American Education Week was born nearly 100 years ago. It’s one week out of 52 that we set aside to honor the many educators, health care providers, and support professionals who make our schools the best they can be for millions of students nationwide.

I’m a big fan of American Education Week, and I’m a big fan of PSEA members like you who prepare our students to meet the challenges of life and succeed. This issue of Voice pays tribute to you.

You teach our students to read great books, reason through the toughest math equations, learn new languages, explore different cultures, and appreciate the wonders of art, music, history, and science. You partner with parents and communities to go above and beyond for every student.

American Education Week is Nov. 18-22. It’s when we say thank you. Thank you for staying after school or coming in early to give a student a little extra help. Thank you for keeping all our students safe and healthy. Thank you for being a touchstone for those students who need to know that someone at school really cares about them.

American Education Week is when public schools open their doors to invite parents and members of the community to see firsthand all the amazing things happening in our hallways and classrooms.

American Education Week this year also marks the kickoff of a celebration at PSEA.

Twenty-five years ago, Pennsylvania’s Educational Support Personnel Association merged with PSEA. Teachers and support professionals have joined arms and stood in solidarity ever since.

As a veteran classroom teacher, I know all too well that we couldn’t do what we do without our amazing support professionals. Whether you are a custodian or a bus driver, an administrative assistant or cafeteria worker, a classroom aide or personal care assistant, you help make our public schools amazing.

So, over the next year, we will celebrate our silver anniversary. We know we are stronger together. We have 25 years of hard-won success to prove it. And I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years hold in store.

As PSEA president, I will be taking my message of appreciation for all of you to the public in planned American Education Week TV and radio appearances. We want everyone in Pennsylvania to know what a fabulous job you are doing and how important it is for us to work together to make our public schools great for every child.

I hope that your school year has been successful so far and that your students continue to grow and excel as we head into 2020.

Happy American Education Week. Stand tall and be proud. Appreciate your colleagues. Thank your parents and community partners. Together, we’re making a huge difference for students. 

Email Rich Askey:

raskey@psea.org