American Education Week observed

In support of the 2015 National Education Week Nov. 16-20, a special beverage cup is presented to teacher Dana Gerke on Monday, Nov. 16. Cups are planned to be presented to all teachers at the California Schools.
In support of the 2015 National Education Week Nov. 16-20, a special beverage cup is presented to teacher Dana Gerke on Monday, Nov. 16. Cups are planned to be presented to all teachers at the California Schools.

Nov. 16-20 is American Education Week in 2015. The week presents Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor those individuals who are making a difference in educating the youth of the nation. This year's theme for the week is "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." This theme is reflected each day of the week which has been set aside. Monday, Nov. 16, was Kickoff Day; Tuesday, Nov. 17, was Parents Day; Today, Wednesday, Nov. 18, is Education Support Professionals Day; Thursday, Nov. 19, is Educator for a Day; and Friday, Nov. 20 is Substitute Educators Day.

According to information from the National Education Association (NEA), the organization was one of the creators and original sponsors of American Education Week, along with the American Legion. They are reported to have met in 1919 to seek ways to generate support for public education to help with the reported 25 percent illiteracy rate among the World War I draftees.

The first observance of American Education Week occurred December 4-10, 1921, with the NEA and American Legion as the cosponsors. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a cosponsor, and the PTA followed in 1938. many other organizations have come on board to support the special week since that time.