[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GOODBYE MRS. CULLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mr. FRANK. Mr. Speaker, as we in Congress and in the Executive Branch 
intensify our efforts better to support public education in this 
country, we should be sure to continue to focus on teachers as the 
central element in this effort. The dedicated men and women who have 
entered the teaching profession over the years deserve far better 
treatment than we have given them. Too often they are inadequately 
compensated, and given too little to work with in the way of resources. 
Despite that, large numbers of talented, intelligent, creative 
individuals have continued to go into the teaching profession because 
of their love of learning and their concern for young people.
  In June, one individual who is an excellent example of this tradition 
will be retiring.
  Patricia Cullen is a sixth grade teacher at the Wareham Middle School 
in Wareham, Massachusetts and she will be enjoying a well deserved 
retirement after 33 years of dedicated teaching at the end of this 
year. In the words of Judith Bruno of the Wareham Middle School staff, 
speaking on behalf of the faculty and staff of the school, ``Mrs. 
Cullen is a dedicated, caring and loving teacher to all of her 
students. She focuses on her student's strengths and positive 
attributes instead of the negatives. Pat helps her students to strive, 
to achieve, and to be successful in their endeavors. All her students 
love and respect her. The faculty and staff have the same feelings for 
her and trust me when I say we have mixed emotions about her leaving. 
We are happy for the new chapter beginning in her life but saddened to 
see her leave us.''
  Ms. Bruno continues, ``Mrs. Cullen is truly a remarkable woman and a 
credit to the teaching profession. Pat Cullen truly personifies what a 
teacher should be.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am deeply committed to providing more resources at the 
federal level so that Patricia Cullen, her colleagues, and those who 
will join this profession can do an even better job than they have been 
doing. But in addition to the material resources which we owe these 
dedicated public servants, we owe them better recognition as well for 
the job they do in often difficult circumstances. I am delighted to 
join Patricia Cullen's students and colleagues in recognizing her 
excellent work, and wishing her well.

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