[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1252-E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN TRIBUTE TO SAM CARMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 11, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
leader and volunteer from the Fourth Congressional District, Sam 
Carmen. Mr. Carmen is a recognized leader at the national and local 
level for his work in the area of educational innovation and reform. 
Mr. Carmen is retiring from the Milwaukee Teacher's Education 
Association (MTEA) after 28 years of faithful service.
  Sam Carmen graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree 
in Industrial and Labor Relations. Following graduation, he worked for 
both public sector and private sector unions in various capacities.
  Mr. Carmen joined the staff of MTEA in 1979. In 1986, he became 
MTEA's chief spokesperson in contract negotiations with the Milwaukee 
Public School (MPS) Board. While he was serving as chief negotiator, 
MTEA developed a portfolio of educational reforms that were 
incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement and became 
national models. For example, Mr. Carmen negotiated an interview 
process for filling teacher vacancies replacing the traditional 
seniority model. MPS utilizes this process to select teachers who best 
fit their needs with the input of teachers, administration, and parent 
representatives.

[[Page E1253]]

  In 1994, Sam Carmen was selected as the MTEA Executive Director while 
continuing as the chief negotiator. As Executive Director, he was a 
leader in the successful establishment of the MPS/MTEA Teacher Mentor 
Program, the Joint Teacher Evaluation and Mentoring Program, the 
Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC), and the Milwaukee 
Partnership Academy. Most recently, Mr. Carmen was instrumental in the 
development and implementation of a collaborative strategic planning 
process with MPS and the Greater Milwaukee Committee entitled ``Working 
Together, Achieving More.''
  Sam Carmen has been active in organizations including: Citizen Action 
of Wisconsin; the Urban Directors' Association, a national network of 
urban union executives; the UWM School of Education Dean's Community 
Advisory Committee; and the Holmes Partnership, a network of 
professional organizations working to improve teaching and learning for 
all children.
  During Mr. Carmen's tenure, the MTEA established annual community 
outreach activities including: an art show and awards program for MPS 
students; a scholarship program for MPS graduates, particularly those 
pursuing teaching careers; and the Food for Our Future partnership with 
Hunger Task Force, a food drive and advocacy program.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to rise and pay 
tribute today to Sam Carmen's contributions to educational reform in 
the Fourth Congressional District.

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