his work on the propulsion systems of the most powerful rocket ever built. “NASA STEM Stars” en Español is part of a webchat series that connects students with subject matter experts to learn about STEM careers and ask questions about STEM topics.

Thursday, Nov. 18:

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. – The full-day, virtual “STEM-a-Thon: Explore Your Possibilities with NASA” event offers live presentations throughout the day, including a career panel, chats with NASA STEM experts, interactive science content, virtual tours, and more. Online registration is available for individuals as well as groups and organizations .

10 to 10:45 a.m. – NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli will hold a virtual fireside chat to discuss their career journeys and the impact today’s students will have on tomorrow’s missions. The chat will be accessible to those who register for the all-day STEM-a-Thon.

11:20 to 11:40 a.m. – NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Thomas Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, currently aboard the International Space Station, will participate in a chat with Dallas-area students. The downlink event will be broadcast on NASA Television , the  NASA app , and the agency’s  website .

Friday, Nov. 19:

NASA will release a Spanish version of its “First Woman” graphic novel titled “La primera mujer.” The book is NASA’s first digital, interactive graphic novel , released in English in September. It imagines the story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. NASA en español highlights this and other Spanish-language information from the agency.

NASA OSTEM provides opportunities for the next generation of explorers to discover and hone the science, technology, engineering, and math skills needed for the agency’s bold exploration plans. For the latest NASA STEM events, news, and activities for students at any grade level, visit:

Katherine Brown Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1288 [email protected]

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American Education Week

Great public schools: a basic right and our responsibility.

American Education Week — November 14-18, 2016 — will present all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.

2016’s theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” was reflected in special observances each day of the 2016 weeklong celebration:

Monday, November 14: Kickoff Day Nationwide Kickoff. Across the country, schools will celebrate excellence in education by hosting kickoff events and activities.

Tuesday, November 15: Parents Day Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.

Wednesday, November 16: Education Support Professionals Day Education Support Professionals keep schools running and students safe, healthy and ready to learn. Check out these videos to see how hard ESPs work to serve students in public schools and how committed ESPs are to both their jobs and their communities.

Thursday, November 17: Educator for a Day Community leaders will be invited to experience the day as educators and experience the challenges of teaching and the needs of students. Learn more about this program through the Educator for a Day Promotional Kit .

Friday, November 18: Substitute Educators Day Substitute educators play a vital role in the maintenance and continuity of daily education.  Learn more about these professionals and take a look at resources and tips for substitute educators .

Read more about the history of American Education Week .

Plan An Event For American Education Week

Online toolkit: activity ideas.

Get a head start on planning your American Education Week by browsing through these ideas to create a special celebration that honors the individuals who are making public schools great for every child. Download American Education Week posters, fact sheets, newsletter articles, press release and media alert templates, proclamations, and lots more. These materials will help you spread the word about your event.

Successful Past Activities

Local associations have shared dozens of tried-and-true ideas from past American Education Week observances. Browse through these activities to gather ideas for your celebration.

Successful Media Activities

• The teachers association ran an AEW ad on the city’s closed-circuit TV channel.
• A local radio station posed “quiz” questions about the city’s schools.
• The local association and school district cosponsored billboards with pro-public education messages.
• A local president wrote a letter of thanks to the community. It was printed in the local newspaper as a “letter to the editor.” (View a sample letter )
• The local association president was interviewed on the radio.
• The local daily newspaper published an editorial by the local association president who expressed the pride association members took in “working hard to teach children to think and dream.”
• Students read motivational quotes from past and present heroes on a local radio station and on the school’s public address system. (View sample quotes )
• A local association bought a newspaper ad that featured students saying what they liked best about school and describing their dreams for the future.
• Two students were guests on a local radio talk show. They recited the poem Nothing Stops a Dreamer and discussed American Education Week activities at their school. Many listeners called in to commend the students and ask them questions. They turned out to be great ambassadors for the school.
• A newspaper featured a two-page American Education Week spread that included photos of students involved in learning activities, plus essays from all grade levels.

