November 11–17, 2007

Downloadable Poster

NOTE: These links lead to Creative Companion, where you can download the poster at the format and size you prefer, up to 36 x 24 inches. Choose "custom order" to set the size of the poster you wish to download.

		AEW Poster jpg file format (available in high and low-res versions)
		AEW Poster pdf file format (available in high and low-res versions)

November 11–17, 2007

Sample ESP Day Press Release

For Immediate Release
[Insert Date]

Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert phone number]

[INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME] HOSTS "ESP DAY" EVENT
Event is Part of the National Education Association's
Nationwide American Education Week Celebration,
November 11–17, 2007

[Insert City, State] — To recognize and honor the more than 2.9 million education support professionals providing services such as clerical and administrative support, transportation, food planning, nursing and health, security and technical support, today the National Education Association and its 3.2 million members are celebrating Education Support Professionals Day. The celebration is part of NEA's 86th annual American Education Week taking place November 11-17, 2007.

Education Support Professionals Day will help draw attention to AEW's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." The tagline represents NEA's vision of calling upon all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

"By participating in Education Support Professionals Day, we will be joining millions of people nationwide in celebrating the hard work, dedication and invaluable services our education support professionals provide," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "They are unsung heroes who drive our students to school, help them cross the street, provide them with nutritious meals, serve as partners in educating our children and keep school buildings safe, operational and clean."

Education support professionals include the following:

• Paraeducator employees who provide instructional and noninstructional support as partners in student learning
• Clerical service employees who are the front line of public relations with parents and staff and the community
• Custodians who pay constant attention to all safety conditions in schools
• Maintenance service employees who are responsible for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and overall safety for the entire school environment
• Transportation service employees who are the first and last person(s) seen by our students in a day
• Food service employees who provide the most basic component of student achievement: nutrition
• Skilled trades employees who are responsible for the physical quality of our school building environments
• Health and student service employees who are vital to student health and welfare within a public school
• Security service employees who are responsible for the safety and security of students, staff community and campus property
• Technical service employees who provide essential technical services throughout a school district

Education Support Professionals Day was first celebrated in 1987 after NEA's Representative Assembly, the Association's annual convention of nearly 10,000 member delegates, called for the creation of a way to honor contributions of school support staff. Today's support professionals provide services that enable students to learn in positive, supportive environments. Education Support Professionals Day is observed on Wednesday during American Education Week.

About American Education Week

NEA's American Education Week presents all Americans with an opportunity to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education. The weeklong celebration spotlights the different people who are critical in building great public schools for the nation's 50 million K-12 students. American Education Week’s celebration days include:

• Sunday, November 11: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers will convene to participate in an American Education Week celebration event.
• Monday, November 12: National Kick-Off Celebration. From national commemorations to local events, Americans will celebrate public education.
• Tuesday, November 13: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.
• Wednesday, November 14: Education Support Professionals Day. Individuals who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.
• Thursday, November 15: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to serve as educators and get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school employee.
• Friday, November 16: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.

To help plan and promote American Education Week's celebration days, NEA is offering an online toolkit, complete with promotional materials, activity ideas, and downloadable templates. For more information on American Education Week and to download material from the toolkit, visit www.nea.org/aew.

From our nation's classrooms to the halls of Congress, many of America's top lawmakers began their careers as educators. NEA asked these members of Congress to reflect on the impact their background has had on them. Here's what they had to say.

Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.)
Former educator

Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii)
Former teacher and school administrator

"Being an educator has complemented my congressional career tremendously. The learning approach of an educator includes a sense of openness versus contentiousness which has helped in creating better working relationships with my colleagues and better decision making."

Rep. Todd W. Akin (R-Mo.)
Former educator

Rep. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.)
Former teacher

"Working as a teacher showed me how important access to educational opportunities can be in transforming people's lives. I am committed to helping expand these opportunities, which is why I asked to serve on the committee that oversees education policy when I came to Congress in 1990. On a more personal level, teaching also taught me to be a good listener and gave me the patience and dedication to hard work that continue to motivate me every day."

Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.)
Former professor

"Teachers give their students love for learning. As a student, inspirational teachers encouraged me to become a scientist. As a teacher of college students for 20 years, I hope I inspired some of my students. The skills I learned as an educator I use every day as a member of Congress. These skills include presenting facts clearly and listening and responding to questions in order to advance the understanding of complex topics and the development and adoption of solutions to difficult problems. Education is a journey teachers and students travel together. Teachers lead us toward a brighter future."

Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah)
Former educator

Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.)
Former education administrator

Rep. Robert A. Brady (D-Pa.)
Former educator

Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.)
Former college guidance counselor

Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
Former teacher

"Our children represent the hope and promise of our country, and I deeply respect the role educators play in their communities."

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
Former educator

Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite (R-Fla.)
Former professor

Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.)
Former school nurse

"Being an educator was a powerful experience in my life. It was more than a job; it was a calling that I was honored to follow. I loved working in the Santa Barbara public schools for 20 years, and that experience made me a better representative by providing insight into the challenges our schools face. I still enjoy spending time on campuses and in classrooms whenever possible so I can maintain that important connection with today's students and educators."

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.)
Former professor

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.)
Former education consultant

Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.)
Former teacher

"The availability of public education has been one of the greatest concepts implemented by our democracy, and teaching is the noblest of all professions. Being a teacher has provided me with the opportunity to experience a lifetime of learning which is absolutely essential in my role as a member of Congress. Every week should be [American] Education Week."

Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.)
Former teacher

"For my first job out of college, I taught ninth-grade general science at P.S. 65 in New York City, from 1969 to 1971. I have always said that it was the toughest job I ever had. My students taught me much more than I taught them! The experience left me with profound respect for the tremendous work that dedicated teachers perform all across our country, for which they receive too little pay and too little appreciation."

Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.)
Former professor

"Teaching has made me a better learner, has enriched my life immeasurably, and has made me a better congressman. Through teaching, I learned the art of expressing complex issues in basic terms to enhance the public's understanding."

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.)
Former guidance counselor and educator

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.)
Former superintendent

"As the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, I have a unique perspective on how policy decisions at the federal level will play out in North Carolina's classrooms and across the country. My wife is a school nutritionist and two of our children have served as classroom teachers because improving public education for all children is a passion the entire Etheridge family shares."

Rep. Michael Ferguson (R-N.J.)
Former educator

Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.)
Former professor

Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Md.)
Former teacher

Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas)
Former educator

Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas)
Former teacher

"While I was an educator, I learned that while most people spend their lives building careers, teachers spend their careers building lives. I have adapted the concept that I learned in the classroom to my elected office service by striving to build a better community and country so each and every citizen might flourish."

Rep. Mark Green (R-Wis.)
Former educator

Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.)

Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.)
Former teacher and coach

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.)
Former teacher and principal

"As a former teacher, principal, and school board member, I understand the joys and difficulties of working in education. I believe that the greatest investment we can make as a nation is in education, and it is our teachers that are the core of education. Teachers deserve the highest respect, because day in and day out, they are the ones who are responsible for motivating students, conveying difficult material, and keeping the system going. I believe it is my responsibility, as a legislator, to support legislation that helps teachers by improving conditions in schools, increasing compensation and benefits, and lessening the burden of policy, by making education systems logical, supportive, and unobtrusive.

Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-Ore.)
Former guidance counselor and educator

Rep. Sue Kelly (R-N.Y.)
Former teacher

"When you stand at the front of a classroom as the teacher and look into the eyes of the young students staring back at you, it leaves an indelible impression on you for the rest of your life about the magnitude and importance of education. Every teacher in our country is a vital leader who impacts the future of every student, and my experiences as an educator certainly helped provide me the firsthand understanding that I need as a legislator to continue improving our schools and putting the needs of students and teachers first."

Rep. Dale E. Kildee (D-Mich.)
Former teacher

"Being a classroom teacher gave me special insight into the role a strong public school system plays in shaping our society. Teaching is a service profession, and it was a love of teaching that made my moving into public service and the political arena a natural transition."

Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.)
Former teacher

"Being an educator strengthened my commitment to help families acquire the resources necessary to improve their quality of life. Seeing the light in students' eyes when they grasped a concept or mastered a skill gave me the greatest joy. As a congresswoman, I try to educate, engage and empower America's families, and I feel that same joy when they benefit from the results of their active participation in government."

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)
Former educator

Rep. Ray Lahood (R-Ill.)
Former educator

Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.)
Former professor

"I feel lucky never to have given up teaching, really. As a member of Congress, it is my job to explain to my constituents and others the complexities of national and foreign policy, even as I participate in the making of that policy. My work as an educator years ago laid the foundation for what I do today."

Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.)
Former professor

"Being an educator gives me a unique perspective on my work in Congress. As a former college professor, I better understand the difficulties that face teachers at all levels, from implementing the No Child Left Behind Act to keeping students interested in math and science. Improving education is vital to our nation's future, and teachers are the ones on the frontline in this effort. We must provide the tools they need to successfully do their jobs."

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)
Former professor

"Teaching law students who would go out and represent those in need of help after completing their course of studies was immensely satisfying. I remember also the wonderful times when I could provide encouragement to a student who felt discouraged...and then to find years later that the same person had succeeded and had brought justice to those in need of it. Insisting on high standards while helping students reach those standards meant a lot to me - both in terms of helping students to become good lawyers, but also to make sure that the public interest was protected." "

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.)
Former teacher

"Teachers have one of the most important responsibilities in our society and are not thanked enough. Good education is the foundation for a productive life, and good education begins with good teachers. I am proud to have taught in the New York City public school system and to have had the experience of teaching. It gives me a greater appreciation for our nation's teachers who every day help build lives."

Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.)
Former professor

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.)
Former teacher

"As a former social studies teacher, I am proud to be a strong champion in Congress for excellence in our nation's education system so that all children and youth have the opportunity to succeed. In addition to my frequent meetings in the schools with students, educators, and parents that I represent in of Minnesota's 4th congressional district, my time as a teacher in the classroom has helped to inform my policy decisions and strengthen our nation's schools."

Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.)
Former professor

"If you can read this, thank a teacher.' That's a popular bumper sticker. But I would add to that, if you can think critically, analyze problems, and then solve them, thank your favorite teacher. My love of learning was transmitted to me by my teachers and professors who taught me to think. My responsibility is to transmit that same love of learning and critical thinking ability to my audience, be they students or average Americans trying to understand how their government works."

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.)
Former educator

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.)
Former teacher

"The best experience I had for being a senator was teaching preschool. Not only did I learn patience and how to deal with bullies, but I also saw how the policies we pass impact the lives and future of our children and families."

Rep. Marilyn N. Musgrave (R-Colo.)
Former teacher

Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.)
Former professor

Sen. E. Benjamin Nelson (D-Neb.)
Former educator

Rep. Anne M. Northup (R-Ky.)
Former educator

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
Former professor

Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.)
Former teacher

Rep. John W. Olver (D-Mass.)
Former professor

Rep. Major R. Owens (D-N.Y.)
Former librarian

"Being an educator makes me feel both productive and hopeful…[Having been] a librarian gives me an appreciation of how vast and continuously expansive is the world of knowledge. At the same time my professional understanding of the ways and means to establish order within the information overload provides a comforting awareness of the fact that a practical utilization of the great tsunami of data is possible in the transformation of learning from one generation to another. Congress and public policy must constantly support the transformation of the possibilities for the nurturing of a maximally educated populace into working realities."

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.)
Former president of Board of Education and educator

Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.)
Former educator

Rep. Joseph R. Pitts (R-Pa.)
Former educator

Rep. David E. Price (D-N.C.)
Former professor

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Former professor

"I taught at West Point in the late 1970s. I quickly appreciated how difficult it is to be a good teacher. It takes more than intellectual ability. A good teacher has to engage students and to pass on a passion for learning. Today, I understand we have to do all we can to support teachers because teachers make the most difference in the world."

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.)
Former teacher

"Being a teacher has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever held. It prepared me for public service and it cemented my already strong beliefs that a great education is the foundation to a successful and rewarding life for oneself and for the community in which you live."

Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Former professor

Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.)
Former teacher

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Former professor

"As an adjunct community college professor, I tremendously enjoyed both sharing my insights on the political process and hearing my students' thoughts and opinions. Some of my own teachers had a strong and continuing influence on my life-I would like nothing better than to have encouraged my students to pursue their dreams in the field of their choice."

Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.)
Former teacher

"Being a former teacher makes me more aware of the challenges teachers face with regard to discipline, supplies, and special education. I have used that experience, in conjunction with continued meetings with teachers, to sponsor legislation regarding bullying and to cosponsor the Teacher Tax Credit Act, Teacher Tax Relief Act, Full Funding for IDEA Now Act, and the Social Security Fairness Act."

Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.)
Former professor

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.)
Former professor

"As Philadelphia's District Attorney, I taught seminars on prosecution at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Temple Law School. As an educator, I learned that education is the single greatest capital investment we can make in our nation's future."

Rep. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)
Former professor

"As an educator, I had a terrific opportunity not only to teach, but to learn from my students as well. Every day, I was humbled and appreciative of the chance to have a positive effect on young peoples' lives."

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.)
Former educator

Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.)
Former political science professor

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.)
Former educator

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.)
Former educator

Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.)
Former professor

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.)
Former educator

Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.)
Former educator

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Former professor

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.)
Former professor

Rep Diane E. Watson (D-Calif.)
Former teacher

"My background in education has truly had an everlasting impact on my life in more ways than one. The most important thing that I have taken away from my time as an educator is that education is like a seed because when planted, all it takes is a little nurturing and care for it to grow and blossom. It is this seed that can help to create scholars, community leaders, and a better tomorrow for our children and our children's children. There is nothing more valuable than the gift of knowledge."

Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.)
Former educator

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
Former professor

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska)
Former teacher

"In Fort Yukon, Alaska, I answered my calling where I was a teacher and mentor to fifth-grade elementary students in a Bureau of Indian Affairs school. It was constructed of logs and relied on a wood stove to keep my Alaska Native students warm in the sub-freezing, arctic winter. It may not have been a luxurious career, but it is my proudest professional achievement. While I may not be a teacher in a classroom anymore, I still value education and make a point of meeting with each and every Alaskan school group that visits D.C."

Educator for a Day Toolkit

It's been many years since most members of the public have been in a classroom. Given that no more than 20 percent of a community's adult population has school-age children, most people don't have an accurate understanding of what our schools are all about today.

There is no better way to illustrate the experience of being a school employee than to let the public share that experience firsthand through the Educator for a Day program. By bringing public figures and members of the community into the schools, and having them witness the real-life, everyday educational environment, we can continue to build a great public education for students. Participate in American Education Week by using the materials in this packet to plan an Educator for a Day event at your school on Thursday of American Education Week.

* * *

WHAT IS EDUCATOR FOR A DAY?

Educator for a Day is a program that allows individuals from the community to experience an entire school day, under the watchful eye of a regular school employee. The "guest educator" performs duties such as teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, serving meals in the cafeteria, tending to sick students, among other duties. This packet of information will give you all the guidance you need to launch an Educator for a Day program in your community during American Education Week.

What will it accomplish?

Educator for a Day has the following possible beneficial results:

• It will enhance communication among educators and community leaders.
• It will promote general public understanding of the entire educational process, and what is happening in today's schools.
• It will demonstrate to public officials, decisionmakers, and other community leaders, the successes and problems schools experience in reaching students of various ability and skill levels.
• It will allow persons "outside" the school situation to better understand the realities of a full school day, with constant student interaction. That is why it is important that all Educators for a Day be invited for an entire day's experience.
• It will underscore the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for our schools in an era of budget cuts and generally declining resources.
• It will help to increase community awareness, through the media, of the needs of today's students and of the challenges school employees face.

* * *

ORGANIZING THE PROGRAM

Once you decide to conduct an Educator for a Day program, the first step should be to form a committee, with a chairperson, to develop a specific plan for your program. That proposal should then be reviewed by your local leadership.

