Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national, nonunion, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, announces its participation in the national awareness event #LoveTeaching Week running from Valentine’s Day, February 14 through February 21, 2020. AAE members have been enthusiastic participants in #LoveTeaching Week since it was created in 2015 as an opportunity to celebrate teaching, leading, and learning in a way that unites and invigorates educators and those they inspire all around the world. This year AAE is proud to announce its continued and expanded commitment to the campaign as a partner organization.

“#LoveTeaching Week is quickly becoming one of the most exciting weeks on the school year calendar, shining a much-needed spotlight on the passion and personal fulfillment of being an educator,” said AAE Executive Director Colin Sharkey. “AAE members nationwide embrace this opportunity to tell their stories of why they love teaching and why they wouldn’t do anything else. Our team will host events in schools throughout the country celebrating educators and teaching.”

Educators and supporters throughout the country will be sharing stories on social media and engaging in conversations about why they #LoveTeaching. All are encouraged to participate and use the hashtag #LoveTeaching to share why teaching is fulfilling to them.

#LoveTeaching Week 2020’s co-chairs are 2017 National and Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Sydney Chaffee and 2017 Missouri Teacher of the Year and AAE Member Darbie Valenti. “#LoveTeaching Week is an opportunity for educators to share stories about why we love this work. Too often, the stories we hear in popular media about teaching and learning are overwhelmingly negative and don't come from teachers themselves. We hope that this week is a chance for teachers to add our voices to the narrative about education,” said Chaffee.

Co-chair Darbie Valenti spoke to the long-term goals of a campaign highlighting why teaching is so meaningful, “#LoveTeaching Week is a perfectly timed week that takes time to remind teachers what led us to this meaningful career. It also helps teachers contribute to the narrative of education and to promote our profession to the public in a positive light. Even more, it's an opportunity for me to share with my students what makes me #LoveTeaching. In doing so, I hope that I can show them, even at a young age, what an amazing career it would be for them as well!”

AAE will be hosting organized social media engagement and events throughout the country celebrating teachers, as well as publishing articles from members and fellow educators about their love of teaching. Join the fun at twitter.com/aaeteachers and facebook.com/aaeteachers. More information on #LoveTeaching Week and how to get involved is at weloveteaching.org.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $16.50 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at aaeteachers.org.

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