Once again, American Education Week is upon us. This celebration of public education began back in 1921 with the National Education Association pushing the effort with the American Legion as a co-sponsor. The Office of Education joined later, and the PTA joined the effort in 1938.

Other co-sponsors are the U.S. Department of Education and national organizations including the National PTA, the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Association of School Administrators, the National School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American School Counselor Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National School Public Relations Association, the National Association of State Boards of Education, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Every year the celebration brings public education into the spotlight. It recognizes that it is not just teachers, but everyone involved in or with the school are important to the education of our country’s young children. Teachers could not accomplish all they do without the help of many individuals: the paraprofessionals that assist with some of our neediest students; the bus drivers that brave all sorts of weather to bring our kids to and from school; the custodial staff that keep our school buildings safe and clean (and warm in the winter); the food service workers that provide two meals a day; the school nurse who works tirelessly to be there for students who are in need of that extra care; the administrative assistants who man the phones, make copies, and keep the administrators organized; and the administrators themselves who work to make certain our students are safe and receiving the best possible care. The NEA tagline for the week, “Reach. Educate. Inspire.” emphasizes that it is not just a teacher who educates, but with every person a student encounters.

At Wagner Community School, we will be celebrating public education even more during the week of November 18-22. On Wednesday, we invite the community to join us in celebrating public education by wearing “Red for Ed.” Show us that you support our public schools by wearing a red shirt that day. Post to social media if possible. Be proud of our great public school. Raider Pride goes a long way!