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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 1999

News Release

NEA President Challenges Adults to 'Go Back To School' During American Education Week

'Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow' is Theme of November 14-20 Observance

Washington, D.C. -- As towns and cities across the nation prepare to celebrate American Education Week, November 14-20, National Education Association (NEA) President Bob Chase called on community members to "go back to school." "The classroom is an invigorating, challenging place to be today," he says. "We are asking students to perform at the highest levels in our nation's history, and helping students reach that bar requires the support and involvement of the entire community."

During American Education Week, the school bell won't ring for students alone -- it's ringing for parents, business leaders, politicians, and community members who are encouraged to use the observance to become involved in their local schools. "Let's face it -- we are all affected by what takes place in our schools. America's future depends on well-educated children," says Chase. "I challenge everyone to step up to the plate, learn what they can personally do to support student achievement, and get involved."

American Education Week was first observed in 1921 -- as a way to raise awareness of the important role of public education and to encourage public support. It was established by the NEA and the American Legion to highlight the importance of education after it was discovered that a quarter of the nation's World War I draftees were illiterate. Today, AEW has 13 organizational cosponsors, including the PTA, the American Association of School Administrators, and the National School Boards Association.

Teachers, education employees, and students will mark this year's observance by reaching out to their communities. From donating children's books to shelters and hospitals, to hosting book fairs, read-ins and career days, to raising funds for scholarships, schools around the nation will hold activities to connect the community to local schools.

Because successful education requires the support of the entire school community, the Wednesday of American Education Week is designated "Educational Support Personnel Day" to salute all those who play a role in a child's school experiences, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and teachers' aides.

American Education Week is a time to get involved, ask questions, and most importantly, experience what really happens in a classroom, says Chase. "As we prepare students to become leaders for tomorrow, we hope communities will use American Education Week to recognize and support those who are leading the way." The NEA president will celebrate AEW by sharing books and reading with his second-grade reading partner at a neighborhood public school in Washington, D.C., as part of the national "Everybody Wins" reading program.

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