Next, arrange to meet with your superintendent or other administrative representative to develop a final plan suitable to everyone. (See sample letter at the end of this packet.) Once your committee has that proposal in hand, they can begin to launch the project.

Specific objectives should include the following:

• Developing a time frame for the project. You should allow at least two to three months from initial planning to the actual date of the project. Then, develop a time-frame checklist (see sample at the end of packet) to help keep you on schedule.
• Deciding how many Educators for a Day you need to invite to make the program a success.
• Deciding how many "cooperating educators" you will need to accommodate the guests.
• Setting guidelines for guests and cooperating educators, and communicating them to both.
• Letting all school principals know about the program.
• Establishing the media/public relations side of program, and making sure that duties are specifically assigned.
• Arranging for adequate evaluation/follow-up for the program, including an end of the school day reception, certificates of appreciation, thank you letters, and follow-up press releases.

Who should be invited?

Deciding who to invite to participate in Educator for a Day is a bit of a challenge, but practically anyone in the community can be a candidate.

Some examples of the people you might wish to invite are school committee members, legislators, local officials, community employees (i.e., police officers and firemen), business people, senior citizens, celebrities who live in town, and media representatives.

In addition, you may want to consider inviting PTA leaders, and generally any other well-known or visible community people. Some general guidelines include the following:

• Seek recognizable names in the community.
• Seek people who can make an entire day's commitment.
• Seek people who are willing to do the mundane, as well as important tasks in school.
• Seek salaried employees who will not lose money by participating.
• If participants wear uniforms in their profession, they should wear their uniforms in class. This will give greater identification when photographs are taken.

Sending Invitations

Once you've decided how many people to invite—and who they should be—send a written invitation from your local Association president and perhaps your school administration if it is a joint project. (See sample at end of packet.)

All of those invited, or serving as an education support professional, should be given the choice of teaching a prepared lesson plan or one of their own. Ask them to indicate a preference for subject/grade areas so that when follow-up communication takes place (by phone or letter), they can be matched with the appropriate cooperating educator.

Obviously, you will need many more cooperating school employees than educators for a day to accommodate the full range of requests. When you have your list of acceptances and cooperating school employees finalized, you can then pair them, and send each an Educator for a Day note indicating who their cooperating educator is and when they will be meeting prior to the actual day of the program (or suggesting they make their own arrangements to do so). At the same time, inform the cooperating educators of the pairings.

Then, once your pairings are finalized, fill out a form that lists cooperating educators with Educators for a Day. (Suggested format example appears at the end of this packet.) The form should be kept for your own records, and copies should be sent to cooperating educators, guests, and administration.

* * *

TIPS FOR COOPERATING EDUCATORS

The cooperating educators are central to the success of this program since they will have the most contact throughout the day with the guests. As such, they will be the key "ambassadors" of your school and should have a common sense of the purpose of the day and some common objectives in meeting that purpose.

Among the things you should convey to your cooperating teachers are the following:

• Educators for a Day should actually become involved in the instructional process, and should be actively involved to the maximum degree possible. Cooperating educators must be present at all times but should leave the bulk of the day's duties to the guests.
• If cooperating educators have not met with Educators for a Day prior to the start of classes, they should provide them with a detailed schedule of the day by mail, including all classes, supervision/duties, break times, and after school duties, if any.
• Make sure all cooperating educators are aware of publicity details in connection with the day. Reporters may want to talk to cooperating school employees as well as Educators for a Day. There should be specific times during which photographers and reporters are allowed into classrooms so as to minimize disruptions. Make sure all cooperating educators are aware of the times during which media coverage will be permitted.

Brief your guests

As previously mentioned, it is advisable to have cooperating educators and Educators for a Day meet prior to the actual day of the program to become familiar with one another, and to enable the cooperating school employee to get a sense of the guest's involvement. Therefore, a briefing session might be appropriate. At that time, the cooperating educators should go over the day's lesson plans or activities.

Assuming the Educator for a Day is able to perform all duties, he or she should be thoroughly briefed concerning how those duties are performed. Cooperating school employees should reassure all Educators for a Day that they will be present at all times to step in and assist them.

* * *

ARE THERE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS?

For legal purposes, people participating in Educator for a Day should be viewed as paraprofessionals or teacher aides. As long as a certified teacher is in the classroom or with the Educator for a Day during other activities at all times, the outside guest can take part in the instructional process. Guests must be under the strict supervision of the regular classroom teacher.

Should an emergency or disciplinary situation occur during the visitor's stay in the classroom, the cooperating educator and/or school employee should take control.

* * *

PROMOTING TEACHER FOR A DAY

Obviously, Educator for a Day is a positive public relations program from a number of standpoints, and you should attempt to capitalize on every PR opportunity it presents. This requires a certain amount of advance planning, but it will pay off.

Your first communication should be internal. Once you have set the guidelines for Educator for a Day in your community and finalized the program with school administration, those details should be communicated to all school employees. Inform your internal audiences through a memo or your local newsletter.

Next, your PR Committee should perform the following functions:

• Send out an initial news release, either directly from your Association or in conjunction with the school administration, announcing the scheduling of Educator for a Day and what it hopes to achieve. (See sample at end of this packet.) This release should be sent out about 10 days prior to the day of the program.
• Try to make sure that one of your Educators for a Day is a reporter, editor, or media representative who can "double" his or her experience by writing about it or reporting it on the air. The entire Educator for a Day concept is a natural media event; whether a reporter participates or simply covers it, there are numerous story angles. Try to get the newspaper to send a photographer as well as a reporter.
• Once all cooperating educators have been paired with their Educators for a Day, develop a directory or fact sheet on participants and send copies to all media. (See sample at end of this packet.) Be sure this sheet details the specific times during which reporters and photographers will be permitted to enter classrooms and other school facilities. Disruption of the educational process must be held to a minimum.
• Designate a media contact to which any questions can be directed.
• If necessary, provide everyone with a map showing how to get to your school.
• Shortly before the actual day of the event, send or fax a follow-up release to all media and provide the necessary details regarding time and place.
• Develop a "tip sheet" for media, as a separate element or part of one of the above elements, indicating potential news/photo opportunities, as well as re-emphasizing specific items for entering classrooms and other school facilities.
• Develop a plan to "control" the media in getting their story on the day of the event. Realize that you have the news story, and the media wants it, but some sense of order must be maintained. You will probably want to discuss the details of the media's presence in your school on the day of the event with the school principal, your school superintendent, and, if there is one, your school system's public relations director. In any event, you will want to ensure a smooth flow of events, and control the disruption of the educational process to the maximum extent possible.
• Plan a reception in a central location immediately after school and/or a news conference or a series of interviews with Educators for a Day to allow reporters to speak with participants to gain their impressions of the day's events. Consider inviting students to give the press another angle on the day's events. Ask the PTA/PTO to contribute refreshments to involve them as well.
• Be sure to gather all clippings and photos that appear in newspapers, send a copy to NEA Public Relations, and keep a copy for your Association's records. They can also make a positive display for bulletin boards in your school’s main office and teachers' rooms.

* * *

DON'T FORGET THE FOLLOW-UP

There are a number of important things to do after you hold your Educator for a Day event. If for some reason there is a lack of media coverage during the actual day, you should approach participants, gather a few comments, and put out an appropriate news release/story detailing their reactions.

In addition to certificates of appreciation for guests, write thank you letters to all the people who contributed to the success of Educator for a Day, including your school superintendent, school committee members, media people, cooperating educators, and school employees.

* * *

SAMPLE ADMINISTRATION LETTER

(Insert Date)

(Insert name and title)
(Insert name of organization)
(Insert address)

Dear (Insert name):

As you may know, November 11–17, 2007, is American Education Week, a celebration to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. As part of this year’s American Education Week, (insert name of school) will be joining schools nationwide in conducting an Educator for a Day event on Thursday, November 15, 2007. The event invites community leaders to experience the day as a teacher.

Educator for a Day pairs visiting community members with a "host educator" for a complete day's activities. The press will be invited and will interview guest educators for the day. This program has been executed in many communities as it demonstrates to public officials and other decisionmakers the successes and challenges our school employees face, and it underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for our students.

