Distressed that 25% of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate and 9 percent were physically unfit, representatives of the National Education Association and the American Legion met in 1919 to seek ways to generate public support for education1.

The result of their efforts is American Education Week, now observed the week before the week of Thanksgiving. Each day of the week has its own theme, during which we celebrate our public school community.

Festivities honor the team of people who work in our nation's public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.

Teaching can be a tough, complex job. As with any profession, there are days that are hard to get through. But for those who have committed their lives to the profession, they are joining the ranks of some of the brightest minds — and most important people — that students will come across in their lives2.

Educators have the ability to shape leaders of the future in the best way for society to build positive and inspired future generations on a local and global scale. Their impact on children has the power to change lives. Not just for students, but for the rest of the world3.

American Education Week is celebrated nationwide, and you can take part, too. Sign the pledge to support educators below!

More on this issue:

1. National Education Association (2021), "American Education Week: November 15—19, 2021."
2. Merrimack College (2021), "The Importance of Teachers in Our Society."
3. University of the People (2021), "Why Teachers Are Important in Society- Why Teachers Matter."