[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING NANCY BERRY FOR BEING NAMED TO USA TODAY'S 2007 ALL-USA 
                              TEACHER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Nancy Berry 
for being named to the USA Today's 2007 All-USA Teacher Team.
  Nancy Berry is a first grade teacher at Liza Jackson Preparatory 
School, a charter school in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She has been an 
educator for 34 years, which includes five years as a principal.
  As the USA Today panel sifted through hundreds of nominations, they 
judged the teachers on how well they identify and address their 
students' needs and the impact they have on students and learning. A 
parent of a former student, Dawn Fisher, was so impressed with Mrs. 
Berry that she nominated her for this prestigious distinction. Only 20 
teachers nationwide were chosen.
  Each year Mrs. Berry welcomes her students to ``Berryland USA: A 
Place Where Children Love to Learn.'' She is known for her gentle 
encouragement, individualized attention and a plastic, heat-reactive 
fish to make learning a ``self-fulfilling prophecy'' for her first-
graders. On the first day of class she brings out the fish and tells 
the children that if the fish curls up in their hand then they are 
smart, worthy and good. ``Children have to have concrete ways of seeing 
that they are smart or are able to be successful,'' she says.
  Through her hard work and dedication in the field of education, the 
impact she has had on her students and the difference she has made in 
their lives has proven her to be among the great teachers of the 
nation. We are honored and proud to have her as one of our own.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize Nancy Berry on this outstanding achievement for her exemplary 
contribution to the education of our children.

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