Published November 14, 2022

District 214 joins public schools across the nation in celebrating American Education Week, which is observed, as it is every year, the week before Thanksgiving.

This is a welcome opportunity to recognize and thank all who work in our schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, in addition to many others.

The statistics and factors behind the educator shortages now found across Illinois and the country tell a story, and it is one of ongoing challenges. But District 214 also has so many stories of success in preparing students for college and career success.

This is due in large part to the expertise, innovation and dedication of District 214’s educators and the invaluable support of families and community partners. Measurements of success can be found everywhere. For instance, the District’s dual-credit partnerships have greatly expanded college credits earned in recent years, with 83 percent of our 2022 graduates taking at least one college course while in District 214. Our work-based learning network continues to expand, benefitting all students.  Work-based learning experiences are now offered  in cooperation with more than 1,000 community partners.

These, of course, are not just numbers. Behind these statistics are individual students who leave District schools prepared for success. That merits celebration at any time, but especially during this American Education Week.