[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S3502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MIKE GEISEN

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Mike Geisen 
for winning the National Teacher of the Year Award. The National 
Teacher of the Year Program was founded in 1952 by the Council of Chief 
State School Officers. By rewarding teachers who have affected their 
students and communities positively, the program focuses public 
attention on some of the philosophies, methods, and wisdom behind 
successful teaching. It has been delightful to learn of Mike's 
contributions, and I am thrilled that he will be traveling around the 
world to share his insights as Teacher of the Year.
  Mike Geisen teaches seventh grade science at Crook County Middle 
School in Prineville, OR, but his colleagues and students would call 
that an understatement. Crook County Middle School principal Rocky 
Miner observed that before Mike assumed chairmanship of the school's 
science department, students' science test scores had stagnated, with 
about 55 percent of students meeting or exceeding State standards. Less 
than 2 years after Mike took the job, 72 percent of Crook County 
students were meeting or exceeding State standards.
  It is clear that other educators have noticed Mike's successes and 
are starting to seek his advice. In October of last year, Oregon State 
superintendent Susan Castillo presented him with the Oregon Teacher of 
the Year Award. A month later, Mike spoke at the Oregon School Boards 
Association Conference in Portland about the need for schools to shift 
their attention to skills--such as collaboration, innovation, and 
adaptability that are more relevant in a globalized economy.
  There is no question that Mike can teach and that he can raise test 
scores, but his focus is not directed at the statistical indications of 
success as a teacher. In his application for the National Teacher 
award, Mike wrote the following about America's youth: ``These young 
people are our equals. They are not simply numbers, conglomerations of 
hormones, or future products. All the latest programs, fads, and 
statistics are meaningless to a child who isn't cared for on a deeper 
level. Whether you are a teacher or parent, businessperson or retired, 
young or old: reach deep down into each child with humor, love, and 
compassion and they will learn from you. They will learn much more than 
just how to read and write; they will learn they are wonderfully 
human.''
  Mike Geisen, or Mr. G, I thank you for your unique contributions. You 
are truly an inspiration to us all. As Henry Brooks Adams once 
remarked, ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his 
influence stops.'' Mr. G, your influence will no doubt continue for 
generations.

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