We will be using guidelines developed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association to implement the program, and we welcome your suggestions and involvement. I have enclosed a copy of the invitation letter for your information.

(Insert school name) believes this project will bring positive community relations to our school and help build public support for our teachers and students. Please feel free to contact me at (insert contact information) if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

(Insert name/title)

* * *

SAMPLE CHECKLIST: EDUCATOR FOR A DAY

___ Review plans with administration

___ Select Association coordinator(s) for program

___ Plan out public relations strategy

___ Recruit cooperating school employees

___ Mail out letters of invitation to potential participants

___ Call invitees to follow up on receipt of letter

___ Send out initial news release

___ Pair Educators for a Day with cooperating school employees

___ Schedule "get acquainted meetings" for the Educators for a Day and cooperating
       educators

___ Make sure all internal PR is in order and that all personnel are notified

___ Inform NEA/PR of the event by e-mailing Christiana Campos at ccampos@nea.org

___ Make sure school principals are aware of the event and schedule

___ Determine if release time is needed for building contacts

___ Obtain comments from participants for use by the Association or by media (after the
       event)

___ Arrange for certificates of appreciation, small gifts, and thank you notes for all
       participants and contributors

___ Secure a location for the reception/news conference and arrange for refreshments

___ Arrange internal and external publicity follow-up

* * *

SAMPLE RECRUITMENT MEMO

(Insert logo)

To: (Insert name/s)

From: (Insert name/s)

Re: Educator for a Day Program

November 11–17, 2007, is American Education Week. As part of this celebration, we will be joining the National Education Association and people nationwide in hosting an Educator for a Day event in which we invite local community leaders into our classrooms to experience the day as a teacher.

We are looking for volunteer "host educators" for the program, and encourage you to consider becoming a "host educator" for this important event. (Insert name of school) will provide you with information, guidance, and assistance every step of the way. As a "host educator," you will be helping to spread the word about the challenges and hard work school employees face every day in every classroom.

Please fill out this form and return it to (insert contact name) by (insert date).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I will volunteer to serve as a "Host Educator" for the Educator for a Day event at (insert school) on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Name:__________________________________________________________

Preferred Grade/Subject or Area (i.e., nurse’s office, cafeteria, etc.): ________________________________________________________________

Contact Information: ________________________________________________

* * *

SAMPLE RESPONSE FORM

Teacher for a Day Response Form
Thursday, November 15, 2007

Your Name
(please print):__________________________________________________

Title/Organization:_______________________________________________

Mailing Address:_________________________________________________

ContactPhone Number:___________________________________________

Best time to reach you: ___________________________________________

Lesson Plan Preferences: Prefer existing plan____ Will develop own plan____

Media Coverage Preferences:

The press may cover my activities_____   Prefer no press coverage:_____

The press may interview me:_____   Prefer no interviews:_____

Please return this form by (insert date) to:

(Insert name/title)
(Insert school name)
(Insert school address)
(Insert city, state and zip code)
(Insert school phone number)

* * *

SAMPLE FOLLOW UP LETTER

(Insert date)

(Insert name and title)
(Insert name of organization)
(Insert address)
(Insert city, state and zip code)

Dear (Insert name):

Thank you for accepting our invitation to serve as an Educator for a Day in (insert school name) on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

As a guest educator in our schools, you will be part of a national celebration during American Education Week, November 11–17, 2007. We are delighted that you have expressed your interest and set aside your personal time to experience firsthand a day in the life of a (insert school name) employee.

Your "host educator” is (insert name). We have asked (her/him) to contact you prior to November 15 to meet and/or discuss our lesson plan and other details about the day's program. In addition, the press has been notified about this event and may be stopping by your classroom or interviewing you at a reception following the school day.

(Insert school name) will be hosting a reception immediately following the school day on November 15 from (insert time) to (insert time) at (insert exact location). Please join us for the opportunity to meet the other guest educators and accept our thanks for your commitment to (insert school name) employees. If you have any questions, feel free to call your host educator at (insert phone number).

We look forward to your participation in our Educator for a Day event. We know this will be a rewarding experience for you, your guest educator and the students you will meet on November 15.

Sincerely,

(Insert name/title)

* * *

SAMPLE PROCLAMATION REQUEST LETTER

(Insert Date)

(Insert name and address of the governor, mayor, or other official)

Dear (Insert name):

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, (insert organization name) will be joining Americans nationwide in celebrating Educator for a Day during the National Education Association’s 86^th American Education Week, November 11–17. I encourage you to consider issuing a Proclamation to officially declare Educator for a Day in (City/State).

On Educator for a Day at (insert organization name), community leaders will be paired with "host educators" for a complete day's activities. The guest educators will receive a firsthand look at the needs of students and challenges that face school employees. (Insert additional sentences about your organization and event details).

We hope you will join us in our American Education Week celebration by issuing a Proclamation for Educator for a Day in (City/State). If you have any questions, please contact (insert name) at (insert phone number).

Sincerely,

(Insert name/title)

Enc.

* * *

SAMPLE EDUCATOR FOR A DAY PROCLAMATION

To formally proclaim Educator for a Day during American Education Week, work with your local official to issue this sample proclamation.

Proclamation

WHEREAS, public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing young people with the tools they need to maintain our nation's precious values of freedom, civility and equality; and

WHEREAS, community leaders are an integral part of the education process; and

WHEREAS, community leaders work to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students of public schools; and

WHEREAS, community leaders work tirelessly to serve our children and communities with care and professionalism.

NOW, THEREFORE, I ____________________________________________, serving

as _______________________________of _______________________________, do

hereby proclaim Thursday, November 15, 2007, as Educator for a Day.

I urge that we observe this day by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the
important role of community leaders in making public schools great for every child.

Signed this _______________ day of _________________________, 2007.

* * *

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                   Contact: (Insert contact name)
(Insert date)                                                                    (Insert phone number)

PROMINENT LOCAL LEADERS WILL BE EDUCATORS FOR A DAY
AS PART OF AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK, NOVEMBER 11–17, 2007

(Insert City, State)—Prominent local leaders, including (insert names/titles) will serve as Educators for a Day at (insert school name) on Thursday, November 15, 2007, as part of the National Education Association’s American Education Week celebration taking place November 11–17. Guest educators will spend an entire day at (insert school name) to experience firsthand school activities under the guidance of a cooperating school employee.

"We are proud to participate in National Educator for a Day during American Education Week,” said (insert name/title). “The event presents an excellent opportunity for elected officials to see what today's students and schools are all about. Education has changed greatly since most of us went to school, and it is important for the community to understand those changes in order to plan effectively for meeting the future needs of our students."

(Insert paragraph with additional details and highlights of your activity.)

(Insert organization’s name) activities are in partnership with NEA, the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

* * *

CONTACT:
Melinda Anderson
(202) 822-7230 | MAnderson@nea.org

Who’s Teaching When the Teacher is Out?

Substitute Educators Day 2005 Spotlights the Substitute Teacher Crisis

Washington, D.C. — How's  this for a classified ad?  “Tough job. Low pay. Little respect. No benefits. But lots of openings.”  All too often, it is the job description for substitute teachers.  And as we approach Substitute Educators Day (November 18), the National Education Association (NEA) finds that the situation is desperate with schools facing one of the most severe shortages of substitute teachers in memory. 

In a recent national survey, 96 percent of school districts reported having difficulties finding substitute teachers.  Of those, 40 percent said it was a severe problem, with classes frequently going uncovered and instruction being affected.

A combination of factors has created the current crisis.  While the appointments of other professionals can be rescheduled when an illness or emergency arises, a teacher’s day can never be canceled.  In addition, school districts are facing an increased demand for teacher professional development opportunities, fueled in part by the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.  Economic conditions are also impacting districts—many former substitutes have moved into full-time positions with the shortage of permanent teachers, and many temporary workers can make more money in other fields.

“The substitute educator pool is quickly dwindling and replacements are hard to find,” says NEA President Reg Weaver.  “Unfortunately, the essence of the job itself is the biggest recruitment hurdle.  Low pay, poor training, lack of benefits and inadequate professional support reduces the number of available substitute teachers.”

