[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I honor some of the greatest men and 
women in the Nation--Montana teachers. In my State we are blessed to 
have educators making a difference each day in the lives of our young 
people. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and Montana educators 
should hold their heads high. Montana 8th graders have the second 
highest science scores in the world. Eighty-four percent of Montana 
public school teachers in core academic fields have full certification 
and a major in their field, ranking Montana as one of the top States--
2nd out of 50--in teacher qualification. Montana is one of the top 11 
States in the percentage of high school graduates going on to college.
  Yes, our children are truly fortunate. Our highly qualified teachers 
not only work hard, but they care about each and every student that 
enters their classroom. I thank you, Montana teachers, for your sense 
of duty and compassion to our precious future generation.

                          ____________________