The first American Education Week was celebrated in 1921 with the National Education Association and the American Legion as co-sponsors.   Mayor Mark Harrell proclaimed November 17 through 21 Education Week in Bainbridge.

From left, Mrs. Calvine Rollins, President of the Decatur County Association of Educators; Vice-President of the Georgia Association of Educators, Mr. Ralph Jones, Superintendent of Decatur County Schools, Mrs. Crycynthia Gardner, Chairperson for American Education Week and Mayor Mark Harrell.

"This year's theme, Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and our Responsibility, highlights the importance of bringing together educators, school staff, parents, students and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools." said Mrs. Calvine Rollins. 

The theme reflects NEA's vision of calling upon America to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper and achieve in the 21st century.

In 1922, the U. S. Department of Education became a co-sponsor.  Today, there are 12 co-sponsors, the NEA, US Dept. of Education, National PTA, The American Legion, The American Association of School Administrators, The National School Board Association, The American Federation of Teachers, The Council of Chief State School Officers, The National 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.

American Education Week is held each year the week prior to Thanksgiving. The Wednesday of AEW is set aside to honor those men and women who work as Educational Support Professionals.