Gene Adams

In the early 1900s, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion were distressed that 25 percent of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate, and that 29 percent were physically unfit. Both groups saw the answer in education, and met in 1919 to generate support for public education.

The conventions of both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. Then, in 1921, the NEA representative assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for the designation of one week each year to spotlight education.

Amy Mix
American Education Week was first observed Dec. 4-10, 1921. The NEA and the American Legion were cosponsors. A year later, the U.S. Office of Education joined as an additional cosponsor, and the national Parent Teacher Association followed in 1938.

This year’s American Education week will be Nov. 11-17. The theme is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.”

Kerry Giesen
In its resolution to establish the week, the NEA called for “An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”

American Education Week recognizes the educators and school staff who keep our children safe and healthy, as well as help them achieve. Wednesday, Nov. 14, will be a special day to honor the school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers aides, and other education support professionals who positively impact out school communities. Friday, Nov. 16, will be a special day to honor the work of substitute teachers.