Some key trends include the following:

Nationwide, substitute teacher salaries average about $65-$70 per day.  In rural areas rates are often as low as $40-$45. 

— Half of public schools serving minority children fill teaching vacancies with long-term substitutes.

— In 77 percent of school districts across the country substitute teachers are given no training at all.

The need for an expanded pool of qualified candidates, growing attention to teacher quality issues in general, and research suggesting that the use of under-prepared substitutes can lower student achievement has led some states and districts to address the substitute teacher issue in new ways. 

Who’s Teaching When the Teacher is Out  

“There was a time when substitute teachers were considered hired babysitters, but those days are gone,” says Weaver.  “With today’s focus on standardized test scores, schools are taking a closer look at who’s teaching children when the permanent teacher is out.”

Rather than relaxing hiring requirements to increase the number of substitutes, some districts and states are responding to the crisis by raising standards and taking steps to attract and retain quality substitute educators.  The most common strategies used to replenish the supply of qualified substitute teachers include increased pay, additional employment benefits, training sessions in classroom management and incentives for substitutes who teach within a system for a predetermined amount of time.

At the building level, teachers and administrators can also help maintain an adequate pool of quality substitute teachers through their actions and attitudes.  Experts suggest that teachers leave lesson plans for substitutes, that principals treat them like professionals, and that students understand that they're expected to treat substitute teachers with the same courtesy and respect as other educators in the building.

“Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder,” says Weaver.  “In this case, I believe the substitute teacher shortage has created a new appreciation for skilled substitute teachers.”

Created in 2003, Substitute Educators Day is designed to encourage greater respect for school substitute employees and support for improved wages, benefits and training.  The day is observed during American Education Week (AEW), November 13-19.  This year’s AEW theme, “A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools,” reflects NEA's vision of calling upon America to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information on substitute teachers, please visit the NEA website at www.nea.org/substitutes.  To learn more about AEW and Substitute Educators Day, visit www.nea.org/aew.

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Maestro por un Día

Maestro por un Día es un programa de la Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) que permite a personas de la comunidad pasar un día entero en la escuela, con la orientación de los maestros regulares. El maestro visitante realiza todas las funciones que un maestro haría en un día normal – enseñar clases, estar de guardia durante la hora de almuerzo y en los pasillos, supervisar recesos, horas de estudio, entre otras responsabilidades. 

El programa, diseñado originalmente por la Asociación de Maestros de Massachusetts, promueve el entendimiento entre los educadores y los líderes de la comunidad. Además, le demuestra a los funcionarios públicos y demás personal directivo los éxitos y desafíos que enfrentan nuestros maestros, además de subrayar la necesidad de tener personal, materiales e instalaciones adecuadas para los estudiantes.

Ciudadanos de todo el país organizarán eventos para el programa de Maestro por un Día, que tendrán lugar el jueves 17 de noviembre de 2005 durante la Semana de la Educación Americana, entre el 13 y el 19 de noviembre próximos. Maestro por un Día refuerza el tema de la Semana de la Educación Americana: “Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes”. El tema representa el llamado de la NEA a todos los americanos para que hagan su parte en hacer que las escuelas públicas sean excelentes para cada niño, de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. 

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros.

# # #

Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y el programa Maestro por un Día, sírvase visitar el sitio www.nea.org/aew o contactar a Christiana Campos en ccampos@nea.org.

Día de los Educadores Sustitutos

El Día de los Educadores Sustitutos es el resultado de las deliberaciones sostenidas por los delegados ante la Asamblea Representativa de 2003 de la Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA).   La misión de los delegados ante la Asamblea consistió en incrementar el agradecimiento y el apoyo públicos a los empleados sustitutos de las escuelas. También querían reconocer a esos educadores profesionales como eslabones críticos en la educación de los niños de las escuelas públicas durante la ausencia temporal de los maestros regulares.

El Día de los Educadores Sustitutos trata de:

• Alentar un mayor respeto para los educadores sustitutos empleados;
• Abogar para que todos los sustitutos de las escuelas reciban sueldos y beneficios de salud cuando trabajen la mayor parte o la totalidad de un año académico;
• Que este personal reciba un desarrollo profesional genuino y continuo en el arte de la enseñanza como sustitutos, y
• Recordarle al personal de las escuelas unas prácticas efectivas para prepararse para, y dar la bienvenida y apoyo a, los maestros sustitutos.

El Día de los Educadores Sustitutos se observa el viernes durante la Semana de la Educación Americana. La fecha escogida este año para celebrar el día de los educadores sustitutos es el 18 de noviembre. El Día de los Educadores Sustitutos ayuda a reforzar el tema de la Semana de la Educación Americana de 2005: “Una América Fuerte comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes.” El tema representa el llamado de la NEA a todos los americanos para que hagan su parte en hacer que las escuelas públicas sean excelentes para cada niño de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. 

# # #

Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y el Día de los Educadores sustitutos, visite el sitio www.nea.org/aew o contacte a Christiana Campos en ccampos@nea.org.

Octubre de 2005

PARA MÁYOR INFORMACIÓN, CONTACTAR A: 
Christiana Campos, Relaciones Públicas de la NEA, 202-822-7261

La Asociación Nacional de Educación hace un llamado a todo el país para promover las escuelas públicas excelentes durante la Semana de la Educación Americana,

   del 13 al 19 de noviembre

Actividades en toda la nación destacan la importancia de una educación pública de calidad para todos los niños

(WASHINGTON, DC)— Durante la Semana de la Educación Americana, que tendrá lugar del 13 al 19 de noviembre de 2005, la Asociación de Educación Nacional (NEA) – la mayor organización de educadores del país – hará un llamado nacional instando a todos los americanos a hacer su parte en ofrecer una educación pública de calidad a los niños de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. Durante toda la semana, la NEA y sus 3.2 millones de miembros servirán de anfitriones de eventos en todo el país, diseñados para despertar el interés en la necesidad crítica de educadores, padres, estudiantes y comunidades para trabajar unidos en pro de una educación pública excelente en América.

“Estoy pidiendo a todos los americanos, de costa a costa, que se unan a la NEA para asegurar que todos los niños tengan el derecho básico a recibir una educación pública superior, independientemente de dónde vivan o de su situación económica”, dijo Reg Weaver, presidente de la NEA. “Mediante su participación en los eventos de nuestra Semana de la Educación Americana que se celebrará en todo el país, todo americano tendrá la oportunidad de dejar una marca en las vidas de los estudiantes de escuelas públicas, al sacar a la luz pública importantes cuestiones que afectan a la educación.”

Como parte del llamado de la NEA para una educación pública de calidad, la Asociación está organizando días de celebración individual durante toda la Semana de la Educación Americana, con objeto de reforzar la importancia de trabajar juntos como una comunidad unificada, para crear escuelas públicas excelentes. Las celebraciones de la semana incluyen los siguientes eventos:
       

• Domingo, 13 de noviembre: Día de los Líderes Estudiantiles.   Cientos de futuros maestros se reunirán en Boston, Mass., para participar en un evento inicial de líderes estudiantiles con el Presidente de la NEA, Reg Weaver.
• Lunes, 14 de noviembre: Celebración de Puesta en Marcha Nacional.   Desde conmemoraciones nacionales hasta eventos locales, los americanos celebrarán la educación pública. 
• Martes, 15 de noviembre: Día de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela.   Las escuelas invitarán a los padres a las aulas para que observen de cerca cómo sus hijos pasan el día en la escuela.
• Miércoles, 16 de noviembre: Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de Educación.   El personal que proporciona servicios valiosos a las escuelas es reconocido por su labor sobresaliente.
• Jueves, 17 de noviembre: Maestro por un Día.   Se invitará a líderes de las comunidades a enseñar por un día para que experimenten los desafíos de la enseñanza y las necesidades de los estudiantes.
• Viernes, 18 de noviembre: Día de los Maestros Sustitutos.   En este día se honra a los educadores que son llamadas para reemplazar a los maestros regulares.

