Strong public schools are the birthright of every American. No matter where we live or what we look like, our children deserve a high quality education in their neighborhood public schools. Florida’s constitution demands it*, and we can take pride in our state’s fundamental commitment to all children.
At the Florida Education Association, we celebrate public education every day. Join us in that celebration Nov. 15-19 for American Education Week, which highlights public education nationwide and honors the people working to help our students learn, grow and achieve their dreams — teachers, paraprofessionals, food-service staff, school bus drivers, custodians, maintenance personnel, counselors, administrative staff and the many others who serve our students. The Florida Education Association also celebrates parents — our partners in achieving the best possible outcomes for kids.
As we observe American Education Week, the FEA is looking forward to the 2022 legislative session and how we can make PreK-12 public schools and institutions of higher education even stronger. With state lawmakers’ help, we can address issues such as Florida’s severe shortages of teachers and staff and our over-reliance on high-stakes testing for students. For information on how we are asking lawmakers to improve public education, see FEA’s legislative policy agenda.
Nov. 15-19 and always, please help lift up the people who devote their lives to students. Teachers and school support staff need to hear that their work is appreciated in their communities, especially in the wake of Covid and in the face of school-related controversies. They deserve thanks and support for their hard work and commitment to Florida’s children.
About the week
American Education Week was first observed in 1921, with the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion serving as co-sponsors. American Education Week is always observed the week before Thanksgiving.
Each day of American Education Week has a theme:
- Nov. 15: Kickoff Day
Highlights the week for our students and communities. - Nov. 16: Family Day
Celebrates parents’ involvement in education. - Nov. 17: Education Support Professionals Day
Honors the school staff who help educate kids, keep them fed, get children to and from school, and provide other essential services. - Nov. 18: Educator for a Day
Invites community members to become more involved with our schools. - Nov. 19: Substitute Educators Day
Encourages increased respect for the substitute employees who serve vital roles in public schools.
For more information about American Education Week 2021 and for ideas on how to celebrate each day, please visit the NEA website.
*Article IX, Section 1, of the Florida Constitution: “The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education and for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning and other public education programs that the needs of the people may require.”
