[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        MICHIGAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR MARGARET HOLTSCHLAG TRIBUTE

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Margaret Holtschlag on receiving the Michigan Teacher of 
the Year award given by the Michigan Department of Education.
  Mrs. Holtschlag, a fourth grade teacher at Murphy Elementary School 
in the Haslet School District, was selected from nearly thirty regional 
finalists as the Michigan Teacher of the Year. Described by colleagues 
as an innovative, thoughtful and progressive teacher, her dedication is 
second to none. As the winning teacher, Mrs. Holtschlag will share her 
expertise as she travels across the state working with teachers to 
improve programs and teacher quality.
  What is truly remarkable about Mrs. Holtschlag is that her classroom 
extends beyond a room filled with desks and chalkboards. Two years ago 
she took a group of students on a trip to Korea and set up an Internet 
pen-pal link between Haslet, China and Korea. In the past, her students 
have built weather stations and explored nearby wetlands. Additionally, 
her students have spent time at the Michigan Library and Historical 
Center, discovering and exploring aspects of Michigan history that can 
not be learned from a text book.
  For twenty-one years Mrs. Holtschlag has devoted her life to teaching 
and making a positive impact on each and every student she encounters. 
Her captivating teaching style inspires both students and colleagues 
alike. This is truly a rare gift.
  A quality education is one of the most important tools that a child 
needs and it gives me great joy to know that such a dynamic and caring 
teacher is helping to shape the lives of Michigan students.

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