[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H5944-H5947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 714) honoring Sandra Feldman on the occasion of her 
retirement from the presidency of the American Federation of Teachers 
for her tireless efforts to improve the quality of teaching and 
learning.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 714

       Whereas Sandra Feldman was born in New York City and 
     attended its public schools;
       Whereas Ms. Feldman is a former public elementary school 
     teacher, having taught 2nd and 3rd graders at PS 34 in 
     Manhattan;
       Whereas Ms. Feldman began her advocacy efforts on behalf of 
     children and other disadvantaged individuals during the 
     1960's civil rights movement;

[[Page H5945]]

       Whereas Ms. Feldman rose through the ranks of the United 
     Federation of Teachers to the position of executive director 
     and to the Federation's presidency in 1986;
       Whereas Ms. Feldman was elected in May 1997, as the 
     President of the American Federation of Teachers, becoming 
     the 15th president in the Federation's history and the first 
     female president since 1930;
       Whereas Ms. Feldman is widely recognized as an expert on 
     urban education and a strong advocate for disadvantaged 
     children;
       Whereas Ms. Feldman was selected as one of the ``100 Most 
     Influential Women in America'' by Ladies Home Journal; and
       Whereas educational experts continue to seek the service of 
     Ms. Feldman on numerous high-level commissions and task 
     forces designed to tackle the most pressing problems in our 
     education system: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes 
     Sandra Feldman on the occasion of her retirement from the 
     presidency of the American Federation of Teachers for--
       (1) her decades of work on behalf of disadvantaged 
     children; and
       (2) her outstanding contributions and leadership in 
     improving the quality of teaching and learning.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).


                             General Leave

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 714.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Delaware?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 714, which honors 
Sandra Feldman on the occasion of her retirement from the presidency of 
the American Federation of Teachers and for her efforts to improve the 
quality of teaching and learning.
  Ms. Feldman was born in New York City and educated in its public 
schools, including James Madison High School and Brooklyn College. She 
holds a masters degree in English literature from New York University.
  A former teacher and United Federation of Teachers chapter leader of 
PS-34 Manhattan, she joined the UFT staff as a field representative in 
1966. She was promoted through the ranks to executive director, a post 
in which she supervised all aspects of the union's work. In 1983, she 
was elected secretary of the UFT, the union's second highest office, 
before becoming president in 1986.
  From 1986 through 1997, Ms. Feldman was president of the 130,000-
member United Federation of Teachers in New York City, the largest 
union local in the United States and an affiliate of the AFT. During 
that time, she also served as a vice president of the AFT.
  In May of 1997, Sandra Feldman was elected as president of the 1.3 
million-member American Federation of Teachers. She served as the 15th 
president of the AFT and the union's first female President since 1930. 
According to AFT publications, membership increased by more than 
350,000 in her 7 years as president.
  Ms. Feldman is widely recognized as an authority on urban education 
and an advocate for children and has long been willing to examine 
innovative approaches in efforts to raise student achievement. Her 
long-standing commitment to social justice dates back to her 
involvement with the early civil rights movement, both locally and 
nationally, when she was arrested during the Freedom Rides and other 
protests in the 1960s. U.S. Presidents, Governors, and mayors have 
appointed her to numerous commissions and task forces, tackling 
educational, economics, child welfare, labor, and other social issues.
  This resolution honors Sandra Feldman on the occasion of her 
retirement from the American Federation of Teachers and recognizes her 
contributions to teaching and learning in this country. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 714. This 
resolution honors a great American committed to a great cause. Sandra 
Feldman's tenure at the AFT has solidified that organization's 
influential and positive role in education reform.
  Sandra Feldman's career first focused on improving teaching and 
learning as part of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Her work as 
a second and third grade teacher in New York City's public schools 
solidified her view that a high-quality teacher is one of the key 
elements of successful learning.
  To the benefit of teachers everywhere, Ms. Feldman was elected to the 
presidency of the United Federation of Teachers New York affiliate of 
the AFT in 1986. She was subsequently elected to the AFT presidency in 
1997.
  While holding the presidency of the AFT, Ms. Feldman has helped to 
improve the conditions under which our teachers work, but she has also 
been a tireless advocate for improved teaching and learning. Successful 
teaching includes better pay and benefits. But Ms. Feldman also 
recognized that we have to ensure our teachers have the skills and the 
professional development to do their jobs well. Her focus on quality 
has allowed many school systems to redouble their efforts to improve 
academic achievement.
  While Ms. Feldman has recently retired, her legacy will continue to 
improve education in this country for many, many years to come. I urge 
the Members to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I just want to add that all of the words that were spoken on both 
sides I think are particularly applicable to Sandra Feldman and the 
work she did with the AFT, who, in my judgment, was open-minded about 
change and progression in education; and for that I think she deserves 
a tremendous amount of credit. We wish her well as she goes off into 
her retirement.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. 
Res. 714. This resolution honors a woman who has been one of the most 
influential and positive forces on public education for many years.
  Last week, Sandra Feldman retired from the presidency of the American 
Federation of Teachers, which represents 1.3 million teachers--from 
pre-schools to universities--throughout this nation.
  Through this resolution, the Congress joins her colleagues in the 
AFT, and throughout the education field, in recognizing and honoring 
her contributions to teaching and to the improved status and 
professionalism of educators.
  Ms. Feldman's involvement in improving the quality of education began 
as an advocate for children during the civil rights movement in the 
1960s.
  She understood, as we should all, that the right to a sound public 
education is one of the most basic of our civil rights.
  Without that education and training; opportunities are cut off from 
young people in higher education, employment and promotions.
  Her work continued as a public elementary school teacher in 2nd and 
3rd grade classrooms at PS 34 in Manhattan. She was elected to the 
presidency of the United Federation of Teachers in 1986, and then the 
AFT presidency in 1997.
  Ms. Feldman's tenure as president of AFT has been marked by tireless 
efforts to improve teaching and learning in our country. Ms. Feldman's 
strong national leadership on standards based reform helped strengthen 
student performance and expand the skills of teachers.
  Along with many Members of Congress, state and local legislators, and 
local board of education, I have long sought Ms. Feldman's advice and 
counsel in the development of education and child development policy.
  She has never failed to respond to requests for her expert advice, 
serving on innumerable task forces and commissions, and as a regular 
witness before Congress.
  Quite simply, her leadership at the AFT has enabled the nation to 
improve teacher quality and make academic achievement a reality.
  The contributions of Ms. Feldman to our educational system has been 
immeasurable. This resolution only recognizes these contributions in a 
small way. The true measurement of Ms. Feldman's efforts are seen in 
our schools.
  Her impact can be seen with an increased focus on teacher quality and 
better working conditions for teachers. But also her impact is evident 
in the strength and desire by our schools to improve teaching and 
learning.
  Her leadership at the AFT has brought increased commitment to closing 
the achievement gap and ensuring all children can succeed.
  This is the type of leadership that will continue to strengthen our 
educational system for