“Estos días de celebración individual ayudan a atraer la atención hacia el tema de nuestra Semana de la Educación Americana de 2005: Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes”, dijo Weaver.   “El tema refleja nuestra creencia de que cada niño en América se merece una educación de calidad. También sirve de tributo a las distintas personas que están creando escuelas públicas excelentes para los 50 millones de estudiantes de Kindergarten al grado 12.” 

Para ayudar a planear y promover la Semana de la Educación Americana y sus días de celebraciones, la NEA está ofreciendo gratuitamente en línea, un paquete completo con materiales promocionales, ideas para actividades y plantillas que se pueden descargar. Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y para descargar el juego de materiales, visite www.nea.org/aew. 

La Semana de la Educación Americana siempre se ha celebrado durante la primera semana anterior al Día de Acción de Gracias, habiendo comenzado en 1921 como una manera de generar interés público y apoyar la educación en una época en que el analfabetismo era un problema muy serio en los Estados Unidos. Actualmente, la Semana de la Educación Americana se sigue celebrando en la primera semana completa anterior al Día de Acción de Gracias.

# # #

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros.

El Día Nacional de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela

El martes 15 de noviembre de 2005 es el Día Nacional de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela. En este día, las escuelas de todo el país invitarán a los padres a venir a las aulas para que tengan una experiencia práctica de cómo sus hijos pasan un día en la escuela. La iniciativa es parte de las celebraciones de la 84ta. Semana de la Educación Americana de la Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA), que tendrán lugar los días 13 a 19 de noviembre de este año, y fue diseñada para destacar la importancia que tiene la participación de los padres.

Según los expertos, los padres necesitan asumir un papel activo y afirmativo diario en la educación de sus hijos para que estos alcancen el éxito máximo en la escuela. Investigaciones en curso revelan que la participación de los padres en las escuelas mejora el logro de los estudiantes, reduce el ausentismo y restablece la confianza de los padres en la educación de sus hijos. 

La participación de los padres significa leerle a su hijo, revisarles la tarea todas las noches, limitarles la televisión por las noches en los días de escuela, desarrollar una relación con los maestros de sus hijos y simplemente preguntarles a sus hijos cómo les fue en la escuela ese día. Cualquiera que sea el grado de participación, sea constante con objeto de hacer una diferencia en la vida de sus hijos.

El Día Nacional de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela también ayuda a reforzar el tema de 2005 de la Semana de la Educación Americana: “Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes.”   El tema representa el llamado de la NEA a todos los americanos para que hagan su parte en hacer que las escuelas públicas sean excelentes para cada niño de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. 

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros.

# # #

Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y el Día Nacional de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela, sírvase visitar www.nea.org/aew o contactar a Christiana Campos en ccampos@nea.org.  Para recursos sobre la participación de los padres, visite el sitio http://www.nea.org/parents. 

Semana de la Educación Americana

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) fue uno de los creadores y patrocinadores originales de la Semana de la Educación Americana. La NEA y la Legión Americana estaban muy preocupadas porque el 25% de los reclutas americanos de la I Guerra Mundial eran analfabetos, y el 29 por ciento no estaban en buenas condiciones físicas. Ambas organizaciones se reunieron en 1919 para generar apoyo público a favor de la educación.  

Las convenciones de ambas organizaciones posteriormente adoptaron resoluciones de apoyo a una campaña nacional destinada a despertar el interés público en la importancia de la educación. En 1921, la Asamblea Representativa de la NEA en Des Moines, Iowa, pidió que se designara una semana de cada año para promover la educación. En su resolución, la NEA pidió: “Una semana educacional…observada cada año en todas las comunidades para informar al público de los logros y las necesidades de las escuelas públicas, y para asegurar la cooperación y el apoyo del público a fin de satisfacer esas necesidades.”

La Semana de la Educación Americana se observó por primera vez los días 4 a 10 de diciembre de 1921. Desde entonces, la Semana de la Educación Americana siempre se celebra en la primera semana completa anterior al Día de Acción de Gracias. La observación de 2005 tendrá lugar del 13 al 19 de noviembre.

# # #

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros .

Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana, sírvase visitar el sitio www.nea.org/aewo    contactar a Christiana Campos en   ccampos@nea.org.

Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación

El Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación se celebró por primera vez en 1987 después que la Asamblea Representativa de la Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) pidió la creación de una manera de honrar las contribuciones del personal auxiliar de las escuelas. El Día Nacional de los Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación es un momento destinado a fortalecer el apoyo y el respeto de estos colegas. En 2003, Karen Mahurin, entonces presidenta del Consejo Nacional de Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación de la NEA, dirigió una campaña exitosa en la Asamblea Representativa de la NEA para cambiar el nombre oficial de “Personal Auxiliar de Educación” al de “Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación”.

"El cambio de nombre a 'profesionales' reconoce la importante contribución que estos profesionales hacen a los niños y a la educación pública todos los días”, dijo Mahurin, una secretaria con 22 años de experiencia. “Nosotros afectamos a las vidas de los niños todos los días en nuestras propias maneras especiales y profesionales.”

El nuevo nombre, profesionales auxiliares de la educación, refleja un creciente orgullo en el valioso papel que estos profesionales desempeñan en todas las escuelas públicas de América. Los profesionales auxiliares de hoy día prestan servicios valiosos que le permiten a los estudiantes aprender en ambientes positivos y afirmativos. Los profesionales auxiliares de la educación son socios iguales y esenciales en el proceso educacional.

El Día Nacional de los Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación se observa el miércoles durante la Semana de la Educación Americana. La fecha escogida este año para celebrar a estos profesionales es el miércoles, 16 de noviembre. La observación refuerza el tema de la Semana de la Educación Americana para 2005: “Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes”.   El tema representa el llamado de la NEA a todos los americanos para que hagan su parte en hacer que las escuelas públicas sean excelentes para cada niño de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. 

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros.

###

Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y el Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de Educación, sírvase visitar el sitio www.nea.org/aew o contactar a Christiana Campos en ccampos@nea.org.

Octubre de 2005 

Estimado representante de la prensa:

Durante la Semana de la Educación Americana de este año—13-19 de noviembre, 2005— millones de americanos se unirán a la Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) en un llamado para incrementar el conocimiento sobre la necesidad crítica de ofrecer a cada niño una educación pública de calidad. 

Durante toda la semana, la NEA organizará varias actividades en todo el país, destinadas a reforzar el tema de la Semana de la Educación Americana de 2005: “Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes”.   El tema representa el llamado de la NEA a todos los americanos para que hagan su parte en ofrecer una educación pública de calidad a los niños de modo que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. 

La Semana de la Educación Americana destaca los distintos tipos de personas críticas para establecer escuelas públicas excelentes para los 50 millones de estudiantes, desde Kindergarten hasta el grado 12.   Los días de celebración de la Semana de la Educación Americana incluyen los eventos siguientes:

• Domingo, 13 de noviembre: Día de los Líderes Estudiantiles.  Cientos de futuros maestros se reunirán en Boston, Mass., para participar en un evento inicial de líderes estudiantiles con el Presidente de la NEA, Reg Weaver.
• Lunes, 14 de noviembre: Celebración de Puesta en Marcha Nacional.  Desde conmemoraciones nacionales hasta eventos locales, los americanos celebrarán la educación pública. 
• Martes, 15 de noviembre: Día de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela.  Las escuelas invitarán a los padres a las aulas para que vean de cerca cómo sus hijos pasan el día en la escuela.
• Miércoles, 16 de noviembre: Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de Educación.   El personal que proporciona servicios valiosos a las escuelas es reconocido por su labor sobresaliente.
• Jueves, 17 de noviembre: Maestro por un Día.  Se invitará a líderes de las comunidades a enseñar por un día para que experimenten los desafíos de la enseñanza y las necesidades de los estudiantes.
• Viernes, 18 de noviembre: Día de los Educadores Sustitutos.   En este día se honra a los educadores que son llamados para reemplazar a los maestros regulares.

