[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 45 (Friday, April 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN SCHAEFFER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Schaeffer who 
has recently been named the Boyertown Area Educator of the Year, by the 
Berks and Montgomery County Newspapers.
  John Schaeffer began his teaching career in the Boyertown Area School 
District 35 years ago and has since continued to touch students' lives 
and inspire them to be the best that they can be.
  As a math teacher, Mr. Schaeffer excelled at reaching out to his 
students by utilizing his own teaching philosophy and practice. From 
the very beginning, Mr. Schaeffer realized that each student learns the 
same material at a different pace. Mr. Schaeffer decided that the best 
approach would be one of simplicity. He deliberately tries to make 
things simple for his students so they can learn the basics and, once 
the foundation had been laid, he would develop their knowledge base in 
greater detail. Mr. Schaeffer is also keenly aware that each child's 
learning style and ability is different from their classmates. He works 
to adapt his teaching style to help each child individually in order to 
achieve their goals. This skillful enhancement of the learning process 
has worked remarkably well for both Mr. Schaeffer and his students as 
he encouraged his students.
  John Schaeffer is also considered a great educator because of the 
time and effort he exerts to create a personal relationship with each 
of his students. He shows care and empathy for his students which, in 
turn, allows him to create relationships built on trust and 
understanding with his students. Mr. Schaeffer feels that gaining this 
trust is an important step in the learning process. Mr. Schaeffer 
wisely spoke, ``I think the teacher's role has had to change because 
you have to show you care for them as a kid, and then you deal with the 
math problem.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring John 
Schaeffer for his many years of exemplary service and distinguished 
contributions to the Boyertown Area School District and its students 
over the past 35 years. He has touched countless lives and made an 
incredible impact on both the students and parents in Boyertown. I am 
honored to stand before you to congratulate and celebrate John 
Schaeffer on his many impressive accomplishments.

                          ____________________