American Education Week
Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility
Actor Matt Damon is top choice for substitute educator for a day
Award-winning screenwriter, actor and philanthropist Matt Damon would make a great “substitute educator for a day,” according to an online poll conducted during American Education Week. Results from the National Education Association’s (NEA) fifth annual Substitute Educators Day online poll reveal that 84 percent of respondents would like to see Damon at the head of the class for a day. Substitute Educator’s Day was established by NEA to increase awareness and appreciation of school substitute employees, professional educators who perform vital functions in schools.
“NEA’s online audience clearly appreciates Matt Damon’s support of public schools, and they could see him as a substitute educator. Substitute educators will step in at a moment’s notice to ensure continuity in learning and provide a seamless transition for students when regular educators are absent,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “That’s why it is so important to take this time to honor substitute educators.”
Given the choice among Damon, actress Betty White, basketball star LeBron James, actress Penelope Cruz, and journalist Ann Curry, Americans overwhelmingly chose Damon as the person they would most like to see in the classroom as a substitute teacher. (Read full text here)
Education support professionals essential for student success
As part of the annual American Education Week observance, the National Education Association (NEA) and its 3.2 million members join schools and communities across the nation in celebrating Education Support Professionals Day on Wednesday, November 16. Among the day’s events and activities are appreciation breakfasts, luncheons and other celebrations to honor the individuals who work behind the scenes to support students and help schools run smoothly.
Education support professionals (ESPs) drive school buses, clean school buildings, prepare meals and bandage scraped knees. They also serve as security guards, paraeducators, office assistants and technicians. ESPs usually are the first to arrive at school and the last to leave. Schools couldn’t operate without them and students would not be as successful. Even though ESPs make up more than 40 percent of all public school employees, their role in supporting students and teachers is often overlooked. (Read full text here)
Leaders kick off 2011 celebration with staff and students at T.C. Williams High
Communities across the nation will join the National Education Association (NEA) November 14-19 to celebrate American Education Week. The annual observance, now in its 90th year, honors students' hard work to learn, recognizes the professionalism and dedication of teachers, support staff and other educators, thanks parents and members of the community who help students succeed, and rededicates the community at large to quality public education for every student.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and NEA President Dennis Van Roekel kicked off the week-long celebration this morning with a visit to T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va. Joined by Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Morton Sherman and other education leaders, Secretary Duncan and Van Roekel recognized T.C. Williams staff during a breakfast meet and greet. The leaders then met with T.C. Williams students for a discussion on the importance of education and what students believe their need to be successful in the 21st century economy.
“America’s students need all of us—educators, parents, students, elected officials and community leaders—working together and investing in their schools,” said Dennis Van Roekel. “The path to the American dream still runs through America’s public schools. American Education Week is a time to commit ourselves to providing great public schools so all students can pursue the American Dream.”
Dennis Van Roekel’s C-SPAN “Washington Journal” appearance can be found at: http://www.c-span.org/Events/Washington-Journal-Sunday-November-13/10737425472/
Dennis Van Roekel’s American Education Week WUSA-9 interview can be found at: http://wusa9.com/news/article/174654/373/American-Education-Week-Begins-Today
Dennis Van Roekel’s Fox-5 live interview on American Education Week can be found at: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/american-education-week-starts-at-the-tc-williams-high-school-111411
T.C. Williams High hosts Education Secretary Arne can be found at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-schools-insider/post/tc-williams-high-hosts-education-secretary-arne-duncan/2011/11/14/gIQAZUaALN_blog.html
President Obama proclaims November 13-19 American Education Week
President Barack Obama this week reaffirmed the importance of education both to our nation’s core values and to our future success by signing a proclamation for American Education Week.The proclamation reads, in part: “Education has always been central to ensuring opportunity, and to instilling in all our citizens the defining American values of freedom, equality, and respect for one another. Our Nation's schools can give students the tools, skills, and knowledge to participate fully in our democracy, and to succeed in college, career, and life. This week, let us reaffirm the importance of education and recognize that we all share in the responsibility to educate our students.” (Presidential Proclamation)
The US House of Representatives has also issued an American Education Week Proclamation. (US House of Representatives Proclamation
American Education Week: Democrats Continue to Prioritize Investments in Our Nation’s Future
In honor of American Education Week, Democrats affirmed their commitment to the nation's students and educators and outlined their efforts to ensure all Americans have acess to a quality education.
"This week our nation celebrates American Education Week, a time to focus on our commitment to students and educators and rededicate ourselves to ensuring all Americans can receive a quality education. While Republicans have voted several times over the past year to make reckless cuts to education and job training, Democrats remain committed to making investments in our nation’s future," said House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer.
Get involved in American Education Week 2011!
Here are four things you can do to make a difference and be part of NEA’s American Education Week celebration:
1. Take the Priority Schools Pledge. How do we expose and close the education gaps that deny our students the basics and keep opportunity always a zip code or two away? By showing that our communities will no longer sit quietly at the back of the line for quality teachers and adequate resources. Students succeed if adults intercede, working together and standing for nothing less than excellence. Take the Priority Schools Pledge at http://tinyurl.com/5vf7voe and NEA will show you a way you can be involved.
2. Nominate a Classroom Superhero! NEA’s Classroom Superheroes campaign allows parents, students, and community members to show educators the support they deserve. Find out more and then nominate your classroom superheroes at http://www.classroomsuperheroes.com/.
3. Tell Congress to Support the Fix America’s Schools Today (FAST) Act. Students can’t learn to their potential when they are sitting in deteriorating school buildings with leaky roofs, peeling paint, broken lights, and inadequate plumbing. The average school in this country was built more than 40 years ago, and conditions in many of these structures are a distraction or worse for students. Visit http://tinyurl.com/6gmhv3w to tell Congress to support the FAST Act.
4. Tell Congress to pass an ESEA reauthorization bill that will work for real students in your schools and classrooms. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is up for reauthorization. Let your voice be heard. Go to http://tinyurl.com/6k8c944 and tell Congress that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t allow real students to learn and succeed in the 21st century.
AUDIO: Dennis Van Roekel AEW Radio Promo
AUDIO: NEA VP Lily Eskelsen speaking on Parent’s Day
VIDEO: Dennis Van Roekel speaks at AEW Event
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Celebrate American Education Week
NEA President Van Roekel reminds you to celebrate American Education Week.
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Parents Day
NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen gives parents advice on how to prepare for their parent/teacher conference by asking viewers to remember to “P.A.S.S”: Prepare for the meeting, Ask questions, Set expectations, Stay involved.
