American Education Week is Nov. 13-19. American is one of the few nations in the world that makes its children a priority. Our public school system has been educating young people for more than 150 years, and some of the greatest minds in the world have been graduates of our local, public schools. It is not surprising that this year’s theme for American Education Week is “A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools.”

Although the roles and responsibilities of educators have changed dramatically over the years, public school educators have always met these challenges with caring dedication and an unsurpassed zeal for excellence for all students. Lewiston’s educators spend immeasurable hours in and out of school developing and revising curriculum, attending meetings, correcting that never-ending pile of target assessments and daily work, and listening to students whose lives may be in chronic chaos. Helping each child reach his or her own personal best and nurturing that potential are the most significant goals for Lewiston’s educators, goals that they readily embrace every day with reassuring smiles on their faces.

I extend plaudits to all of Lewiston’s educators. Our public schools and their educators are exemplars for excellence in the teaching profession.

Muffett Dulac, Auburn,

vice president, Lewiston Education Association