[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE IN SUPPORT OF AMERICA'S TEACHERS

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                               speech of

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of the House Education 
Caucus and as a parent, I rise today to honor the outstanding work our 
teachers do every day. Their dedication and expertise form the 
cornerstone of our nation's education system. They are there for our 
children, often under trying circumstances and with less than adequate 
resources and support. They perform daily miracles in their classrooms.
  Few other professionals touch as many in as many different ways as 
teachers do. Teaching children math, English, science and history is 
only the beginning of what teachers do. They are listeners, advocates, 
support people, role models, mentors and motivators. They encourage 
children to reach farther than they ever thought possible and they are 
there to catch their students if they should slip.
  Teachers often put countless extra hours outside of the classroom 
preparing lessons, reading and correcting papers, and working with 
students who need just a little extra help. They do this because they 
love their job, care about their students and are committed to ensuring 
that our children have the best chance at success.
  I believe that we can go a long way in improving our country's 
education system by exhibiting respect for our teachers and by letting 
them know how much we value their contributions. I urge my colleagues 
to recognize teachers for the significant role they play in our lives 
and in the well-being of our nation. As a Member of this House, as the 
co-chair of the Education Caucus and as a parent of two high school 
daughters, I thank the thousands of teachers who have dedicated 
themselves to educating and believing in our children.

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