HARRISBURG, PA (Nov. 18, 2024) – The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is kicking off American Education Week today with a word of thanks to the educators, support staff, parents, guardians, and community members who support our public schools and help Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million K-12 students learn and grow every day.

American Education Week was first celebrated more than a century ago in 1921 as a joint effort of the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion. This week, public schools across the nation will host a variety of activities to celebrate public education and honor the amazing people who work in our public schools, from classroom teachers and paraprofessionals to cafeteria workers and bus drivers to school nurses, counselors, and mental health professionals, among many others.

“Pennsylvania’s public schools are among the best in the nation thanks to the educators and support staff who are deeply committed to the success of every student,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Their contributions to our communities and our nation are worth celebrating every day. Because a strong public education system means a stronger future for us all.”

Each day of American Education Week has a theme, with Tuesday, Nov. 19 focused on the role of parents, guardians, and families, and Wednesday, Nov. 20 centered on the incredible work of school support staff.

“Our students depend on a vast array of adults who play vital roles in our public school communities,” Chapin said. “I hope you will join PSEA in honoring them, including those who are called to the education profession, and offer your support as they connect with each student and discover their passion and potential.”

Learn more about American Education Week at www.psea.org/AEW.

Chapin is a Stroudsburg Area middle school teacher and president of PSEA. An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, aspiring educators, higher education staff, and health care workers in Pennsylvania.