A week to wear red

I have been a teacher for 19 years in Newport News Public Schools, and I also serve as president of the Newport News Education Association. Like my colleagues, I do what I do because I love the work and the chance we all have to make a difference every day.

American Education Week is Nov. 12-16. It is a time set aside each year across our country to salute our public schools. Partnering with parents and community members, the public school employees in NNPS aim to help all students thrive.

On a typical school day, students are often greeted by someone, such as a bus driver, custodian, or teacher’s aide before they even get to their classroom because educators care about students. Many teachers arrive early and stay late every day. Most of the time it’s to prepare for the next day or to work with students.

You may have noticed that many of us have been wearing red every Wednesday to show support for public education, and we invite you to join us.

Show local educators you appreciate the important work they do. Show the state it’s time to adequately fund schools. Show our students we believe in them and will do all we can.

We work for you, and for all of us, and we need your backing. Please wear red and support Newport News public schools during American Education Week.

Rhonda Wagner

Newport News Education Association president