[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 35 (Friday, March 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN J. ANDERSON

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
recognize an outstanding Rhode Islander, Stephen J. Anderson. Steve has 
distinguished himself with a rewarding career as a public school 
teacher and as an accomplished State Representative in the Rhode Island 
General Assembly.
  In 1972, Steve began his teaching career in the Exeter West Greenwich 
School System where he has taught Social Studies, History and 
Geography. Even as a young child, Steve dreamed of being a teacher, and 
his enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism over the past three 
decades has had a profound effect on our community and in the lives of 
generations of young people.
  Steve is described as a hardworking and imaginative teacher who has a 
special gift for relating to his students. He is modest, friendly and 
witty and easily earns their respect and admiration. He has a deep 
belief that every student can learn and that each has contribution to 
make. Moreover, Steve has been a leader in the School Department and 
has chaired the school improvement team and coordinated its 
professional development plan. He can be credited with bringing 
standards-based training to the school and has worked to provide 
graduate course work in support of these efforts. In addition to his 
classroom duties, Steve also devotes his time and talents as the Coach 
of the Jr. High Soccer Team and the Cross Country Team.
  In 2000, Steve Anderson was honored as the recipient of both the 
Charles B. Willard Achievement Award and the Alumni Service Award from 
his alma mater Rhode Island College. The Charles B. Willard Award is 
presented to graduates who have brought honor to the College by 
distinguished service in their field. Additionally, the Alumni Service 
Award honors those who have made a contribution to the College by 
unselfishly devoting their time, talents and resources or to an 
individual who has made a contribution to the state or nation which 
reflects ideals of service to the community. Indeed, Steve Anderson 
epitomizes the spirit of both these coveted awards.
  In the General Assembly, Steve has been a leader on education issues 
and successfully sought funding for National Board Certification for 
Professional Teaching Standards in Rhode Island, for innovative reading 
programs for pre-school children and for the Rhode Island Geographic 
Alliance.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Stephen J. Anderson for 
his commitment to education and public service. He inspires us with his 
example of leadership, and I join with a grateful community in 
commending him for his efforts in the classroom, as a policy maker and 
as outstanding Rhode Island citizen.

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