[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                SAN DIEGAN NAMED ``TEACHER OF THE YEAR''

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 1994

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
contributions of Ms. Sandra McBrayer, the 1994 National Teacher of the 
Year.
  As former president of the board of education of the San Diego 
Unified School District and a member, myself, of the teaching 
profession, I am very, very pleased that she has been selected to 
represent us. Ms. McBrayer is the best that this profession has to 
offer.
  Ms. McBrayer has recognized and filled a great unmet need: In 1988, 
she founded and developed the first successful classroom in California 
for homeless youth. She is a special educator, one who spends 24 hours 
a day at her job, one who encourages students to call her at home in 
emergencies, one who tracks them down when they fail to show up for 
class.
  Her compassion and her dedication to her students is wonderful to 
behold. They consider her a friend who will listen and whom they can 
trust.
  She is helping us all to realize that we must change the way we 
educate our children in the modern world. She has said we must educate 
the whole child, fully engaging the mind, heart, and soul.
  She instills in many young people the belief that they not only can 
function in this society that has treated them so harshly, but that 
they can achieve at their highest potential. Already, about 25 of her 
graduates are enrolled in college, and one has graduated.
  As the third teacher from San Diego County to receive this 
prestigious honor, she carries on a proud tradition. As National 
Teacher of the Year, Ms. McBrayer can speak to a national audience 
about her experiences as an urban teacher and about the needs of our 
youth. She has much to say, and we should all listen.

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