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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2001

News Release

American Education Week, Nov. 11-17, 2001

Democratic Values Begin in Public Schools

Washington, D.C. - For 80 years, the week before Thanksgiving has been celebrated by communities across the country as American Education Week, a special time to honor the teachers and school staff who educate the nation's 53 million school children every day. This year, American Education Week (AEW) will be observed November 11-17, providing the nation an opportunity to recognize the critical role public schools serve by caring for our children and imparting American ideals.

"This year, it is fitting to acknowledge the importance of teachers and school staff who year after year teach generations of native-born and immigrant students to understand and respect America's core values," said National Education Association (NEA) President Bob Chase. "I urge the country to commemorate AEW by honoring America's educators for their vital role in reclaiming our nation's spirit."

"In the wake of September 11, teachers, school support professionals and other staff have bonded together to help children cope with overwhelming events, while experiencing their own shock and grief," Chase explained. "School staff across the nation have channeled feelings of anxiety into service, raising funds for relief efforts and sharing valuable lessons of hope and healing."

The NEA and the American Legion established American Education Week in 1921 as a way of highlighting the value of public education. Today, AEW has grown to include the 12 leading national education organizations, such as the PTA and groups representing principals, school boards, and administrators.

The 2001 theme, "Together: Making Public Schools Great for Every Child," reflects the reality that when the partnership between school staff, parents and students is successful, a quality education is nearly guaranteed.

The theme also points out that everyone has a role to play in making public schools great - parents, neighbors, business, government, as well as teachers, principals, bus drivers, and all other school staff.

For this reason, the Wednesday of American Education Week (Nov. 14) is designated "Educational Support Professional Day" to salute the unique role played by school support staff, 75 percent of whom live in the same neighborhoods as their students. Their shared socio-economic class, race, or ethnicity leads to powerful bonds with youngsters.

"No matter what their job at school - whether it's teaching math or typing attendance reports - school professionals impart lessons about respect, diversity, and responsibility," Chase said. "These ideals will help students throughout life."

American Education Week activities span from poster contests and PTA-hosted suppers to student gifts of handmade cards, personal essays, and other "thank yous" to school staff. Parents participate in read-ins, principals produce daily morning quotes about the value of education, and communities hold events to celebrate the good work being done in the nation's classrooms.

To learn more, visit www.nea.org/aew. For local activities, contact the NEA state or local affiliate in your area.

For state-specific statistics, see www.nea.org/publiced/goodnews.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.