[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING MRS. ASHLEY ROTHBARD BERK, RECIPIENT OF THE 2004 
 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2005

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I extend 
congratulations and thanks to Mrs. Ashley Rothbard Berk, a teacher at 
Travell Elementary School in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Mrs. Berk was 
selected from among 600 nominees to be a recipient of the prestigious 
2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching.
  The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching was established in 1983 to recognize the outstanding science 
and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each 
state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. Today, the White House award is 
recognized as the Nation's highest commendation for elementary and 
secondary math and science teachers.
  After an initial selection process at the state level, a national 
panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators reviews 
the extensive application packets of the state finalists and recommends 
the teachers who will receive a Presidential award. Mrs. Berk is the 
sole awardee from New Jersey.
  Mrs. Berk was recognized for teaching her students fractions, 
decimals and percentages using a technique to reach different types of 
learners: the visual, auditory, verbal and kinesthetic. She developed 
the method in an effort to make sure students in her fifth-grade class 
were operating at their optimum learning ability.
  Mrs. Berk says she fell in love with teaching right away, and her 
devotion to ensuring her students are learning is evidenced in this 
award. The award also brings more than prestige to the winner; as an 
awardee, Mrs. Berk also receives a $10,000 grant for her school.
  I want to congratulate Mrs. Berk of Travell Elementary School for 
being selected for this prestigious honor. She is a credit to New 
Jersey and a credit to our many outstanding educators.
  To paraphrase Oliver Wendell Holmes, the greatest teacher makes 
others believe in greatness, and they leave a lasting mark on the lives 
around them. Today, I am proud and honored to join in the applause for 
one of the nation's great teachers--Mrs. Ashley Berk. We are grateful 
for your dedication to providing New Jersey children with an 
outstanding education.

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