[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL TEACHER AWARD PROGRAM ACT

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the Congressional Teacher 
Award Program Act, establishing the Congressional Teacher Award.
  This is a moment for Congress to raise the level of respect for 
teaching across the nation. Although we cannot legislate that the 
nation respect teachers for all the hard work that they do day in and 
day out for the future of our nation, Congress can use its leadership 
to take a role in the cultural change required at this time.
  This act creates a bi-partisan, bi-cameral Task Force to determine a 
nonprofit entity to establish and operate the Congressional Teacher 
Award. This award would be given each academic year to highly-
qualified, hard-working teachers who change the lives of students in 
each congressional district of the United States, including the 
district of a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress. As funds 
raised by the nonprofit entity allow, awardees would also receive a 
scholarship to attend a professional development opportunity of their 
choosing.
  The teachers receiving the award must be certified, have been 
teaching for 5 consecutive years in a public or private school 
elementary or secondary school, and demonstrate a commitment of service 
to his or her school, maintain high standards for students, and 
incorporate multiculturalism, technology, interdisciplinary studies, 
student relevance, and current issues in lessons, classroom activities, 
and special presentations. An application with letters of 
recommendation would be required.
  Each Member of Congress would get to celebrate a teacher in his or 
her district each year. This continued focus on excellent teaching will 
work to raise the level of respect for teaching in America. Henry 
Booker Adams said, ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell 
where his influence stops.''
  Congress does have influence; people and nations take their lead from 
us, and it is time that we lead the celebration of those who helped us 
reach this professional level--our teachers.

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