Le instamos a hacer un reportaje sobre estas celebraciones para ayudarnos a propagar la voz sobre la importancia que las escuelas públicas excelentes tienen para las vidas de los estudiantes. Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana, visite www.nea.org/aew.  Sírvase contactar spo@nea.orgo llamar al 202-822-7200 para discutir otros detalles sobre la celebración de la Semana de la Educación Americana de la NEA y programar una entrevista con el Presidente de la NEA, Reg Weaver. 

Le agradecemos por anticipado su amable consideración.

Atentamente suyo,

NEA

Comunicado de Prensa: La Semana de la Educación

Hoja de Datos: La Semana de la Educación

Hoja de Datos: El Día Nacional de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela

Hoja de Datos: El Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de la Educación

Hoja de Datos: Maestro por un Día

Hoja de Datos: El Día de los Educadores Sustitutos

November 11–17, 2007

Educator for a Day Fact Sheet

Educator for a Day is a National Education Association (NEA) program that allows individuals from the community to experience an entire school day, with the guidance of school employees. The visiting educator performs all the duties of a regular school employee in a normal work day—teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, working in the cafeteria, among other responsibilities.

The program, originally developed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, enhances understanding among educators and community leaders. In addition, it demonstrates to public officials and other decisionmakers, the successes and challenges our educators face and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.

Americans nationwide will be organizing Educator for a Day events on Thursday, November 15, 2007, during American Education Week, November 11–17. Educator for a Day reinforces AEW's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." It represents NEA's vision of calling upon all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information on American Education Week and Educator for a Day, visit www.nea.org/aew.

November 11–17, 2007

Substitute Educators Day Fact Sheet

Substitute Educators Day is a result of the National Education Association Representative Assembly's New Business Item (NBI) 2003-41. The purpose of this NBI is to increase appreciation of school substitute employees. These professional educators provide a critical link in the education of public schoolchildren by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality education to children in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.

Substitute Educators Day seeks to:

• Encourage increased respect for substitute education employees
• Advocate for all school substitutes to receive wage and health benefits for those who work most to all of a full school year
• Receive genuine, continual professional development in the art of substitute teaching
• Provide a reminder for school staff on effective practices to prepare for, welcome and support substitute educators

Substitute Educators Day is observed on Friday during American Education Week.  The 2006 date to celebrate Substitute Educators Day is November 16.

For more information on American Education Week and Substitute Educators Day, visit www.nea.org/aew. 

Other resources for information on substitute educators include:
www.nea.org/substitutes
www.substituteteachers.org
www.nstasubs.org

President, National Education Association

Reg Weaver is serving his second term as president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA) – the nation's largest professional employee organization.

As a middle school science teacher and 30-year classroom veteran, Weaver has been a lifelong advocate for quality public schools. He served as president of his local in Harvey, Ill., president of the NEA affiliate in Illinois, and now leads one of the most influential education organizations in the nation.

He travels nationally and internationally, working tirelessly as an ambassador for public education and advocating for the basic right of every student to attend a great public school. North Carolina's Shaw University recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Weaver for "his world-class leadership in the efforts to educate children." 

Weaver serves as vice president of Education International, a 348-member organization representing more than 29 million teachers and education workers in 166 countries.  He travels to meetings of Education International and national education unions around the world. He has also addressed conferences and forums sponsored by numerous national organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Council of La Raza (NCLR), Rainbow Push Coalition, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), ASPIRA, and ACORN.

A recognized expert on public education issues, Weaver has testified before Congress on federal education policy and frequently provides a critical voice on public education for national publications, including The New York Times, USA Today and The Washington Post, along with decision-maker publications, such as Congressional Quarterly, Education Week, and Education Daily.  Weaver regularly appears on such news programs as CNN "Headline News," C-Span's "Washington Journal," and ABC "World News Tonight."  He has been invited to discuss pressing education issues on National Public Radio's "News & Notes with Ed Gordon," CNN Radio Network, AP Radio Network, and others.

Weaver serves on the executive board of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and on the board of governors for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.  He is a member of the board of directors of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and he is an honorary life member of the National Parent Teachers Association. 

He also served on the Illinois State Board of Education's Blue Ribbon Committee on the Improvement of Teaching as a Profession, the Illinois Commission for the Improvement of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Administrator's Academy, the Illinois Project for School Reform Advisory Council, the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory Advisory Committee, the Joint Committee on Minority Student Achievement, the Illinois Literacy Council, and the Task Force on At-Risk Youth. 

His commitment and contributions to public education haven't gone unnoticed.  He has been named one of Ebony magazine's 100 Most Influential Black Americans for his national influence.  He is the recipient of the 2005 Spirit of Liberty Award presented by People for the American Way, as well as the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute's 2006 George Meany Latino Leadership Award.  Weaver’s recent honors also include the 2006 Chairman's Award for Educational Leadership presented by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the Congressional Black Caucus Education Braintrust's 2006 Great Points of Light Award.  Weaver also received the USAction Progressive Leadership Award, the National Conference of Black Mayors President's Award, the Ebony Magazine Influential Black Educators Award, and the Illinois Education Association's Human Relations Award.

Back home, Weaver is listed on the Danville (Ill.) High School Wall of Fame and serves as an honorary member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Educational Leadership at Roosevelt University, which is his alma mater.

Weaver earned his bachelor of science degree in special education for the physically challenged at Illinois State University.  He received a master's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

September 2006

November 11-17, 2007

National Education Support Professionals Day: History

Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day was first celebrated in 1987 after NEA's Representative Assembly called for the creation of a way to honor contributions of school support staff. National ESP Day is a time to strengthen support and respect for these colleagues.

In 2003, Karen Mahurin, then president of NEA's National Council of Education Support Professional (NCESP) members, led a successful campaign at the NEA Representative Assembly to change ESPs formal name from "Education Support Personnel" to "Education Support Professionals."

"The name change to 'professional' acknowledges the major contribution ESPs make to children and public education every day," says Mahurin, a secretary with 22 years of experience. "We impact the lives of children every day in our own special and professional ways."

The new name reflects a growing pride in the valuable role ESPs play throughout America's public schools. Today's support professionals provide invaluable services that enable students to learn in positive, supportive environments. ESPs are equal and essential partners in the education process.

National ESP Day is observed on Wednesday during American Education Week.

November 11–17, 2007

Invite Parents to School Day (Tuesday, November 13) Fact Sheet

Tuesday, November 13, 2007, is National Invite Parents to School Day.  On this day, schools across the nation will invite parents into the classroom for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their child.  The initiative is part of the National Education Association's 85th annual American Education Week celebration taking place November 11–17 and is designed to spotlight the importance of parental involvement.

According to experts, parents need to take an active and assertive role in their children's education on a daily basis for optimal success at school. Ongoing research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores confidence among parents in their children's education.

Parental involvement means reading to your children, checking homework every night, limiting television viewing on school nights, developing a relationship with his or her teacher, and simply asking children about their school day. Whatever the level of involvement, it is important to be consistent in order to make a difference in your children's lives.

National Invite Parents to School Day also helps reinforce AEW's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." It represents NEA's vision of calling upon all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information on American Education Week and National Invite Parents to School Day, visit www.nea.org/aew. For resources on parental involvement, visit www.nea.org/parents.

November 11–17, 2007

Education Support Professionals Day Fact Sheet

Education Support Professionals Day was first celebrated in 1987 after the National Education Association's (NEA's) Representative Assembly called for the creation of a way to honor contributions of school support staff. National Education Support Professionals Day is a time to strengthen support and respect for these colleagues. In 2003, Karen Mahurin, then president of NEA's National Council of Education Support Professional (NCESP) members, led a successful campaign at the NEA Representative Assembly to change the formal name from "Education Support Personnel" to "Education Support Professionals ."

"The name change to 'professional' acknowledges the major contribution education support professionals make to children and public education every day," says Mahurin, a secretary with 22 years of experience. "We impact the lives of children every day in our own special and professional ways."

The new name reflects a growing pride in the valuable role education support professionals play throughout America's public schools. Today's support professionals provide invaluable services that enable students to learn in positive, supportive environments. Education support professionals are equal and essential partners in the education process.

