[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUSAN HARTLEY, BURGES DISCIPLINE 
                 ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many 
accomplishments of Susan Hartley, Burges Discipline Alternative School 
Teacher of the Year.
  Ms. Hartley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from 
Arizona State University, and a Teacher Certification from Ottawa 
University. She is a relatively new teacher--she has been teaching for 
5 years, all of them spent at the Seguin Independent School District.
  Ms. Hartley teaches Science and Health to grades 7 through 12. She 
deals with what can often be a difficult and stressful job in a 
counterintuitive way: her goal is to make school fun, for herself and 
her students.
  She believes that students learn best when they are enjoying 
themselves. Her at-risk students are often disconnected from the school 
or community. She feels that her role is to help these students find 
ways to reconnect with others. Students who feel like they are part of 
the community are less likely to be in trouble, and more likely to go 
on to a successful future.
  Ms. Hartley's work with at-risk youth has already distinguished her 
as one of her school district's most valuable teachers. In her 5 years, 
she has made a difference in the life of many students, and in the life 
of her community. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I am happy 
to have had this opportunity to recognize her.

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