American Education Week
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American Education Week

Public schools are the cornerstone of our communities. We welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities, and incomes. We each play a role in ensuring our schools are open to all.

During American Education Week, we celebrate public education and show our appreciation for the men and women who make a difference in students' lives every day.

This year, American Education Week is more important than ever, as educators and support professionals work tirelessly to keep student learning on track amid a pandemic.

Join the celebration. Snap a picture that represents your pride in public schools and post it to social media using #PublicSchoolsForAll.

Schedule of events

Monday, November 16
Kickoff Day 

Tuesday, November 17
Parents Day 

Wednesday, November 18
Education Support Professionals Day

Thursday, November 19
Educator for a Day

Friday, November 20
Substitute Educators Day 

What is American Education Week?

American Education Week is a time for all Pennsylvanians and Americans to celebrate public education and honor the women and men who are making a difference in our schools every day.

Heidi Moll - ESP of the Year

Heidi Moll, an instructional assistant and union leader with the Berks Career and Technology Center in Leesport, is the 2020 Dolores McCracken PSEA ESP of the Year.

“Every day, I feel fortunate to work with support professionals and see the direct impact that they have on the lives of our students. Dolores McCracken would be proud of all of our education support professional locals and what they have accomplished this year. I feel privileged to be recognized for this award during a year that was especially tough. My members have made all of the hard work worthwhile.”

Join the celebration

Join us as we show our support for PA public schools and send the message that our schools are here for each and every student.

Just snap a picture that represents your pride in public schools and post it to your social channels using #PublicSchoolsForAll.

A letter to the Editor

On Nov. 16-20, we will celebrate American Education Week, a great opportunity to appreciate the amazing public-school educators and support professionals who work hard every day to prepare our students for future success.

Our educators introduce students to the wonders of reading. They teach them to reason with numbers and explore the mysteries of science. They give up lunch and stay after school to give students the extra help they need.

During American Education Week, we also honor the many other people who help make our public schools great. From parents and grandparents to community leaders and entrepreneurs, you all play a critical role in building great public schools for our students.

The classroom is where students learn to think, solve problems, and cooperate with each other. These skills are critical in shaping the future of America. Thank you for being a part of it. Your support makes all the difference.

Rich Askey,

President, PA State Education Association

Op-Ed - PA Teacher of the Year, Joe Welch 

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Teachers resolve to do best for students

Bucks County Courier-Times: Showing resolve for our students

Republican-Herald: Together, show resolve for students

PA Capital-Star: A new maxim for our pandemic era: Resolve is who you are when everyone is watching


Letter to the Editor - PSEA President, Rich Askey 

Herald Standard: Letter to the Editor

Delaware County Daily Times: Letter to the Editor: Celebrate American Education Week

Easton Express-Times: Take a moment to thank teachers for coping with a stressful year | Letter

Butler Eagle: Educators are worthy of kudos

Montgomery Media: Letter to editor: Thank a teacher during American Education Week

Lansdale Reporter: Letter to editor: Thank a teacher during American Education Week

Lock Haven Express: It’s American Education Week

Allentown Morning Call: Readers React: Educators deserve a special round of applause

Reading Eagle: Letter: Teachers deserve tribute this year more than ever

Observer-Reporter: LETTER: Support our schools, educators

Scranton Times-Tribune: Letters to the Editor

Find more resources

Find event ideas, suggested social media posts, videos and more at NEA's American Education Week web page.

Educator Spotlight

Wee Deliver

In a world increasingly reliant on technology for basic communication, it’s nice to know there’s still a place that appreciates the value of a simple handwritten letter. That place is Garrettford Elementary School in the Upper Darby School District.

Schoolwide Mobile Makerspace

Finding creative new ways to engage kids in learning is one of teaching’s toughest challenges. Making it work for multiple classrooms across an entire school is tougher still. But that’s just what Katie Waddell, a second-grade teacher in the General McLane School District, Erie County, has accomplished with her Schoolwide Mobile Makerspace program.

Cyber Seniors

Most days, the residents of the Conestoga View Nursing & Rehabilitation facility in Lancaster don’t spend much time on the computer, or hanging out with young people. But, now, they’re getting plenty of time to do both, courtesy of the J.P. McCaskey High School Computer Club.

Virtual reality in the classroom

Picture this. You're standing on the surface of a rocky, alien landscape on the edge of an enormous crater. Deposits of what look like snow and ice dot the landscape. You turn to the left to see Jupiter looming massively over distant mountains, dominating an alien sky packed with brilliant stars. 

Teachers in the Parks

On a warm, June day, groups of students are huddled around enthusiastic teachers. Children are laughing, smiling, and enjoying their lessons. And as the breeze blows and birds sing a summer song, this doesn’t feel like a community that is struggling. It feels like a community with hope.

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