Celebrate American Education Week: Nov. 16–20, 2026
11/10/2026

American Education Week is Nov. 16 - 20. This week is an opportunity to recognize the people who make public education possible and celebrate the important role schools play in our communities.

Each day highlights a different part of the education community, from classroom teachers and education support professionals to families and substitute educators. Whether you plan a schoolwide celebration or find a small way to show appreciation, here are some ideas to make the week meaningful.

Monday: Kickoff Day

Celebrate your entire school community.

Start American Education Week by recognizing the people who make your school a place where students can learn, grow and thrive. Bring everyone together to kick off a week of appreciation.

• Host a staff breakfast, coffee bar or morning treat station.
• Share a schoolwide group photo on social media with a message of appreciation for educators and school employees.
• Invite students to write thank-you notes to the people who make a difference in their school.
• Create a bulletin board highlighting what makes your school community special.

Tuesday: Family Day

Celebrate the partnership between schools and families.

Families are essential partners in student success. Use this day to strengthen connections between schools, parents, guardians and caregivers while celebrating the role they play in education.

• Invite families to visit classrooms, participate in activities or attend a virtual open house.
• Share family testimonials or stories about the positive impact educators have had on their children.
• Send home simple activities and conversation starters that encourage families to engage in learning together.
• Highlight the ways families and educators work together to support students.

Wednesday: Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day

Recognize the people who keep schools running.

From the cafeteria to the classroom, education support professionals play an essential role in creating safe, welcoming and supportive learning environments. Recognize the contributions of bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, paraprofessionals, office staff and all school support employees.

• Create a thank-you wall where students and staff can leave messages of appreciation for ESP team members.
• Spotlight individual ESP members on school social media pages and share what makes their work meaningful.
• Organize a small appreciation surprise, such as snacks, handwritten cards or a special treat.
• Invite students and staff to share stories about an ESP who has made a difference in their school experience.

Thursday: Educator for a Day

Give community members a firsthand look at public education.

Invite community leaders, elected officials, parents and other local stakeholders to experience a day in the life of an educator. With guidance from school employees, participants can get a closer look at the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of working in public education.

• Invite local leaders or community members to spend part of the day alongside a teacher or school employee.
• Give participants a firsthand look at classroom instruction, student support and the many responsibilities educators manage throughout the day.
• Ask participants to share their reflections and what they learned about the importance of public education.
• Share photos and takeaways from the experience to help the broader community better understand the work happening in schools.

Friday: Substitute Educators Day

Thank the educators who keep learning moving forward.

Substitute educators help maintain consistency in the classroom and ensure students continue learning when their regular teachers are away. Recognize the flexibility, dedication and important contributions of the substitute educators who support your school community.

• Give substitute educators a shoutout on school social media using #AEW2026.
• Include substitutes in staff appreciation activities, celebrations and school newsletters.
• Invite students and staff to write thank-you notes recognizing the important role substitutes play.
• Share a story about a substitute educator who has made a positive impact on your school community.

Keep the celebration going!

American Education Week is just one opportunity to recognize the people who make public education strong. Share your celebrations, photos and stories throughout the week using #AEW2026 and help show your community why public education matters.