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Substitute Educators Day poster
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NATIONAL DAYEDUCATION

Substitute Educators Day

Every year on November 20, a well-earned thank you to the educators who keep learning on track when the regular teacher is away. They walk into unfamiliar classrooms, learn dozens of names in minutes, and keep the lesson plan moving. In 2026, Substitute Educators Day falls on Friday, November 20, the Friday of American Education Week. Today we honor the flexible, fearless educators who show up ready for anything.

NOV20
Friday, November 20Every year on November 20
 days to go
Roots
Founded by the National Education Association; proposed in NEA Representative Assembly New Business Item 2003-41
Hashtag
#SubstituteEducatorsDay
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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Write a Thank-You Note at Home

Have your kids write a thank-you note to a substitute teacher who made an impression on them. A few sincere sentences from a student can brighten a substitute's whole week.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Shout Them Out in the Community

Post a shout-out with #SubstituteEducatorsDay naming an excellent substitute in your district, or recommend a great substitute teacher to your school. Public appreciation encourages others to consider this vital profession.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Make Them Welcome at School

Learn the names of the substitutes who cover your building, share lesson plans and seating charts early, and invite their feedback after the day. A warm welcome turns a tough assignment into a great one.

Plan ahead

Substitute Educators Day is observed on Friday before Thanksgiving. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Fri, Nov 20this year
2027Fri, Nov 19
2028Fri, Nov 17
2029Fri, Nov 16
2030Fri, Nov 22
2031Fri, Nov 21
2032Fri, Nov 19
2033Fri, Nov 18
2034Fri, Nov 17
2035Fri, Nov 16
2036Fri, Nov 21

Fast facts

2020In 2020, there were over 500,000 substitute teachers in the United States.
Thank a substitute teacher you know and share it with #SubstituteEducatorsDay.

Keep the party going

See the calendar
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