Celebrating In School

Following is a list of past activities conducted by schools to celebrate American Education Week:

• A U.S. map was displayed so each school employee could sign at the location where he or she was born.
• Third graders wrote essays on, “What I would do if I were principal.”
• Ice cream bars were given to students and teachers just because “school is cool.”
• The school used American Education Week to launch a contest to design the school’s yearbook cover.
• Parents were invited to have lunch with their children in the school cafeteria.
• Teachers sent home preprinted “apple” papers with places for students to fill in favorite subject, best time of day, or what they liked about their classroom or teacher, and a section for parents to write their school memories. Students returned the papers during American Education Week. Some also gave their teachers real apples, apple pins, apple-scented candles or other apple-themed items.
• T-shirts and other clothing with the school logo were collected and donated to needy students.
• A school book fair encouraged children and parents to purchase items for their at-home library collections.
• Teachers posted their anonymous baby photos on a bulletin board as part of a contest to see which student could identify the most.
• Students, to end the week, gathered around the flagpole and sang the national anthem. Student council leaders said a few words about the importance of making goals and thinking ahead to the future.
• A contest was held to design a school flag.
• Banners were hung throughout the school building proclaiming American Education Week.
• Retired teachers were invited to return and teach for a day.
• Students made a classroom quilt with squares that said, “I’m special.”
• A teacher created a quilt from the names of all the school’s teachers.
• American Education Week began with a “students vs. teachers” volleyball game and a bake sale that raised funds for graduation awards.
• One day, students dressed as if they were in their future career.
• A local association sponsored a “What I Like Best About My School” contest for all students. Lower grades drew pictures. Others wrote short essays. The first-place winner in each classroom won $2, then entered a drawing for a $50 savings bond. Entries were displayed on “open house” evening.
• A middle school art class made vanity license plates for American Education Week, which were posted in school hallways and the administration building.
• Future Educators of America provided snacks to teachers each day. Students drew pictures or wrote essays describing their school in the future.
• Students created school flags and displayed them during American Education Week.
• A bulletin board displayed photos of school staff in their “other” lives, with family and in nonschool activities.
• The student council gave each teacher a notepad that said, “Our school is special, thanks to you.”
• Junior high students became “study buddies” (helpers) in elementary classrooms.
• The student council supplied breakfast rolls for teachers.
• The parent-teacher organization and the American Legion hosted supper for teachers during parent-teacher conferences.
• Templates with the American Education Week art and slogan were run off and given to students so they could write anonymous messages to special teachers.
• Guests from the business community read to elementary students.
• A contest challenged students’ knowledge of “faculty trivia.”
• Students gave their high school a “hug” by holding hands and encircling the building. The math department had measured average arm spans and the building’s circumference and had calculated in advance that there would be enough students to surround the school.
• Students gave teachers a “pat on the back” by filling in anonymous compliment sheets.
• Teachers exchanged classes on one day of American Education Week.
• A bulletin board featured a map of the state. The birthplaces of school staff members were highlighted. Their childhood photos were posted around the edges and connected to their birthplaces by string. After several days of trying to guess the identities, names were posted by each photo.
• The local association bought lunch for parents who visited classrooms.

Saluting School Staff

Following is a list of past activities used for saluting teachers, education support professionals, and substitute educators during American Education Week:

• A local association bought a snack platter for the teachers’ room in each school. Cards were sent with the platters to explain the celebration.
• A local association placed a daily treat or token of appreciation in each mailbox, for example, a keychain along with a note, “Our staff is the key to success.”
• A local association gave each teacher a certificate for a “free lunch.”
• Each member was given a plastic apple filled with mints.
• School administrators cooked breakfast for staff and handed out travel mugs and lapel pins.
• Bus drivers received coupons for breakfast at the local bagel shop.
• Each bus driver was given cookies and “thank-you” cards signed by all the students on their route.
• American Education Week began with a 7:30 a.m. potluck breakfast in the library. Each teacher received a cupcake with a candle (and a match), along with a bookmark imprinted with this George Bernard Shaw quote: “I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
• Popcorn was placed in all staff lounges on Friday of American Education Week.
• A local association gave each teacher a sandwich bag full of little gifts and attached a note that explained the contents: “A penny so you have enough cents to realize what a valuable asset you are; Hugs & Kisses so you remember how much we appreciate you; A lollipop to help you lick your problems; A rubber band to help you hold things together; A piece of gum for stick-to-it-iveness; A pin to help you pinpoint problems and solutions.”
• A basket of pro-public education lapel pins was placed in each teachers’ lounge.
• Junior high students gave Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses candies to support staff along with “thank you” notes.
• A local association kicked off American Education Week early Monday morning with an all-staff breakfast where the Teacher of the Year was announced.
• A gala banquet honored retired teachers.
• A local association gave each teacher a blank “thank you” note to forward to someone. A local association, at a special school board recognition program, gave each board member a blue ribbon that read, “Who I am makes a difference.”
• A local association president delivered a box of apples to each school along with a note: “In celebration of American Education Week.”
• A local association bought an apple pie for each teacher and attached the following note that bore the American Education Week logo: “An apple (pie, that is) for the teacher. Thanks for making our schools great.”
• Certified staff on Education Support Professionals Day (Wednesday) did the duties of classified staff.
• Support staff received Peppermint Patties thanking them for their “involve-mint.”
• Each support staffer was given a gift certificate from a local store.
• All staff wore suspenders to show “support” for Education Support Professionals on their day.
• Each staff member was given a “survival kit” that contained an item for every day of the week. The kit included tissue to remind them it’s okay to cry, a rubber band to indicate they can be stretched to the limit and still survive, and a playing card to remind them they don’t get to choose the cards they’re dealt.
• A local association organized “recognition breakfasts” for teachers and paraprofessionals.
• A local association provided goodies for all school employees–and special treats for members.
• Each Education Support Professional member received a carnation. A journalism teacher had her students write an article for the school newspaper on Education Support Professionals. They interviewed staff and distributed M&M’s with an attached message: “To us you’re Magnificent and Most Appreciated–thanks for all that you do!”
• Each school support staffer received an engraved notebook.
• Bagels and cream cheese were provided for all staff.
• A local association gave an apple ornament to each member.
• The school district gave special recognition to parent volunteers. All local association members were given Starburst candy and a card: “You are a STAR in the classroom.”
• Each day, school employees received small gifts in their mailboxes: Examples included business cards, planning calendars, teamwork certificates, multicolored notepads and pencils.
• Teachers, support staff, administrators and school board members were given note tablets with the inscription: “We’re Proud To Be in the Kid Business.”
• A local association gave apple muffins to all staff members — and to school board members at their regular meeting.
• Certificates of appreciation were given to each Education Support Professional member.
• Custodians were given T-shirts proclaiming “We are [school name’s] clean thinking people.” School secretaries got fruit baskets with notes that read, “Thanks for ripening our days at [school name].”
• Paraprofessionals and other support staff got buttons: “Our school is special, thanks to you!”
• The superintendent recently attended the “Back to School” building representative dinner to offer her thanks for all we do every day.
• Teachers sent letters of appreciation to the school board about any support staff who had helped them in some way.
• Over 2,000 teachers honored Education Support Professionals with individual “thank you” notes. There were also special star stickers on a number of these ‘thank you’ notes that guaranteed the Education Support Professionals would receive a pie of their choice from a local pie shop.
• A local association sent out Payday candy bars, with a note saying “We have an extra payday for you.”
• Education Support Professionals were presented with stemmed rose buds, with a note “For all you do, this bud’s for you.”
• Students wrote Education Support Professionals letters thanking them for their hard work and expertise. It meant a lot that the children recognized the ESPs’ contributions to the school.
• Poems were distributed to each Education Support Professional member of the local association along with a cover letter of thanks for their service and commitment to the district and community.
• Education Support Professionals received a bagel breakfast, along with an Education Support Professional pin and a certificate.
• A local association purchased travel mugs and sent them to all support staff along with a “thank you” note.
• At one school during American Education Week, the entire week’s procession of  school substitutes—substitutes for teachers, for bus drivers, for lunchroom workers, instructional assistants, and secretaries—had their photos taken by students and teachers using the school’s digital camera.  Each day new Substitute Educator photos with names were printed and posted at the entrance to the school on a special bulletin board.  Paper matching the bulletin board color was used by students to make a Welcome ______  Substitutes banner, stretching across the entrance hallway.
• Several elementary schools used the morning intercom announcements during American Education Week to give a warm welcome to the Substitute Educators of the Day, using their names and room numbers. Secondary schools welcomed and thanked Substitute Educators using the printed daily bulletins.
• For the second annual Substitute Educators Day, local union staff interviewed students about their favorite substitute teachers.  The edited video was shown to the November 2004 local representative assembly. Several Building Representatives spoke movingly afterward about how it brought up memories of when they substituted.
• The Substitutes Association, a department of the local association, started an annual tradition, an RSVP Celebration Salmon Dinner on the Friday evening of Substitute Educators Day, for honored substitute educators and their “main personal support” guests.  During the first year, attendees stood up and told how long they had been substituting in schools, and what they liked or loved about it. During the second year Dinner, RSVP’s were self-limited to substitute educators who promised to initiate or work on activities or curriculum regarding Substitute Educators or the full range of American Educators and to report back at the Celebration Dinner.

