NEA celebrates educators and public schools on American Education Week

WASHINGTON-Communities across the country will join the National Education Association (NEA) in celebrating American Education Week, Nov. 17-21, to honor students, educators, and parents-and to reaffirm our commitment to public education as a common good and the foundation of our 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."

During the week, NEA is encouraging communities to host "Educator for a Day" events at local public schools. The initiative offers community members a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, complexity, and passion that defines the work of educators. Participants will assist in classrooms, help supervise lunch, serve meals, and support office staff.

Pringle will take part in a special event at a school in Arlington, Va., spotlighting the vital contributions of education support professionals-the paraeducators, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, and other staff who keep schools running and students supported every day. NEA will also donate to help pay down students' unpaid lunch balance in the district and money to support the school's healthy food education initiatives.

This donation comes at a critical time, as disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)-the nation's largest food assistance program serving 42 million Americans, including 16 million children-have left many students vulnerable to hunger. The program faces more than $1 billion in potential cuts under Congress' recent harmful spending bill, a crisis only compounded by the recent government shutdown. These disruptions disproportionately affect students in low-income communities, exacerbating inequities in access to healthy meals and educational opportunities.

For many schools, feeding students is an ongoing challenge, especially in districts without universal school meal programs. While many students benefit from programs that ensure their access to meals, many others live in districts without these programs, and these inequities only deepen the impact of hunger on learning. Due to dysfunction and funding cuts in Washington, educators are witnessing these effects firsthand. When students come to school hungry, they have trouble concentrating and reaching their full potential.

"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."

First celebrated in 1921 and co-sponsored by the NEA and the American Legion, American Education Week takes place annually the week before Thanksgiving. For more than a century, its goal-to build public awareness and support for public education-remains as important as ever.

"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."

For more information about American Education Week, visit https://www.nea.org/AEW.

For more information about Educator for a Day, visit https://www.nea.org/be-an-educator-day.

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.