[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ELLEN DELANEY

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
person, Ms. Ellen Delaney. Ms. Delaney, a math teacher at North Senior 
High School in the district I represent, has been named the Minnesota 
Teacher of the Year.
  The Teacher of the Year program is the oldest and most prestigious 
recognition program in Minnesota which honors excellence in education. 
The Minnesota Teacher of the Year represents the profession as an 
advocate for education and spokesperson for teachers. The recipient 
makes numerous public appearances, meets policy makers, attends 
meetings and gives presentations.
  Ms. Delaney has taught both middle and high school math, algebra and 
calculus in her 20-year career. She places great importance not only on 
quality curriculum and lesson plans, but on recognizing the 
individuality of her students. ``You may think that mathematics 
teachers are absent minded, far-sighted and require a front pocket for 
all their equipment,'' she says, but adds, ``I'm fortunate that the 
students recognize the difference between what I teach and who I really 
am. In the same way, it's important for me to recognize the difference 
between how well they do in my class and who they really are.''
  As a former educator, I appreciate the amount of time, dedication and 
enthusiasm that it takes to be successful in the classroom. Ms. Delaney 
serves as an inspirational example of how much can be accomplished when 
we make an investment in our youth. It is with thanks and gratitude 
that I extend my congratulations to Ms. Delaney for being honored with 
this prestigious award.

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