Reaching Out To The Community

Following is a list of community outreach activities from previous years:

• A local association staffed a table at the local mall and distributed NEA pamphlets to parents.
• Local association members invited retired teachers to a tea in their honor—and listened to them reminisce about their careers.
• An official from the local children’s museum spoke about “goal tending” (the importance of making goals for the future).
• Upper-grade students read stories about their anticipated careers to primary grade students.
• A local Association presented its annual “Whole Village Award” during a “partners in education” reception at the local middle school.
• A local church Sunday honored more than 100 educators and hosted a reception following services.
• A local association placed children’s books in pediatricians’ offices, accompanied by a sticker that identified the association and urged parents to read to their kids every day.
• A local association collected children’s books to donate to abuse shelters and hospitals.
• A local association presented a program on National Board Certification .
• Students were invited to a career fair.
• A local association collected non-perishable food for a local teen shelter.
• A local association provided a special package for each baby born in the area during American Education Week. The package included a tiny T-shirt bearing the child’s expected high school graduation year and the American Education Week theme, as well as a book, a letter to the child, a letter to the parents and apple cider mix (for parents to drink while reading to their child). The letters emphasized the importance of reading and education.
• A local association held a barbecue to raise funds for scholarships for future educators.
• Second graders colored and decorated posters for downtown store windows.
• Different grades made bookmarks to give away at the public library, table tents for restaurants and fast food chains, placemats for nursing homes and restaurants and posters for hanging around town. Younger children decorated brown bags for grocery stores, adding their name, grade, and school.
• An American Education Week banner was hung across a prominent street.
• Laminated American Education Week posters were given to bus drivers to display in their buses.
• Area teachers organizations saluted the police chief with a “True Friend of Education” award.
• A high school graphic design class made posters to put up around the community.
• A local association newsletter published brief comments from a dozen “local people who believe in education and the importance of the work educators do every day,” including the police chief, the newspaper editor, the county executive and the hospital CEO. ( View sample newsletter )
• A local association distributed calendars to all school board members, administrators and members.
• Letters were sent to area churches asking that American Education Week be announced in church bulletins or during services.
• An American Education Week reminder was inserted into report cards.
• School alumni received tokens of appreciation at a luncheon.
• Students sang at a parent-teacher organization meeting.
• A local association put together its first-ever American Education Week parade down Main Street. School employees, school board members, and other school patrons carried banners portraying the AEW theme as well as other education slogans. The mayor and the executive secretary of the state education association served as parade marshals.
• A local association president spoke at a school board meeting and expressed his appreciation for the work they did.
• Copies of the American Education Week proclamation, signed by the mayor, were hung in each school. (View sample proclamations)
• A local association created a new annual award to recognize outstanding “work for the educational community.”
• The Board of Education made breakfast for all school district employees.
• On Friday of American Education Week, a local Association hosted a breakfast for community members.
• A local Association delivered cookies to central office personnel.
• Community leaders were invited to breakfast and open house at school.
• The whole town was encouraged to wear school colors on Friday of American Education Week.
• Greeting cards were sent to school board members and administrators, to express appreciation for their roles and contributions.
• A local association hosted a reception to honor the school board, staff, administrators, and retired teachers.
• A local association recognized school board members with a packet of mementos and information from NEA on being public school supporters.
• Teachers sent students home with a handout that suggested good books.
• Elementary students at an American Education Week assembly saluted teachers and other school staff with skits, songs, and poems, and thanked them for their hard work.
• A local association hosted an all-day “community appreciation coffee” at the school. They used a room decorated with elementary students’ projects. The high school food class made the coffee, cakes, and rolls. Staff donated door prizes.

