By California State PTA Education Commission

The National Education Association (NEA) has officially declared November 15-19, 2021 as “American Education Week.” This is a time to celebrate public education and honor the individuals working to ensure that every student receives a quality education. Festivities honor the team of people who support public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.

This includes YOU — the PTA leaders and parent advocates who give their time and talents to improving the lives of all children and families. On behalf of the California State PTA, thank you for your dedication and passion for students across the state.  

Be sure to take a look at the resources offered by the NEA to celebrate education this week. Here are some ideas for celebrating locally:

• Familiarize students with American Education Week, including theme and celebration days, in the morning announcements on Monday and throughout the entire week, highlighting the observance of the day.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. You can thank public school educators for their service or thank the community for its support of public schools. You can also encourage the local paper to write an editorial about public schools and American Education Week.
• Hold a poetry reading on the topic, “What I Like Best About My School.”
• Have students make cards showing support for their educators and school employees.