ROCK HALL — The week before Thanksgiving is a special time for schools, during which those who dedicate their lives to educating children are recognized.
American Education Week is being celebrated this year from Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 22.
The week highlights the important role teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, substitutes and other support staff members play in the lives of the children at their schools.
“American Education Week is an expression of our collective joy and gratitude for public education,” said Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. “It is through public education that we invest in and cultivate our children and young people to become the leaders, innovators and problem solvers of the future.”
The week of recognition began, according to the National Education Association, with an effort in 1919 to address alarming rates of illiteracy among those drafted to serve in World War I.
The NEA and the American Legion partnered to shine a spotlight on the importance of schools, leading to the observance of the first American Education Week in 1921.
“An educated citizenry is the hallmark of our nation,” Dr. McComas said. “We hope you celebrate with us in this month of Thanksgiving.”