[[Page H5946]]

years to come, and that will open the door of opportunity to millions 
of children who otherwise may well have languished in underfunded, 
unsupported schools throughout this country. That is a legacy that any 
teacher can be very proud of.
  I urge all Members to support this resolution, to recognize a great 
educator and advocate for teachers and schools, and to wish Sandy the 
very best for her years of contribution to her country.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
impressive career of Ms. Sandra Feldman, as she retires from her 
presidency of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). For many 
years, Ms. Feldman has tirelessly served our nation's teachers, 
paraprofessionals and school-related personnel, local, state and 
federal employees, higher education faculty and staff, nurses and 
healthcare professionals, and public schoolchildren. A New York City 
native, Ms. Feldman taught in New York City public elementary schools, 
served in the United Federation of Teachers as secretary from 1983 to 
1986 and its president from 1986 to 1997. In 1997, Ms. Feldman was 
elected as the 15th president of the AFT and the union's first female 
president since 1930.
  Ms. Feldman's unwavering support for teachers and her allegiance to 
America's children have contributed to many successes in our public 
schools. She engaged AFT in the fight to attract and retain a first-
class workforce, to secure funds for critical services in the public 
schools and to provide access to professional development programs for 
teachers and faculty. In 2001, her leadership helped secure a number of 
positive measures in the No Child Life Behind Act. Since the passage of 
the law, she has continued to be a voice for children and teachers, 
striving to implement new guidelines in a way that will truly reach all 
children.
  Ms. Feldman chose not to seek reelection as president of the AFT this 
year, as she focuses on her health. I sincerely thank Ms. Feldman for 
her decades of work on behalf of disadvantaged children, her 
outstanding contributions and leadership in improving the quality of 
teaching and learning. I wish her every success in her fight against 
cancer.
  Ms. Feldman will be succeeded by a Rhode Island native--Mr. Edward J. 
McElroy, who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. I 
am confident that Mr. McElroy will continue to champion the causes of 
the teachers, public schools, and most importantly our children.
  Again, I thank Ms. Feldman for her dedication to our children and 
urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 714.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend Sandra Feldman on the 
occasion of her retirement from the Presidency of the American 
Federation of Teachers. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of H. 
Res. 714, honoring Sandra Feldman.
  Ms. Feldman has served as President of the American Federation of 
Teachers since 1997. In that time, she has dedicated herself completely 
to advancement of education. H. Res. 714 shows all Americans that a 
life committed to our youth and to our future does not go unnoticed.
  I am thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have 
voiced support for this bill and for the scores of citizens and 
activists around the country who have supported similar efforts.
  I urge all members of this body to join me in my praising of Sandra 
Feldman and her exemplary leadership.
  Sandra Feldman has been involved with public schools from her youth. 
As a child she attended a public school in New York City. Upon 
graduation, she attended Brooklyn College and received a Master's 
degree in English Literature from New York University.
  Eventually Ms. Feldman moved to the other side of the classroom and 
became a teacher herself, teaching to 2nd and 3rd graders in Manhattan.
  Still, Ms. Feldman's dedication to teaching and learning extended 
well beyond the classroom. In the 1960's, she became both teacher and 
an advocate.
  As an advocate, Ms. Feldman rose through the ranks of both the United 
Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers, serving 
as executive director of the UFT and eventually as President of both 
organizations.
  Her journey was not only unique, but inspiring. She was the first 
female President of the United Federation of Teachers in more than 
sixty years. She has earned recognition as an urban education expert 
and a persistent advocate for disadvantaged children. And she has 
served on numerous commissions, worked with UNICEF, and tackled issues 
ranging from child-welfare and labor to school vouchers. She has been 
recognized by the Ladies Home Journal as one of the ``100 Most 
Influential Women in America.'' And today, she deserves the recognition 
of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, these brief words cannot adequately describe a lifetime 
