Raise Your Hand for American Education Week
It’s time to “Raise Your Hand for Student Success” by signing a pledge supporting quality education during American Education Week from Nov. 18-22.
Traditionally celebrated the week before Thanksgiving, American Education Week was first launched in 1921 by both the National Education Association and the American Legion to generate public support for education. Distressed that 25% of the country’s World War I draftees had been illiterate, representatives from both organizations set out to do something about it.
“Educators were there in 1921 advancing the cause of public education and we remain steadfast to this day,” said CTA President Dean E. Vogel. “We hope local communities will promote American Education Week by visiting their schools, honoring educators, and taking the pledge of support,” Vogel said.
All of us—educators, students, parents and communities—have an important role in helping to ensure student success. We must work together to help transform our schools so that every student has access to great public schools. We’re calling on caring adults across the nation to join us in advocating for the basic rights of all our children, including:
- Access to quality public education, regardless of family income or where they live.
- Educators who are respected and treated as professionals and who participate in key education policy discussions.
- Smaller class sizes, up-to-date textbooks, safe and clean environments, and 21st century tools and resources.
NEA has resources and activity ideas you can use to make American Education Week meaningful and fun. Help get the word out about the good things happening in our schools and the good people are making them happen.