[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E736-E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REGARDING WASHINGTON STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR TAMARA STEEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to 
2005 Washington State Teacher of the Year and one of four national 
finalists for 2005 Teacher of the Year--Ms. Tamara Steen.
  Since 1963, Washington state has honored one outstanding classroom 
teacher each year who is then eligible for the national honor. I am 
extremely proud that out of over 2.8 million elementary and secondary 
teachers nationwide, Ms. Steen was recognized as one of four finalists 
for the national honor announced by President Bush.
  Ms. Steen is an innovative and compassionate teacher who has taught 
in the small rural town of Mabton, Washington for over two decades. In 
her years of teaching she has motivated students to achieve a higher 
standard. Ms. Steen is a teacher who is willing to work hard for her 
students, and expects her students to work hard for her in return.
  Ms. Steen currently teaches English at Mabton Junior/Senior High 
School where she uses innovative teaching strategies to actively engage 
her students in learning. Despite the many challenges she is faced with 
each day, Ms. Steen's enthusiasm for her profession and her devotion to 
her students continues to grow.

[[Page E737]]

  In a society where teachers do not always receive the appreciation 
they deserve, I am pleased to honor and commend Ms. Steen for her 
decades of dedication to students in Central Washington. Ms. Steen 
exemplifies the best of America.
  To Ms. Steen and the teachers across America that are educating 
tomorrow's leaders, thank you.

                          ____________________