[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SANDRA FELDMAN ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE AMERICAN FEDERATION 
                              OF TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2004

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
a resolution honoring Ms. Sandra Feldman upon her retirement from the 
presidency of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). She is 
stepping down from this position at the AFT's annual convention later 
this week. Ms. Feldman has been a tireless advocate for improving the 
quality of teaching in our schools.
  Ms. Feldman was born in New York City and is a product of its public 
schools. She is a former 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at PS 34 in 
Manhattan. She began her career advocating for children and better 
learning outcomes during the 1960's civil rights movement. Ms. Feldman 
was elected to the presidency of the United Federation of Teachers, the 
New York City affiliate of the AFT, in 1986. She subsequently was 
elected to the presidency of the AFT in 1997.
  Ms. Feldman has brought this diverse background and her valuable 
experiences together to be a force for education reform. Ms. Feldman's 
leadership at both the UFT and AFT helped define national education 
reform efforts as they developed and grew in the 1980s and 1990s. Her 
work helped shape the standards movement and brought accountability for 
results back to education.
  Ms. Feldman is probably best identified as being a stalwart champion 
of increased teacher quality. Better than anyone, Ms. Feldman knows the 
importance of a highly qualified teacher, especially for the most 
disadvantaged children. While improving the working conditions and 
benefits of her membership, she also asked for better results and 
higher qualifications. A well qualified teacher is the most important 
element in a successful learning experience. Sandra Feldman's 
leadership at AFT has only reinforced this important fact.
  Despite her retirement, I am confident that her services will 
continue to be sought after on numerous panels and task forces to 
improve educational outcomes. Very simply, her service to both her 
membership and the children of America has been immeasurable.
  The resolution I am introducing today honors Sandra Feldman on her 
retirement from the presidency of AFT. Despite her leaving this 
position, I am confident that her expertise and skill will continue to 
positively impact teaching and learning for years to come.




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