Open House Day/AEW Kick-Off Ideas – Monday, November 14

• Coordinate a pep rally on Monday to celebrate American Education Week and preview each of your celebration days.
• Print the American Education Week poster to decorate your school’s common areas. Reproduce the smaller, 11 x 8 version of the poster to distribute in students’ take-home packets. ( View poster )
• Organize an American Education Week bulletin board contest. Each classroom works together with their teacher to design a bulletin board that reflects American Education Week’s theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.” The winning class is announced at an American Education Week kick-off assembly.
• Familiarize students with American Education Week and its components, including theme and celebration days, in the morning announcements on Monday and throughout the entire week (highlighting the observance of the day, i.e., Invite Parents to School Day, Education Support Professionals Day, and other days).
• Encourage students to create American Education Week artwork reflecting the 2007 theme and display students’ designs at your local post office, bank, mall, or library.
• Ask your local library to set up a special American Education Week exhibit outlining the observance from its beginning to present. Contact your governor and/or mayor’s office to issue a proclamation officially designating your community’s American Education Week participation. (View sample proclamations)
• Organize an American Education Week kick-off open house to celebrate education, teachers, education support professionals, substitute educators, parents, and students.
• Host an American Education Week kick-off potluck breakfast for school staff and/or bake sale to salute public education.
• Distribute laminated bookmarks with the American Education Week logo to staff and students.
• Distribute a media alert and press release about your American Education Week event. (View sample media alert and sample press release)

Parents Day Ideas – Tuesday, November 15

• Create a planning committee. A few weeks prior to the day, spread the word to let school staff and employees, as well as parents, know about the details.
• Draft and distribute a letter inviting parents to join their children for a day at school. (View sample letter and sample response form)
• Host a welcome reception in the school auditorium for parents and their children.
• Create an agenda for parents to follow throughout the day detailing class schedule and activities.
• Engage parents in classroom grade specific activities and projects.
• Provide parents with certificates of participation and packets of information to take home with them, such as tips on parental involvement and how to encourage reading and writing at home. (View parental involvement tips)
• Distribute a media alert and press release about your Invite Parents to School Day event. (View sample media alert and sample press release)

Education Support Professionals Day Ideas – Wednesday, November 16

• Provide a breakfast and/or lunch for Education Support Professionals to show your appreciation. Or, bring an Education Support Professional some home-baked treats.
• Demonstrate your support for Education Support Professionals by experiencing the school day as an Education Support Professional.
• Donate to an Education Support Professional’s favorite charity to say “thank you” and help the community. Often organizations will provide you with a card saying that a donation has been made in someone’s name.
• Surprise an Education Support Professional with a gift certificate to a favorite clothing, record, or bookstore. If you are not certain which store an Education Support Professional favors, give a certificate to a local mall or shopping center.
• Ask your coworkers to chip in and surprise an Education Support Professional with a relaxing massage, facial, or manicure/pedicure.
• Present an Education Support Professional with tickets to a concert, movie, or show. A nice gesture would be to provide enough tickets for a friend and/or family.
• Recommend a wage increase by appealing to the powers-that-be. It may be a perfect way for management to make an administration-sponsored gesture.
• Arrange for non-Education Support Professionals to fill in for Education Support Professionals during their lunch hour so that they can go out for lunch together.
• Send a “Thank You” card containing a raffle ticket. Then hold a raffle drawing and present the winning Education Support Professional with a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
• Encourage a letter-writing campaign among teachers and students to thank Education Support Professionals for all that they do.
• Distribute a media alert and press release about your Education Support Professionals Day event. (View sample media alert and sample press release)

Educator For A Day Ideas – Thursday, November 17

• Form a committee to develop a specific plan for the program. The proposal should then be reviewed by your local leadership.
• Plan to meet with your superintendent or other administrative representative to develop a final plan.
• Decide how many guest educators you need to invite to make the program a success. Then, decide how many school employees you want to accompany the guest educators.
• Set guidelines for guests and cooperating educators, and communicate them to both groups.
• Develop a public relations strategy for the program. You will want to spread the word among local media outlets. (View sample media pitch letter, media alert, and press release)
• Arrange for adequate evaluation and follow-up for the program, including an end of the school day reception, certificates of appreciation (PDF file), and thank you letters.