National Education Support Professionals Day is observed on Wednesday during American Education Week. The 2007 date to celebrate Education Support Professionals Day is Wednesday, November 14.

For more information on American Education Week visit www.nea.org/aew. And For information on ESPs visit www.nea.org/esphome. 

November 11–17, 2007

Fact Sheet

The National Education Association's 86th annual American Education Week—November 11-17, 2007—presents all Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child receives a quality education. Our AEW tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility," reflects NEA's vision of calling upon all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

The weeklong celebration will spotlight distinguished individuals who are critical in building great public schools for the nation's 50 million K-12 students. American Education Week's celebration days include:

• Sunday, November 11: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers will convene in Louisville, Ky., to participate in an American Education Week celebration event.
• Monday, November 12: National Kick-Off Celebration. From national commemorations to local community events such as American Education Week house parties, millions of Americans will celebrate public education nationwide.
• Tuesday, November 13: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their child.
• Wednesday, November 14: Education Support Professionals Day. Individuals who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.
• Thursday, November 15: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to serve as educators to get a glimpse at a day in the life of a school employee.
• Friday, November 16: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.

To help plan and promote American Education Week's celebration days, NEA is offering an online toolkit, complete with promotional materials, activity ideas, and downloadable templates. The toolkit is available at www.nea.org/aew.

November 11–17, 2007

Online Toolkit

• Activity Ideas
• Background Information/Fact Sheets
• Media Tips
• Promotional Materials

American Education Week—November 11–17, 2007—presents all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. The weeklong celebration features a special observance each day of the week. They include:

• Sunday, November 11: Student Leaders Day
• Monday, November 12: Nationwide Kick-Off Celebration
• Tuesday, November 13: Invite Parents to School Day
• Wednesday, November 14: Education Support Professionals Day
• Thursday, November 15: Educator for a Day
• Friday, November 16: Substitute Educators Day

To help you plan these celebration days, we have developed this online toolkit with background information, activity ideas, and tips for working with the media, as well as downloadable resources, templates, and promotional materials.

We hope you will join in our American Education Week efforts by using this online toolkit to create unforgettable events and activities that will highlight the importance of bringing together everyone in the community—educators, parents, students, and public figures—in an effort to build great public schools. Together, we can make a difference.

November 11–17, 2007

Educator for a Day: History

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, schools nationwide will host Educator for a Day events as part of the National Education Association's American Education Week celebration, November 11-17, 2007. Educator for a Day events allow individuals from the community to serve as an educator to get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school employee. The visiting educator performs the duties of the regular educator in a normal day—teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, among other responsibilities.

The program, originally developed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, enhances understanding among educators and community leaders. In addition, it demonstrates to public officials and other decisionmakers, the successes and challenges our teachers face and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.

November 11-17, 2007

Substitute Educators Day: History

Substitute Educators Day is a result of NEA Representative Assembly's New Business Item (NBI) 2003-41. The purpose of this NBI is to increase appreciation of school substitute employees. These professional educators provide a critical link in the education of public schoolchildren by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality education to children in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.

Substitute Educators Day seeks to:

• Increase respect for substitute education employees
• Advocate for all school substitutes to receive wage and health benefits for those who work most to all of a full school year
• Receive genuine, continual professional development in the art of substitute teaching
• Provide a reminder for school staff about effective practices to prepare for, welcome, and support substitute educators

Substitute Educators Day is observed on Friday during American Education Week.

November 11–17, 2007

Sample Invite Parents to School Day Response Form

[Insert Name of School/Logo]
Invite Parents to School Day Response Form
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

(Please print)
Name of people participating:

______________________________________________________________________                                                                   

Your child's name: ________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                

Your child's teacher: _______________________________________________________________                                                                                                            

Home phone: _______________________       Cell phone: _______________________

Best time to reach you: ___________________________________________________ 

Please return this form by [insert date] to:

[Insert Contact Name]
[Insert Contact Information—address, e-mail, fax]
[Insert Phone Number]

November 11–17, 2007

Educator for a Day Fact Sheet

Educator for a Day is a National Education Association program that allows individuals from the community to experience an entire school day, with the guidance of regular classroom teachers. The visiting educator performs all the duties a teacher would do in a normal day—teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, study halls, among other responsibilities.

The program, originally developed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, enhances understanding among educators and community leaders. In addition, it demonstrates to public officials and other decisionmakers, the successes and challenges our teachers face and underscores the need for adequate staffing, materials, and facilities for students.

Americans nationwide will be organizing Educator for a Day events on Thursday, November 15, 2007, during American Education Week, November 11-17. Educator for a Day reinforces American Education Week's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." The tagline represents NEA's call to all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

###

November 11–17, 2007

Substitute Educators Day Fact Sheet

Substitute Educators Day is a result of deliberations made by the delegates to the 2003 Representative Assembly (RA) of the National Education Association (NEA). The RA delegates' mission was to increase public appreciation and support of school substitute employees. They also wanted to recognize these professional educators as critical links in the education of public school children in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.

Substitute Educators Day seeks to:

• Encourage increased respect for substitute education employees
• Advocate for all school substitutes to receive wage and health benefits for those who work most to all of a full school year
• Receive genuine, continual professional development in the art of substitute teaching
• Remind school staff of effective practices to prepare for, welcome, and support substitute educators

Substitute Educators Day is observed on Friday during American Education Week. This year's date to celebrate substitute educators is November 16. Substitute Educators Day helps reinforce American Education Week's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." The tagline represents NEA's call to all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

###

November 11–17, 2007

National Invite Parents to School Day Fact Sheet

Tuesday, November 13, 2007, is National Invite Parents to School Day.   On this day, schools across the nation will invite parents into classrooms for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their children.  The initiative is part of the National Education Association's 86th annual American Education Week celebration taking place November 11–17, 2007, and is designed to spotlight the importance of parental involvement.

According to experts, parents need to take an active and assertive role on a daily basis in their children's education for their optimal success at school.   Ongoing research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores confidence among parents in their children’s education. 

Parental involvement means reading to your children, checking homework every night, limiting television viewing on school nights, developing a relationship with your children's teacher, and simply asking your children about their school day.  Whatever the level of involvement, be consistent in order to make a difference in your children's life.

National Invite Parents to School Day also helps reinforce American Education Week's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." The tagline  represents NEA's call to all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century. 

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

###

November 11–17, 2007

Letter to the Editor

Dear Media Representative:

During this year's American Education Week—November 11-17, 2007—millions of Americans will join the National Education Association (NEA) in raising awareness about the critical need to provide every child with a quality public education.

Throughout the week, NEA will organize a number of activities nationwide to reinforce American Education Week's tagline, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." The tagline represents NEA's call to all Americans to do their part in providing quality public education to children so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

American Education Week spotlights the different people who are critical in building great public schools for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students. American Education Week’s celebration days include:

• Sunday, November 11: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers will convene to participate in an American Education Week celebration event.
• Monday, November 12: National Kick-Off Celebration. From national commemorations to local events, Americans will celebrate public education nationwide.
• Tuesday, November 13: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into classrooms for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.
• Wednesday, November 14: Education Support Professionals Day. The people who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.
• Thursday, November 15: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to serve as educators to get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school employee.
• Friday, November 16: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.

We encourage you to cover this celebration to help us spread the word about the importance of great public schools in the lives of students. For more information on American Education Week, visit www.nea.org/aew. Please contact spo@nea.org or call (202) 822-7200 to discuss further details about NEA's American Education Week celebration and to schedule an interview with NEA President Reg Weaver.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

NEA

November 11–17, 2007

Fact Sheet

The National Education Association (NEA) was one of the creators and original sponsors of American Education Week.  NEA and the American Legion were distressed that 25 percent of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate and 29 percent were physically unfit.  Both groups met in 1919 to generate public support for education.

The conventions of both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education.  In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education.  In its resolution, 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 was first observed December 4–10, 1921.  Since then, American Education Week is always celebrated the first full week before Thanksgiving.  The 2007 observance will take place November 11–17.

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3.2 million el