[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING JOSEPH HILLS AS VIRGINIA'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph 
Hills, Virginia's 2005 Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Hills, a social studies teacher at Lake Braddock Secondary 
School, was named Virginia's 2005 Teacher of the Year and will 
represent Virginia in the National Teacher of the Year program. He was 
also awarded Fairfax County Public Schools 2004 Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Hills received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary 
Education from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and a 
Master of Arts degree in Education from the College of St. Thomas, 
Minnesota. He began his career with Fairfax County Public Schools in 
1960 as a history teacher at Fairfax High School. He then moved to 
Marshall High School and later to Langley High School, where he worked 
as a teacher and social studies department chair. In 1973, Mr. Hills 
came to Lake Braddock Secondary School where he still serves.
  He is a member of numerous education associations including the 
National Council of Social Studies, the Virginia Council of Social 
Studies, and is active in various Parent Teacher Associations. Mr. 
Hills has received the Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher 
Award, as well as outstanding teacher awards from the University of 
Chicago and Smith College.
  Colleagues describe Mr. Hills as ``the embodiment of a dedicated 
teacher who is energized by his students and at the same time energizes 
those in his classroom.'' Former students praise Mr. Hills for making 
history come alive by telling stories and inspiring them to become 
teachers or earn graduate degrees in history. He is known for his use 
of the Socratic Method, spurring students to ``think deeply and 
differently.''
  Our students are our number one resource. Mr. Hills has dedicated his 
life to ensuring that they are given the opportunity to achieve 
success. Over the past 44 years, he has made a lasting impact on 
thousands of students.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Joseph Hills and 
congratulating him on this distinguished achievement.




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