[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E717-E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MR. MURRAY SISSELMAN: ``MISTER EDUCATION'' IN MIAMI-DADE 
                                 COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, March 11, 2003, our 
country lost a true giant in the profession of teaching our children.
  Murray Sisselman was a man of great intellect, poise and 
determination. As President of the United Teachers of Dade for over a 
quarter century, he was an innovator who played a key role in the 
operations and policies of the nation's fourth largest school system, 
helping our schools adapt to a changing workplace, a changing economy, 
and an influx of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and dozens of 
other countries.
  A native New Yorker, Murray Sisselman came to Miami in December, 
1949. He attended the University of Miami for his undergraduate 
studies, and continued his graduate studies at NOVA University, where 
he received a Master of Science Degree as an Educational Specialist.

[[Page E718]]

  Like many great leaders of large organizations, Murray Sisselman 
started out at the bottom and worked his way to the top. He began his 
career as a classroom teacher, where he honed his appreciation for the 
importance of teachers who are well trained and highly motivated. He 
was a great believer in continuing education so that teachers could 
improve their skills and keep up with changes in their subjects and 
methods, and he championed many innovative programs in this area.
  As President of UTD, Murray Sisselman never lost sight of the 
principles that guided his leadership:
  Providing a world-class education to every child, regardless of 
economic circumstances.
  Defending and enhancing the rights, opportunities and classroom 
conditions for each individual member through collective bargaining.
  Because of Murray Sisselman's lifelong work, the United Teachers of 
Dade has been able to forge coalitions with parents, businesses and 
organized labor to the advantage of students and the betterment of 
public education and our entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that all my colleagues will join me when I say 
that our hearts go out to his wife, Ludmila; his children David, Jagger 
and Helen; and his grandchildren Sarah and Lina.
  Murray Sisselman was an education pioneer, and we celebrate his life. 
He set a standard of service and a commitment to education that will 
endure in our community for decades to come, and we are better off for 
his efforts.

                          ____________________