National Support Public Education Day

Behind every strong community stands a strong public school. Public schools educate the vast majority of American children, and they do it without turning anyone away: every child, every family, every background. They are where kids learn to read and reason, where friendships cross every line, and where communities gather for Friday night games, spring concerts, and science fairs. Strong public schools attract businesses, elevate property values, and train the future local workforce, making communities more vibrant and resilient. When we invest in public education, we invest in every child’s chance to build a good life.

The day was created by Chris Janotta, an Illinois language arts teacher, with the help of the SOS Million Teacher March, also known as Save Our Schools, an education advocacy movement he founded. Janotta launched the first National Support Public Education Day on July 30, 2010, under the theme “Supporting Public Education Strengthens America.” On that first observance, supporters held marches, rallies, and press conferences in communities across the nation, including Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin. They spoke out about the pressures facing public schools: stagnant teacher pay, larger class sizes, shrinking classroom budgets, a heavy emphasis on standardized testing, and controversial curriculum decisions. Janotta’s message was plain: firing teachers, cutting budgets, and punishing schools was not the answer. Instead, he argued, success must come from making education the number one priority and building a culture of respect for education and the people who provide it.

One of the day’s most touching traditions began with a shoelace. Through the Shoelaces for Teachers campaign, people across America sent in shoelaces to honor teachers who had made a difference in their lives. The first collection of shoelaces was revealed on July 30, 2010, as part of a documentary called “We Just Keep Going,” which premiered nationally that evening. The gesture was simple and perfect: a shoelace for every teacher who helped someone lace up and keep going. It captured what the day is really about, not just policy debates, but gratitude for the individual educators who change lives one student at a time.

National Day Calendar’s own celebration of the day offers practical ways to take part. Teachers often spend their own money to stock their classrooms, so find a teacher’s wishlist online or call your local school and donate supplies. Many communities run back-to-school drives, and a donation of your time or your wallet helps students who need a hand. Volunteer as an after-school tutor or mentor, attend a school theater production or a ball game, or send a note of gratitude, perhaps with a small gift card, to a teacher or staff member who made a difference in your life. And because the future of public education is decided locally, attend school board meetings to stay informed, or consider running for a seat yourself.

The day recognizes every person who keeps a school running, not just classroom teachers. Bus drivers who greet children every morning, cafeteria workers who make sure no one goes hungry, custodians who keep buildings safe, and counselors who guide students through hard times are all part of the mission. The observance has continued in a less formal way since its activist beginnings, taken up by educators and advocacy groups who use it to celebrate school staff and keep the conversation about adequate funding alive. Whether you march, donate, volunteer, or simply say thank you, July 30 is the day to show up for the people who show up for our kids every single day.

THE STORY BEHIND NATIONAL SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION DAY

🏫 A Teacher’s Call to Action
National Support Public Education Day was established in 2010 by Chris Janotta, a language arts teacher from Illinois, with the help of the SOS Million Teacher March (Save Our Schools), an advocacy movement he founded. He created the day to give parents, teachers, and ordinary citizens a focal point for showing support and demanding that public education receive the investment and respect it deserves.

👟 Shoelaces for Teachers
For the first observance, supporters mailed in shoelaces honoring teachers who had made a difference in someone’s life. The first batch was revealed on July 30, 2010, during the national premiere of the documentary “We Just Keep Going.” The campaign turned a humble shoelace into a symbol of gratitude for educators everywhere.

🎓 The Father of the Common School
Long before this day existed, Horace Mann (1796-1859) championed free, universal, non-sectarian public education as Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. His common school movement earned him the title “Father of the Common School Movement” and laid the philosophical foundation that days like this one defend.

💪 Why Summer
July 30 lands in the middle of summer break, and that timing is deliberate. With classrooms empty, the day turns attention to the work happening behind the scenes: teachers planning lessons, custodians deep-cleaning buildings, and districts finalizing budgets. It is also the perfect moment for back-to-school drives, when donated supplies can reach students before the first bell rings.

📢 The First Day of Action
On July 30, 2010, supporters held protests, rallies, and press conferences in Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond. They addressed frustrations over teacher pay, standardized testing, and controversial curriculums, putting public education’s challenges squarely in the national conversation.

⭐ Every Role Matters
The day honors all school staff, from teachers to bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and counselors. Strong schools run on teamwork, and this observance makes a point of recognizing the people behind the scenes as well as the ones at the chalkboard.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE

🛒 Clear a Teacher’s Wishlist
Find a local teacher’s classroom wishlist online or call your school to ask what is needed, then purchase and donate supplies. Teachers routinely spend their own money on their classrooms, and a box of pencils, books, or art supplies is a direct investment in students.

💌 Thank the Teacher Who Changed You
Write a genuine note of gratitude to a teacher or staff member who made a difference in your life, and tuck in a small gift card for extra appreciation. A few sincere sentences can mean the world to someone who gives so much.

🏛 Show Up at the School Board
Attend an upcoming school board meeting to stay informed about the issues facing your district, and share your support on social media tagging your school district with #SupportPublicEducationDay. Local decisions shape local schools, and your voice counts.

📖 Give Your Time
Volunteer as an after-school tutor or mentor, help sort and deliver supplies for a back-to-school drive, or simply attend a school play or sporting event. Showing up is one of the simplest ways to show a school community that it matters.

Celebrate National Support Public Education Day

On July 30, 2027, stand with the educators and staff who give America’s children their start. Donate a box of supplies, write the thank-you note, attend the meeting, or cheer at the school play. Public education belongs to all of us, and this is the day we say so out loud.