Congressional Record, Volume 150 Issue 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)

[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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