Monday, Nov. 18: Kick Off Day

Kick off American Education Week with activities that build excitement and foster a strong school community!

• Acknowledgement Bulletin Board - Create a bulletin board for students to write notes to the teachers and education support professionals that have helped them throughout the year.
• Thank the Educators You See - Stop a fellow educator in the hall and thank them for their hard work and commitment. 

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Family Day

Celebrate the role families play in supporting education and building a strong school community.

• Family Lunch Day - Invite parents or guardians to join their children for lunch. This can be a great opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teachers and classmates.
• Classroom Open House - Open your classroom for a few hours, allowing families to come in and see what their children are learning. Teachers can set up short presentations or showcase student projects so parents can see firsthand the creativity and effort students put into their work.

Wednesday, Nov. 20: Education Support Professionals Day

Education support professionals (ESPs) play a crucial role in creating a safe and effective learning environment. Take this day to celebrate custodians, office staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, nurses and others.

• ESP Appreciation Breakfast - Organize a special breakfast or coffee bar just for ESPs. Students, teachers and parents can contribute dishes or treats, and the school principal can say a few words of appreciation. It’s a meaningful way to start the day on a positive note.
• Student Shadow Program - Select students to "shadow" ESPs for short periods to gain a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It’s a hands-on way for students to appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
  

Thursday, Nov. 21: Educator for a Day

Give community members and leaders a chance to step into the shoes of an educator, helping them understand the dedication and challenges that come with teaching.

• Invite a Guest Teacher - Invite local leaders, parents or community members to take on teaching roles for a class period. Whether they lead a discussion, share a special skill or tell a story, this is a unique way to bring fresh perspectives into the classroom.
• Student Reporter Interviews - Select a few students to act as “reporters” for the day, interviewing guest educators and writing articles or creating videos about their experiences. This can be shared in a school newsletter or social media to capture the highlights of the day.
  

Friday, Nov. 22: Substitute Educators Day

Substitute teachers are invaluable for keeping learning on track. Today is all about recognizing their flexibility, adaptability and dedication.

• Substitute Appreciation Cards - Encourage students to make thank-you cards or posters for substitute teachers. The cards could include personalized messages and thank-you notes for memorable substitute moments.
• Highlight Substitute Teachers on Social Media - Create a social media post or a segment in the school newsletter spotlighting substitute teachers, sharing their contributions and letting the community see the essential role they play in education.

View more American Education Week resources.