American Education Week kicking off

Staff Writer

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Celebrating public education and honoring individuals endeavoring to make a difference in children receiving a quality education rests at the forefront of the National Education Association’s (NEA) 95th annual American Education Week initiative, which spans from Nov. 14-18, 2016. Officials said special observances are slated for each day of the week, possessing the theme “Great Public Schools: A basic right and our responsibility”:

• Monday: Kickoff Day

• Tuesday: Parents Day

• Wednesday: Education Support Professionals Day

• Thursday: Educator for a Day

• Nov. 18: Substitute Educators Day

While local school districts said there are no officials plans or activities planned for American Education Week, several area residents commended educators for their due diligence and dedication to the profession.

“Teachers wear so many hats today and fill a lot of roles for kids beyond classroom instruction,” said Jeanette Lewis, who has three grandchildren attended classes within the Clovis Municipal Schools district. “So I try to take advantage of any opportunity I have to sing their praises. I commend them for the hard work and inspiration, not just during American Education Week, but throughout the year.”

NEA officials said the first observance of American Education Week occurred December 4-10, 1921, with the NEA and American Legion as the cosponsors. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a co-sponsor and the PTA followed in 1938.

“Teachers are special in that they are able to bond with children in ways that those in other professions can’t,” said Dave Smith, a parent of three Clovis students. “They spend so much time with our kids and take the effort to find out what teaching method best reaches each child. You have to have drive and skill to do that.”

Clovis resident Richard Dean said the recent election cycle serves as an example of how resilient educators can be in delivering lessons to students.

“The mock elections, detailing of the electoral process and sharing the finer points of the constitution with kids, among other things, can go a long way toward sparking discussion that leads to a lot of areas,” he said. “Civics lessons can be applied to every element of the election, whether it be local, state or national. Teachers master the art of capturing teachable moments and expanding on them. I take my hat off to them for all they do for our children.”