[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE IN SUPPORT OF AMERICA'S TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
thousands of men and women who help our children learn during National 
Teacher Appreciation Week.
  As a former high school teacher, who is married to a special ed 
teacher, I know both the joys and challenges teachers face every day.
  I remember the sense of excitement my students shared with me when we 
watched Neil Armstrong step onto the moon in 1969. I will never forget 
the gleam in their eyes and their new-found enthusiasm about space and 
science.
  I also know about the challenges. My wife, Susan, faces children with 
not only physical and developmental disabilities, but also emotional 
problems and mental illness. But, special ed teachers aren't the only 
educators who face emotional and behavioral problems.
  Unfortunately, many of our children suffer from physical and 
emotional abuse, or live in homes wrought with substance abuse and 
violence. Teachers, alone, cannot solve all of society's ills. We, as a 
broader community, must help our teachers reinforce the lessons taught 
in school by getting involved with their education.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of parents and grandparents 
everywhere, I'd like to thank our nation's teachers for helping the 
next generation succeed.

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