Communities across the United States will participate in American Education Week from November 17 to 21, joining the National Education Association (NEA) in recognizing students, educators, and parents. The annual event aims to reaffirm support for public education as a fundamental part of democracy.
“American Education Week is a moment for all of us who support students—from parents to cafeteria workers and bus drivers, from administration staff to classroom teachers—to show our public school pride,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “This week is a tribute to educators. We honor and thank them for the work they do every day to ensure our students thrive, learn, and succeed.”
The NEA is encouraging local communities to organize “Educator for a Day” activities at public schools during the week. These events allow community members to experience firsthand the responsibilities and challenges faced by educators by assisting in classrooms, supervising lunch periods, serving meals, and supporting office operations.
Becky Pringle will attend an event at a school in Arlington, Virginia that highlights the roles of education support professionals such as paraeducators, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, and other staff members essential to daily school operations. The NEA also plans to contribute funds toward reducing unpaid student lunch balances in the district and supporting healthy food education programs.
These efforts come amid ongoing challenges related to student hunger. Recent disruptions affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves millions of Americans including children, have increased concerns about food insecurity among students. Congressional spending cuts threaten more than $1 billion in SNAP funding—a situation made worse by a recent government shutdown—which disproportionately impacts low-income communities.
Schools without universal meal programs face particular difficulties ensuring all students receive adequate nutrition. Many educators report that hunger negatively affects student concentration and academic performance.
“Letting hunger grow among our children is a policy choice—and one we cannot accept,” said Pringle. “Every student, no matter where they live or their family’s income, should have nourishing, delicious, and welcoming meals that fuel their success.”
American Education Week was first observed in 1921 through collaboration between the NEA and the American Legion. It takes place each year during the week before Thanksgiving with the goal of increasing public awareness and support for public education.
“American Education Week celebrates the incredible work happening in our nation’s public schools—and honors everyone who makes that possible, from teachers and administrators to our education support professionals, who are the heart of every school community,” said Pringle. “Honoring all of the educators who shape students’ lives each day ensures a more equitable, excellent education for all students.”
More information about American Education Week can be found at https://www.nea.org/AEW.
Details on Educator for a Day are available at https://www.nea.org/be-an-educator-day.
The National Education Association represents nearly three million members including elementary and secondary teachers; higher education faculty; education support professionals; administrators; retired educators; future teachers; healthcare workers; and other public employees.
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