[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                ``BEAR'' MILLS--STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 1997

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. `Bear'' Mills 
from Midland, TX for recently receiving the 1997 Texas Elementary 
School Teacher of the Year Award.
  Mr. Mills was an award winning columnist and radio commentator in 
Texas and overseas for 10 years before going back to school to obtain 
his teaching certificate in 1994. After several years of working with 
educators, including his wife Caryl, Mr. Mills decided education was 
right for him. Four years later Mr. Mills is the 1997 Texas Elementary 
School Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Mills teaching philosophy is simply. ``If I'm not striving for 
excellence every single day as a teacher, then what right do I have to 
expect excellence of my students? '' he says.
  Being an expert in your field and a strong figure in the classroom 
are two things Mr. Mills believes creates a good teacher.
  Mr. Mills is dedicated to strengthening the commitment to basic 
academics as well as educating our children in safe and nurturing 
environments.
  I think as both parties discuss how best to improve our education 
system we should learn from Mr. Mills' example.

                          ____________________