Substitute Educators Day Ideas – Friday, November 18

• Present each substitute educator with a carnation and a note or poem of thanks and appreciation.
• Identify and honor each regular staff employee who has served as a substitute educator sometime during their career.
• Have staff or students bring a bag of snacks into the classroom. Substitute educators often stay in the classroom, using breaks and lunchtime to prepare for the next part of the day.
• Arrange a schoolwide recognition of substitute educators in the read-aloud school bulletin, or on the intercom announcements.
• Create and present substitute educators with a certificate of appreciation. ( View sample Certificate of Appreciation .)
• Showcase digital photos of the “Substitute Educators of the Week” on a central bulletin board or banner.
• Distribute a media alert and press release about your substitute educators event.

Provided below are resources you can use to promote your American Education Week events and activities.

Promote to Parents! Use these samples to invite parents to participate their very own AEW day , and provide them with a form to confirm their participation.

Sample Parents Day Letter Customize and distribute this letter to parents inviting them to participate in “National Invite Parents to School Day.” Sample Parents Day Response Form Have parents fill out this form to confirm their participation in your event.

Sample Letters to the Media Use these sample letters to the media to inform media outlets about the pertinent details of your celebration and, more importantly, to highlight the reasons they should cover your AEW story. Be sure to include a media alert and/or press release along with this letter. (View sample media alerts and press releases below.)

AEW Celebration Letter to the Media Parents Day Letter to the Media Education Support Professionals Day Letter to the Media Educator for a Day Letter to the Media Substitute Educators Day Letter to the Media

Sample Media Alerts Tailor these media alerts with details about your event and distribute to you local print and broadcast media outlets.

AEW Celebration Media Alert Parents Day Media Alert Education Support Professionals Day Media Alert Educator for a Day Media Alert Substitute Educators Day Media Alert

Sample Press Releases Customize these press releases and send them to local print and broadcast media outlets.

AEW Celebration Press Release Parents Day Press Release Education Support Professionals Day Press Release Substitute Educators Day Press Release

Sample Radio Public Service Announcements Tailor these public service announcements and submit them to your local radio stations.

Sample AEW Newsletter Article ) Use this sample article to alert local publications or your organization’s newsletter about your American Education Week celebration. You may send it through the mail by printing out a hard copy or send it via e-mail as an electronic file. You can also adapt the article by including details about your event or activity.

Sample Proclamation Request Letters Use our sample letters to encourage your local official to issue an American Education Week proclamation. Be sure to include the sample proclamation template(s) below with your letter:

AEW Proclamation Request Letter Parents Day Proclamation Request Letter Education Support Professionals Proclamation Request Letter Educator for a Day Proclamation Request Letter Substitute Educators Day Proclamation Request Letter AEW Certificates Customize these certificates to honor an individual’s participation in American Education Week and their dedication and commitment to making public schools great for every child.

Certificate for Educators Certificate for Individuals Certificate for Students Certificate for Parents Educator for a Day Certificate Certificate for Substitute Educators Day Certificate for Education Support Professionals

Education Support Professionals Day

Guide to Celebrate Education Support Professionals Day

Go to http://www.nea.org/grants/47604.htm for official NEA American Education Week artwork to use in your communications.

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American Education Week

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American Education Week , Nov. 14-18, 2022, sponsored in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, is an opportunity for MSTA/CTAs to build new alliances with the community. The goal is to emphasize the important role educators play in helping today’s students succeed.

You and your CTA can use American Education Week to:

• Acquaint the public with successful programs, activities and teaching techniques in your school.
• Secure community support for measures that will improve public schools.
• Help students recognize the importance of American education.
• Improve staff morale and enthusiasm.
• Increase parental involvement.

These are lofty goals for a week’s worth of activities, but think of American Education Week as a place to start.

To get everyone involved, form a planning committee with school administrators, parent groups and student councils. If your CTA has a public relations committee, American Education Week would be a visible and positive project for that group to tackle.

MSTA provides many tools to help CTAs make American Education Week an effective community observance. You¹ll find many of these aids, including a news release and sample proclamation in the links on the right side of this page.

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