[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my fellow Americans 
and my colleagues in Congress to celebrate one of the most honorable 
and significant professions. National Teacher Day is an opportunity for 
us to recognize the extraordinary effort of our Nation's educators and 
reflect on the profound impact of their work.
  As a former teacher and school administrator, I am particularly aware 
of the challenges that educators face, such as over-crowded and under 
funded schools. Teachers are more highly educated than ever and bring a 
higher level of expertise to their work than their predecessors. The 
majority of American teachers have at least one advanced degree and 49 
percent have at least 15 years of experience in the classroom. Teacher 
salaries, however, have not increased commensurate with greater 
teaching experience and higher levels of education.
  Low salaries and general discontent with working conditions drive 
capable, experienced teachers out of the profession, and by 2014, 
schools nationwide will need another 3.9 million teachers. The numbers 
of male teachers and teachers of color does not reflect gender and 
racial trends in the general population. An increase in salaries for 
all teachers, as well as better recruitment and retention policies for 
minority and male teachers may help to rectify this problem.
  I hope that National Teacher Day will serve as a reminder to 
Americans of the crucial role that teachers play in our society. It is 
imperative that we increase funding for education and make teacher's 
salaries commensurate with their experience, education, and hard work. 
Teachers help to shape future generations, and they deserve both our 
respect and our continuing support. Please join me in thanking them on 
this special day.

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