[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E865-E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL TEACHER'S APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 1997

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of respect 
for National Teachers' Appreciation Week. Without a doubt, there

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is not a group of individuals that add more to our nation's future than 
the men and women who are in the classrooms with our children everyday. 
They are the ones who hold in their hands the future of our country's 
greatest resource. If any group of individuals deserves our 
recognition, it is these dedicated individuals that should always be 
the true objects of our gratitude.
  As we move into the 21st century, our teachers are one of our most 
important resources; for without an educated and disciplined generation 
coming into power in our great democracy, we can not maintain our 
preeminent economy and scientific community.
  Each of us can, no doubt, remember a teacher who affected the way we 
thought about the world around us. We can remember a teacher who 
changed the way we thought about what we wanted to do with our lives. 
Today is the day to try and evoke those memories and pay tribute to 
their work.
  We have to keep these important people in perspective. These are the 
people who lead our children daily through their lessons, and give them 
the knowledge that they will take into later life. What can be a more 
important role in our communities and more deserving of our 
recognition.
  Consequently, we should use this week to renew our commitment to our 
Nation's teachers. They are the backbone of our educational system. No 
matter what policy or funding we provide in this body, these are the 
people who walk into the classroom each and every day and do the kind 
of work we can only value in the highest sense.
  I have worked with my teachers in the 18th Congressional District and 
they are extremely special. Every time I walk into our schools their 
enthusiasm for their work is self evident.
  I want to pay my respects to each and every one of our teachers 
across this great Nation, in classrooms in our elementary schools, 
middle schools, high schools and our colleges and universities. I 
greatly admire them; and I offer them my thanks and sincere 
appreciation.

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