Celebrate American Education Week
10/16/2025

This year, we celebrate American Education Week Nov. 17 - 21. Each day of AEW highlights a different part of the education team. Here are a few ways to bring the celebration to life in your school or community:

Monday: Kickoff Day

Across the country, schools will celebrate excellence in education by hosting kickoff events and activities. Start the week by recognizing your entire school community.

• Host a breakfast or coffee bar for staff.

• Share a group photo on social media with a thank-you message for all educators and staff.

• Encourage students to write notes of appreciation for teachers and support professionals.

Tuesday: Family Day

On this day, schools across the nation invite parents into the classroom to experience what the day is like for their child. Engage parents, guardians and caregivers in the celebration.

• Invite families to visit classrooms or join a virtual “open house.”

• Share family spotlights or testimonials on how educators have made an impact.

• Send home ideas for families to support learning at home.

Wednesday: Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day

Education Support Professionals Day was first celebrated in 1987 after NEA’s Representative Assembly, the Association’s decision-making body of nearly 8,000 member delegates, called on the organization to honor the contributions of all school support staff. Recognize the often-unsung heroes — bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, paraprofessionals and office staff.

• Create a thank-you wall where students post messages of gratitude.

• Feature ESP team members on your school’s social media pages.

• Deliver small tokens of appreciation like snacks or handwritten cards.

Thursday: Educator for a Day

Community leaders are invited to experience the day as educators and experience the challenges of teaching and the needs of students, with the guidance of school employees. Typically, the visiting educator performs all the duties of a regular school employee in a normal work day—teaching class, performing lunch and corridor duty, recess supervision, working in the cafeteria, among other responsibilities. Invite local leaders, community members or parents to step into educators’ shoes for a day.

• Give them a classroom experience to better understand the joys and challenges of teaching.

• Ask participants to share reflections on what they learned about public education.

Friday: Substitute Educators Day

Substitute educators play a vital role in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. Substitute educators day seeks to encourage increased respect for substitute education employees, advocate for all school substitutes to receive wage and health benefits and more. Thank the dedicated substitutes who keep learning moving forward.

• Share social media shoutouts using #AEW2025.

• Include substitute educators in staff appreciation activities or newsletters.