of service and commitment to the betterment of this great nation. Words 
can never truly convey the gratitude that my colleges and I feel toward 
Sandra Feldman for her consistent unwavering support for disadvantaged 
children and our nation's education system. But the reality is, our 
country and its children and its schools are better off because of her 
years of service.
  I ask my colleagues to support the passage of H. Res. 714 to 
recognize Sandra Feldman's contributions and leadership in improving 
the quality of teaching and learning.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 714. This 
resolution honors one of the most influential individuals in American 
education today. As a former public school teacher, I am pleased to 
honor Ms. Feldman on her retirement.
  Ms. Feldman's leadership at the American Federation of teachers has 
made teacher quality and improved working conditions for teachers one 
of the primary factors in ensuring academic success. Her advocacy on 
behalf of children and teachers alike have greatly improved education 
reform in this country. For this, we owe Ms. Feldman our thanks.
  The value of a public education is immeasurable. Ms. Feldman's work 
at the AFT lifted the value of education in the minds of the public. 
Most importantly however, Ms. Feldmaan has defined the importance of 
teacher quality. This legacy will continue to help children for many 
years to come. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I rise to honor the distinguished 
career and retirement of Sandra Feldman as outgoing President of the 
American Federation of Teachers. She is truly an extraordinary 
trailblazer of the American educational system.
  Defying odds and raising standards is second nature to Sandra 
Feldman. The daughter of laborers and a product of New York City's 
educational system, Sandra Feldman has dedicated her life and her 
passion to her community and this nation in improving teaching and 
learning for all Americans.
  Since taking the reins of the AFT in 1997 as the 15th president and 
its first woman president, the organization and its state affiliates 
have been an unprecedented rise in state and national standardized test 
scores. The AFT has also increased graduation and retention rates in 
schools determined to be ``at risk.''
  This great advocate of education has been an invaluable tool in our 
nation's efforts to make our public schools accountable and equipped 
with quality teachers, textbooks and other materials needed to ensure 
that the truly free people are also an educated people.
  Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Ms. Feldman, I would also like to extend 
this recognition and honor to the Texas Federation of Teachers, 
particularly those in my district of Dallas. Facing extreme budget cuts 
from the state and new standardized test scores, the teachers of the 
Dallas Independent School District have risen to the challenge to make 
sure that their students are able to compete on the equal footing.
  Mr. Speaker, as I concluded, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing an unwavering pioneer in the realm of education--Ms. Sandra 
Feldman.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandra Feldman, who has 
retired as president of the American Federation of teachers.
  A union activist for nearly 40 years, Sandy started her career as a 
teacher, and was elected AFT president in 1997 after serving as 
president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City for 
more than a decade.
  Under her tenure, the AFT continued its strong advocacy for 
educational reforms, but also expanded its efforts into educational 
research. The AFT released major studies on the teaching of reading, 
and on how to improve teacher training.
  She also personally advocated for more aggressive early childhood 
efforts, including ``Kindergarten-Plus'' which would allow 
disadvantages children to start kindergarten in the summer, and keep 
them in school during the summer before first grade.
  In addition to her work on strengthening and reforming public 
education, Sandy has been a tremendous advocate for the right to 
collectively bargain, and has worked to strengthen health care and 
retirement benefits for her members.
  Her dedication to her members and their families is legendary. She 
has left an enduring imprint on the lives of generation of union 
workers. Her tireless efforts to secure a better quality of life for 
working people is a testament to her tremendous energy and commitment 
to others. Her experience, determination and vision will be greatly 
missed.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Sandra Feldman as 
she retires from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and thank 
her for her valuable contributions to education and dedication to the 
teaching profession. As a former New York City school

