November 15-21 marks the 88th annual observance of American Education Week — a time for saluting our public schools and the relationships between all school employees, students and parents.

This year marks the second celebration of an often overlooked group of employees critical to the continuing work of every school district — substitute educators.

To correct that oversight, the Friday of American Education Week has been designated Substitute Educators Day. This year, the day falls on Nov. 20. Substitute educators are employees called in to temporarily replace regularly employed teachers or education support professionals, such as classroom aides.

Substitute teachers are a critical link in the education of public school children. When regular employees, such as teachers, are absent, these people step up to the plate to provide the education we expect our students to receive. We couldn’t do this work without them.

We celebrate Substitute Educators Day to encourage increased respect for substitute teachers. Most of them work a full school year. They hone their skills with professional development, just like the rest of us. We could not do our work with students without their services.

Please join me in thanking the substitute teachers during this year’s American Education Week.

Anne Knapp, Vice President

Kenosha Education Association