[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 78 (Friday, May 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK AND NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for 
National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Week. There is no calling 
more noble than the profession of educator, as teachers play a vital 
role in shaping the future of our country and they have a deep impact 
on every member of our great society.
  Like many of my colleagues here in Congress, I can recall wonderful 
teachers who helped change my life for the better and who have 
influenced me in profound ways, which they may never fully understand.
  Madam Speaker, on a daily basis teachers are tasked with educating 
all of our children, in some cases spending more hours with students 
than they spend with their parents. Besides teaching students reading 
and math, educators help students learn the value of responsibility, 
social skills, discipline, and respect for themselves and others.
  Teachers have the solemn responsibility of shaping the minds of our 
youth and preparing them intellectually, socially, emotionally, and 
psychologically to become productive and responsible members of our 
society.
  In a time when so much is asked of our teachers, when they are 
required to play the role of educator, parent, counselor, and friend, 
it is imperative that we provide them with the tools needed to 
accomplish their important jobs.
  I will continue to support legislation to fully fund educational 
initiatives such as Head Start, Pell Grants, and the No Child Left 
Behind Act, to name a few, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the 
same.
  We cannot continue to emphasize accountability and high-stakes 
testing for our teachers, who are on the frontlines working with 
students, without providing them with the resources to fully and 
effectively accomplish their objectives.
  Despite the negative press that the teaching profession regularly 
endures, in the face of funding cuts and intense scrutiny, I know that 
every one of my colleagues realizes that the vast majority of our 
teachers are doing yeomen's work with the resources they are given.
  So I would like to commend America's teachers and express my full 
support for National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Week. As a 
Member of Congress, I will continue to do all that I can to support 
your efforts and provide you with the resources you need.

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