[[Page H5947]]

teacher and member of the United Federation of Teachers myself, I can 
personally attest to her strength of conviction and determination. 
Having known her for many years, it is also a great privilege to count 
her a personal friend.
  Throughout her career, Sandra Feldman became known as an authority on 
urban education and an advocate for children. No stranger to activism, 
she began her advocacy work during the 1960s civil rights movement. A 
former public school student herself, she then taught in one of New 
York City's public elementary schools. I had the privilege of working 
with Sandra Feldman when she was President of the United Federation of 
Teachers in New York City, the largest union local in the United 
States. She later took over as President of the American Federation of 
Teachers in 1997, leading its more than 1 million members.
  Throughout her career, U.S. presidents, governors and mayors have 
appointed her to numerous commissions and task forces tackling 
educational, economic and child-welfare, labor and social issues. 
However, Sandra Feldman's interests went beyond the field of education; 
she serves as a board member or activist in many community and civic 
organizations.
  A dedicated activist, educator and leader, I thank Sandra Feldman for 
her work throughout her career and sincerely congratulate her on her 
retirement as president of the AFT.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring a wonderful leader and educator, Ms. Sandra Feldman, as she 
retires from her role as President of the American Federation of 
Teachers.
  As the 15th president of the American Federation of Teachers and the 
union's 1st female president since 1930, Ms. Feldman has led the more 
than 1 million members of her union since 1997.
  A native of New York, Sandra Feldman is a self-described ``kid from 
Coney Island.'' She grew up in a city-owned slum in Brooklyn that was 
condemned for all the years she lived there and worked her way through 
the public education system. She attended Brooklyn College on a 
scholarship and later received a master's degree in English Literature 
from New York University.
  Sandra Feldman is a lifelong civil rights and union activist. She 
rose from union ranks to serve as president of the United Federation of 
Teachers in New York City, a post she held from 1986 to 1997, when she 
was elected AFT president. She recognizes that children are America's 
most valuable resource and, as such, they must have guidance from able-
bodied professionals to develop into productive members of society.
  Recognized as an authority on urban education and an advocate for 
children, her long-standing commitment to social justice dates back to 
her involvement with the early Civil Rights movement. As such, she has 
been recognized by many United States Presidents, governors and mayors 
to tackle the social issues of education, the economy, child-welfare 
and labor.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank her for her many efforts and sacrifices, as she 
continues to work to increase the rights of public school teachers and 
the quality of education for our young children and I ask that my 
colleagues join me in congratulating this wonderful American.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with words of strong praise for 
Sandra Feldman, a woman who has spent her life in service to others, as 
she retires from the presidency of the American Federation of Teachers.
  Sandy Feldman's educational journey took her first to children as a 
teacher in the New York City Public Schools, continued with her service 
to teachers, children and working people, and culminated in her seven 
outstanding years as President of the AFT.
  Equal rights has been an overarching theme of Sandy Feldman's life. I 
met Sandy when we both were kids in the civil rights movement. The 
movement was nascent, but Sandy already was deeply engaged. It was no 
surprise to me that Sandy Feldman would become the leader of a great 
union or that she would fight so effectively and productively for the 
rights of its members. However, for Sandy and the American Federation 
of Teachers, the value added has been the union's leadership on 
education itself.
  In many circles, Sandra Feldman is equally well-known as an 
educational innovator. She has regarded her work for the advancement of 
teachers as part and parcel of the advancement of education for 
children. She has understood that it is impossible for children to get 
what they need and deserve if teachers are underpaid and without a say 
in the working conditions under which they teach.
  One example of her forward thinking is her handling of charter 
schools. Recognizing how they were embraced by many families seeking 
public school alternatives, Sandy Feldman has been able to reconcile 
charter school popularity with the maintenance of strong public schools 
and the rights of teachers in districts willing to work in the same 
spirit of respect for all concerned.
  Sandy's energy, ability to move people and fertile mind for unique 
educational innovation will be missed, but she has set such a high mark 
that unions and school districts alike will long be following the path 
she has so ably laid out.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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