Guest blog post by Teri Miller, 2025-2026 national Education Committee Central Division chair 
 
What is American Education Week? 
It is an annual observance to celebrate public education and honor the individuals who work to make a difference in students’ lives, such as teachers, support staff, and parents. American Education Week was established in 1921 by the National Education Association (NEA) to create awareness and support for education. 
 
How did it start?
After World War I, the NEA and The American Legion were concerned about the high rate of illiteracy in WWI draftees. The first American Education Week was held Dec. 4-10, 1921, co-sponsored by the NEA and The American Legion. In 1922, the U.S. Department of Education became a co-sponsor. In 1922, the Office of Education joined as a co-sponsor, and in 1938, the PTA joined.
 
What is the purpose?
To celebrate public awareness and support for education and concerns over illiteracy. Another important purpose is to recognize that educators, families, support staff, school boards, administrators, and legislators all have a part in creating safe, just, and equitable schools. It’s important to thank all those who support a student’s education, including support staff — from the cooks to the office staff to custodial staff to bus drivers — they all have a hand in a student’s education.
 
When is American Education Week?
Every year, American Education Week is the first full week before Thanksgiving. This year, the dates are Nov. 17-21, 2025.
 
2025 daily themes:
            Nov. 17:  Kickoff Day
            Nov. 18:  Family Day
            Nov. 19:  Education Support Professionals Day
            Nov. 20:  Educator for a Day
            Nov. 21:  Substitute Educators Day
 
Ideas to participate:          

• Thank a teacher, staff member, or education professional by taking treats for the staff — such as cookies, apples, a fruit basket, gift cards — along with a thank-you note
• Attend school events and visit your schools
• Get involved in school initiatives/parent-teacher conferences
• Host a breakfast or luncheon
• Place a thank-you ad in your local newspaper or a letter to the editor
• Volunteer to be a celebrity reader for a classroom
• Download a fillable ALA American Education Week card from the national website here: https://member.legion-aux.org/cmsdesk/ALA/media/PDF/Programs/ALA_American_Education_Week_Card-f.pdf